According to a recent report from Alinea Analytics, Ghost of Yotei has quickly become one of PlayStation’s biggest recent hits, selling an estimated 2.5 million copies on PS5 in under three weeks. That already surpasses Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ performance on the same platform, where Ubisoft’s major franchise entry reached about 2.4 million sales after seven months. While Shadows has performed fairly well overall, the comparison suggests a notable difference in audience excitement, especially among PlayStation fans.
Across every platform, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has accumulated around 4.3 million units sold, with PS5 accounting for the majority. Ubisoft has pushed the Assassin’s Creed brand as one of its primary focuses going forward, but the slower pace on PS5 signals that the game hasn’t delivered the breakout surge the publisher was likely hoping for. On the other side of the matchup, Ghost of Yotei has captured a similar market with a faster and more enthusiastic response, even as some small online calls for a boycott failed to affect its trajectory.
Why PlayStation Players Rallied Behind Ghost of Yotei
One major factor in Ghost of Yotei’s early success is the strong loyalty many PS5 owners hold toward PlayStation Studios releases. Data indicates that players who jumped into Yotei are historically more engaged with Sony’s first- and second-party lineup. This has helped elevate the game’s launch, reinforcing the reputation that PlayStation-published titles deliver quality and consistency.
The franchise also benefitted from an established foundation. Fans had long asked for a feudal Japan setting in Assassin’s Creed, but Ghost of Tsushima already delivered that fantasy back in 2020. That game received widespread acclaim, especially in Japan, where it resonated strongly with local audiences. Shadows, meanwhile, has seen a much smaller presence there, with only around 1.6% of its PS5 audience located in Japan. Ghost of Yotei has more than triple that share. Ubisoft even acknowledged criticism from Japanese players regarding aspects of cultural representation, suggesting the setting has not landed the way the publisher expected.
A Design Shift That Better Matches Current Player Expectations
Assassin’s Creed Shadows brings polished stealth mechanics and the large-scale RPG format the series has leaned on for years. However, the franchise’s core formula has started to feel familiar for many long-time fans. Expansive maps, heavily guided exploration, and checklist-style missions have defined the series, but newer open-world hits have pushed discovery in different directions.
Games like Elden Ring and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild have encouraged more natural exploration and organic curiosity. Ghost of Yotei aligns more closely with that philosophy. It uses the environment to guide players, keeps objectives integrated into the world, and maintains a cinematic focus throughout its combat and storytelling. While its narrative carries familiar elements, its sense of direction and identity remains clear and grounded in mythological and emotional themes. Shadows continues to balance multiple genre expectations, splitting its focus between stealth origins, RPG progression, and ongoing live-service ambitions.
Steam and the Long-Term Future of Ghost of Yotei
Ghost of Yotei is expected to arrive on Steam in 2026, potentially alongside the Yotei Legends PvE mode. Its predecessor, Ghost of Tsushima, has already exceeded two million PC sales, indicating strong demand beyond the PlayStation console audience. Co-op and PvE features remain highly popular on Steam, and Sony has seen success from this multi-platform strategy before.
Helldivers 2 is the clearest example. The title’s massive growth came from its presence on Steam, and it continues to climb steadily more than half a year after launch. With Yotei Legends planned as a cross-platform push, Sony appears ready to replicate the approach that helped create Helldivers 2’s surge.
Helldivers 2 Approaches 20 Million Sales Worldwide
Updated estimates show Helldivers 2 closing in on 20 million copies sold across all platforms. The breakdown indicates around 12.6 million on Steam, 5.4 million on PS5, and 1.4 million on Xbox. While the Xbox edition initially saw faster growth due to pent-up demand, momentum has since shifted back toward PlayStation. By comparison, PS5 reached more than 3.5 million copies in a similar timeframe.
The continued strength of Helldivers 2 highlights the benefits of transparency in sales reporting and the differences between sell-in totals and sell-through estimates. These figures focus on consumer purchases rather than shipped units, which is especially relevant in markets like Japan where physical media remains strong. The strong crossover between PC and console communities has become a key factor in sustaining engagement over time.
Source: Alinea Analytics
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many PS5 copies has Ghost of Yotei sold?
The game has sold approximately 2.5 million copies on PS5 within its first three weeks.
How do Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ PS5 sales compare?
Shadows has sold around 2.4 million copies on PS5, but took roughly seven months to reach that total.
Is Ghost of Yotei coming to Steam?
A Steam launch is anticipated for 2026 and may coincide with the release of the Yotei Legends PvE mode.
Why is Ghost of Yotei performing better than Shadows on PlayStation?
PlayStation Studio brand loyalty, stronger reception in Japan, and a design style aligned with modern open-world expectations have helped drive demand.
How well is Helldivers 2 performing now?
Helldivers 2 is nearing 20 million total sales across Steam, PS5, and Xbox, continuing to be a standout performer for Sony.
