Yotei's Latest Spell: Squashing NG+ Bugs, Prepping for Co-Op Chaos
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Sucker Punch has rolled out a crucial update for *Ghost of Yotei*, squashing pesky New Game Plus bugs like negative Bamboo Strike counters and a frustrating Platinum Armor Dye issue, ensuring a smoother experience for players before the highly anticipated *Legends* co-op mode arrives in 2026.
Right, so you know that feeling when you've finally mastered a spell, only for it to backfire with a puff of green smoke? Or maybe you've meticulously brewed a potion, only to find it gives you… slightly negative luck? Well, it seems Sucker Punch has been through a bit of that digital alchemy with *Ghost of Yotei*, specifically around its spanking new New Game Plus mode.
I've been tinkering with this story all morning, and while it might sound like just another patch note dump at first glance, stick with me, mate, because it's about the bigger picture. This isn't the kind of update that adds a dragon to your living room (alas!), but it's crucial for smoothing out the rough edges of an already beloved experience. We're talking about Patch 1.101, which just dropped to fix a handful of pesky bugs that have been messing with players trying to re-experience Atsu's journey.
Let's be fair, *Ghost of Yotei* has been an absolute triumph since it landed exclusively on PlayStation 5 on October 2nd. Two million units in three days? That's not just good; that's 'accidentally opened a portal to a dimension made of pure gold' levels of success. And the accolades? Bloomin' fantastic! A 90 on OpenCritic, Best Audio Design and Console Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards, and a whopping seven nominations for The Game Awards 2025 – including Erika Ishii for Best Performance as Atsu. It's safe to say Sucker Punch conjured something special here.
Now, not even the most powerful digital wizard can foresee every possible glitch. Less than two weeks ago, the big 1.000 update rolled out, bringing with it the much-anticipated New Game Plus. This lets us continue our adventures with a maxed-out Atsu, dishing out vengeance like it's going out of fashion, even after the credits roll. A brilliant idea, extending the life of the game and letting players experiment with those 'best broken builds' (you know the ones, don't you?). But, as is often the way with grand new features, a few gremlins hitched a ride.
This new 1.101 patch is essentially Sucker Punch sending in the bug-squashing brigade. It tackles four main gameplay issues, mostly centred around NG+ mode. Some of these notes are pretty general, mentioning fixes for the New Game Plus Vendor (probably some dodgy dealings there, eh?) and 'uncommonly occurring soft-locking issues'. 'Uncommonly occurring' is a developer's way of saying 'it only happened to a few people, but those people were proper fuming.' We've all been there, staring at a frozen screen, wondering if our console has decided to join the spirit realm.
Then there are the more specific nasties. One that genuinely made me chuckle (with a hint of dread for anyone affected) was the Bamboo Strike counter in New Game Plus. Players were reporting it displaying *negative* numbers. Negative! What is this, a bamboo strike black hole? Was Atsu losing Spirit instead of gaining it? Sounds like a rogue bit of code decided to introduce some existential dread into a peaceful mini-game. Thankfully, that's reportedly been fixed. No more backwards spirit-gathering, thank the digital gods.
An even more serious one, especially for the completionists among us (and let's be honest, who *doesn't* want that Platinum?), involved the Platinum Armor Dye. Apparently, a rare bug was preventing some players from collecting this coveted cosmetic after earning the platinum trophy, especially if they achieved it across multiple save files. Bloody hell, imagine spending hours, days, weeks even, meticulously ticking off every last trophy, only to be denied your ultimate reward because of a digital hiccup! That's the kind of thing that makes you want to throw your controller into a different dimension. Thankfully, Sucker Punch noted this was rare, but still, it's a huge win for those affected that it's now patched up.
Beyond the NG+ specifics, the update also zapped some general crashing issues, which, let's be honest, are always a welcome fix. No one likes their epic tale interrupted by an abrupt trip back to the console dashboard. It's a reminder that even the most polished games have their early growing pains, especially when new, complex modes are introduced.
What this patch really highlights, beyond the immediate fixes, is Sucker Punch's ongoing commitment. They're not just resting on their laurels, basking in critical acclaim. They're actively listening and refining. And speaking of refining and adding, let's not forget what's on the horizon: a *Legends* co-op mode, planned for 2026. If it's anything like *Ghost of Tsushima*'s *Legends*, we're in for a treat. Teaming up with mates to carve up mythical beasts and vengeful spirits? Yes, please! It'll be a free DLC too, which is always a pleasant surprise in this era of microtransactions and season passes.
So, while a small patch might not get the same headlines as a brand-new game, it's these consistent, player-focused updates that build long-term trust and loyalty. It's Sucker Punch making sure that the magic they've created isn't spoilt by a few rogue pixels. A smooth New Game Plus means more players will stick around, mastering their skills, and truly ready themselves for the collaborative chaos of *Legends* next year. Fair dinkum, that's what I call good game stewardship.
Tags: Ghost of Yotei, Patch Notes, New Game Plus, Sucker Punch, Gaming Update
Original article: Game Rant