Does the story of Ghost of Yotei feature any characters from Ghost of Tsushima?

No, it does not. Ghost of Yotei features a completely new cast of characters, a new protagonist, and is set in a different part of Japan over a century after the events of Ghost of Tsushima. While it exists in the same broader historical world, it's a standalone narrative. The legend of the Ghost as a concept might be whispered about, but Jin Sakai, Lord Shimura, and Yuna are not part of this story. The developers made a smart choice to tell a fresh story, which lets this game stand on its own two feet without relying on nostalgia.

I noticed in gameplay previews that a shrine includes a silhouette of Jin Sakai, which is a nice touch for fans. But narrative-wise, no returning characters play a role in the story. More like background lore enrichment.

No direct appearances from main Ghost of Tsushima characters like Jin Sakai or Yuna, but there are subtle references and Easter eggs. NPCs might mention historical events from Tsushima, and some legends in Yotei hint at the influence of the Ghost. It’s more of a spiritual successor than a literal continuation.

There’s a lot of nods to the previous game. For example, certain armor styles, weapon designs, and combat techniques feel familiar to fans of Tsushima, but the story focuses entirely on a new protagonist and region. It’s respectful of the original without being a crossover.