Short answer: there’s no announced New Game+ for Ghost of Yōtei at launch. The day-one update (v1.006) details dozens of fixes, camera tweaks, balance changes, and Photo Mode additions, but it doesn’t list a New Game+ mode. The studio has also not outlined a post‑launch timeline for NG+ yet.

New Game+ in Ghost of Yōtei (launch status)

Here’s what’s clear for release week:

  • New Game+ is not part of the launch feature set.
  • The mandatory v1.006 patch focuses on performance, stability, combat tuning (including Lethal difficulty adjustments), mission fixes, and UI polish.
  • If NG+ is added later, that will come in a future update. There’s no official window.

Note: Ghost of Tsushima introduced NG+ after release, so a similar path is possible here, but it hasn’t been confirmed.

What “New Game+” usually means

In most action RPGs, New Game+ lets you replay the story after finishing it once, typically carrying over character progression, gear, and cosmetics, and often raising enemy difficulty or adding unique rewards. For Ghost of Yōtei specifically, details are unannounced, so avoid assuming exactly which items or systems would carry over until the developers spell it out.

Replay options without NG+ right now

If you want a second run or a tougher first pass, you still have viable options without NG+:

  • Start a fresh file on a higher setting. Lethal difficulty exists at launch and received balance passes in the v1.006 patch.
  • Lean into Photo Mode. The day-one update adds new stamps and particles (including birds native to Hokkaido), alongside UI and stability improvements.
  • Experiment with different weapons and playstyles. Combat tuning in the patch adjusts weapons, charms, stealth interactions, and duels, which can materially change encounter flow even on a new save.

If a post‑launch New Game+ appears

Plan pragmatically:

  • Finish the story on a clean save. NG+ modes typically require a completed file to unlock.
  • Keep your endgame save(s) intact. If NG+ arrives, it will likely reference completion data on your console profile.
  • Watch patch notes for explicit NG+ language. Don’t expect carryover rules or NG+-exclusive rewards until they’re stated.

Launch details (time, patch, what’s next)

Ghost of Yōtei unlocks at midnight on October 2 in most regions. In the United States, the unlock is tied to midnight Eastern, which means some time zones get in on the evening of October 1.

Region Date Unlock time
US Pacific Oct 1 9pm PT
US Mountain Oct 1 10pm MT
US Central Oct 1 11pm CT
US Eastern Oct 2 12am ET
International Oct 2 Midnight local time

Other useful launch notes:

  • Install the day-one patch (v1.006) before playing; it addresses crashes, ray‑tracing performance, mission blockers, combat bugs, and more.
  • Digital pre-load is available and the install size is over 85GB.
  • Legends, a free cooperative multiplayer mode, is planned for 2026 and is separate from any potential NG+.

Go in expecting a single‑playthrough structure at launch. If New Game+ arrives later, it will show up in patch notes with specifics on what carries over. In the meantime, a higher difficulty fresh run and a much-improved Photo Mode offer solid ways to re-experience Ezo.