What is the main difference between the Deluxe and Standard editions of Ghost of Yotei?
Alright, edition dilemma time—I've been down this road with Tsushima, so here's the deal on Ghost of Yōtei's Standard vs. Deluxe. The Standard edition is your straight-up base game for $69.99, which gets you the full epic adventure in snowy Hokkaido, all the core story, side quests, and that killer combat system—totally worth it if you're just dipping your toes in. But the Digital Deluxe bumps it to $79.99 (or $10 upgrade if you snag Standard first), and that's where the extras shine: you get 48-hour early access starting yesterday (Oct 1), so some of us are already knee-deep in the prologue; a digital art book with concept sketches of Atsu and the Yōtei landscapes; the original soundtrack to blast while grinding; and exclusive in-game cosmetics like a unique Ainu-patterned armor set and fox companion skin. No physical goodies in Deluxe, that's for the pricier Collector's at $249.99 with statues and all. Main diff? Deluxe is for the die-hards wanting that head start and flair without breaking the bank. If you're on the fence, upgrade later—super easy. What're you grabbing?
Don't forget the Digital Artbook! It's not just a few pages; it's a pretty comprehensive look at the concept art, character designs, and environment paintings. As an artist myself, I spent hours going through it. For me, that and the soundtrack made the upgrade price worth it. The in-game boosts are whatever, but the art book feels like a real collector's item.
I bought the Deluxe Edition and my two cents are this: the Hero of Yotei Armor is cool, but you'll replace it with better stat gear pretty quickly in the early game. The real winner for me was the Iki Island Horse Armor. It just looks so distinctive running around the world, and you'll be spending a LOT of time on your horse. The skill point is nice, but it's just one point in a massive tree. Honestly, unless you're a completionist who has to have the cosmetic items, you aren't missing any core story or gameplay with the Standard Edition. Save your money for the eventual story DLC instead!
I totally agree with the previous answer, but I'd stress one thing: the value of the Deluxe edition in Ghost of Yotei really depends on how much you value early progression. The "Deluxe Charm" and the "Traveler's Maps" are the only things that affect gameplay, and even then, only slightly. That Traveler's Map isn't just a map; it usually reveals the location of some smaller, non-essential points of interest right from the start. If you’re the type of player who loves to explore organically and find everything yourself, that early map unlock might actually spoil some of the fun! If you're a die-hard fan, though, the Deluxe version's exclusive armor dye is usually a unique look that you can't get otherwise, and for me, that was worth the small price bump.
Just a quick heads-up on the physical Deluxe/Collector's side of things (if they release one)! While the Digital Deluxe is mostly cosmetics, sometimes the Collector's Edition bundles (which are a tier above Deluxe) include physical items and a digital pass for future DLC. Keep an eye on the store pages for the exact wording, especially if they hint at a Legends Mode expansion or major story DLC down the line. If the Digital Deluxe mentions a "Season Pass" or "Future Expansion Content", that's a huge difference compared to the Standard version and makes the extra cost much more justifiable for long-term players! Otherwise, it's just a prettier starter pack.
The main difference is all about extras. The Standard Edition is just the base game. The Deluxe Edition, on the other hand, comes with additional digital goodies like: - An exclusive armor set - A special weapon skin pack - A mini digital art book - A background score download - Early unlocks for some crafting materials If you’re just in it for the story and gameplay, Standard will do the job. But if you’re the type who likes cosmetic flex or behind-the-scenes stuff, the Deluxe is worth it.
The main differences boil down to digital goodies and a head start on resources. Here's what you get in the Deluxe Edition on top of the base game: Hero of Yotei Armor Set: A unique cosmetic armor set. It's purely visual and doesn't offer stat advantages, but it looks awesome. Charcoal Forger's Katana Skin: A special appearance for your primary sword. Iki Island Horse Armor: Cosmetic gear for your trusty steed. Digital Mini Soundtrack & Artbook: Self-explanatory, but really cool for fans of the art and music. 1 Skill Point & Resources Pack:* This gives you a small boost right out of the gate, letting you unlock one extra skill immediately and craft some early gear.So, it's really for the player who wants those bonus cosmetics and a tiny leg up. If you just want the incredible core experience, the Standard Edition is perfect. The official edition comparison page has pictures of all the cosmetics.