Ghost of Yotei vs Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties
One polishes an open-world formula; the other remakes a classic for series loyalists — both serve different hungers.
Updated 16d ago
Stance duels run deeper than Tsushima's and the 30-hour campaign never pads — worth it unless slow late-game traversal is what ends playthroughs for you.
For fans of Kiryu's saga — Kiwami 3 is the definitive Y3 remake, but newcomers should start with Y0 or Like a Dragon.
By the numbers
Prices checked Aug 7; they move faster than we refresh, so confirm on the store page.
Recent-review figures are Steam's own last-30-days window, read Aug 7.
| Measure | Ghost of Yotei | Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties |
|---|---|---|
| Value | ||
| Price now | — | $35.39 −41% · Fanatical |
| All-time low | — | $35.39 |
| Cost / hour | — | $2.44/hr $35.39 · 15 h main story |
| Off its low | — | At its low low was Aug 2026 |
| Main story | — | 15 h |
| Health | ||
| Steam reviews | — | 62% 3k reviews |
| Recent reviews | — | 72% 72 votes · vs 62% lifetime · improving |
| Peak players | — No PC release | 468 Jul 2026 · ↓ 20% MoM |
| Launch peak | — | 6% of Feb 2026 launch peak · as of Jul 2026 |
| All-time peak | — | 8,263 Feb 2026 |
| Support | ||
| Last patch | — | 5 months ago |
| Patch cadence | — | 0 in last 90 days |
| Steam Deck | — | Platinum |
What players say
Patterns from long-haul reviewers, taken from each game's verdict. Not live sentiment — each side is dated below.
Ghost of Yotei
The stance-based combat's depth keeps 50-hour fans engaged, each duel teaching a new approach.
Late-game climbing sections frustrate even devoted players, with slow traversal testing patience.
from our August 2026 verdict
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties
Combat updates feel incomplete and story changes frustrate long-time fans, while technical issues like poor performance and casting mar the experience.
from our May 2026 verdict
Key differences
Which one is for you?
Pick Ghost of Yotei if
- You loved Ghost of Tsushima and want more refined combat and visuals.
- You prefer a serious samurai revenge narrative over quirky Yakuza drama.
- You own a PS5 and want a next-gen open-world showcase.
Pick Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties if
- You are deeply invested in Kiryu's saga and need Y3's story remade.
- You enjoy dense urban environments with hundreds of side activities.
- You want a package that includes a new side story about Yoshitaka Mine.
Bottom line
Ghost of Yotei is the pick for open-world samurai fans seeking polish; Yakuza Kiwami 3 is only for series veterans who must complete Kiryu's journey.