Ghost of Yotei is an open-world game, "but there's still a linear story structure" as Sucker Punch wanted to make sure protagonist Atsu's journey "tears at the heartstrings"

Ghost of Yotei mask in bloodied snow.

Although Ghost of Yotei, much like Sucker Punch's predecessor Ghost of Tsushima, features the freedom of an open-world setting, it still follows a more linear story structure.

Creative director Jason Connell reveals as much in a recent interview with Game Informer, explaining that Ghost of Yotei doesn't allow players to choose in which order they slay the Yotei Six – the murderous thugs responsible for the deaths of protagonist Atsu's family – and instead leads them down a more linear path while taking vengeance on the killers as Sucker Punch developers "really believe in the structure of the story."