Yakuza: Like a Dragon puts you in the shoes of Ichiban Kasuga, a low-level yakuza with dreams of being a hero. After being falsely imprisoned for almost 20 years, Ichiban comes out with one goal in mind — to find out why the man he trusted betrayed him. Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a departure for the series in many different ways — a new location, a new protagonist, and new turn-based combat. It can all be pretty overwhelming at first, but not to worry, we're here to help. Here are some beginner tips for Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
Not a loser!
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a departure for the series in many ways, but it manages to hold onto the elements that make Yakuza games great while introducing a brand new set of RPG rules. This is one of the most entertaining, bizarre, and ridiculous RPGs I've played and one of the best games of the year.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon tips: Get to know your city
This tip is pretty self-explanatory, but once you touch down in Isezaki Ijincho, you should start exploring everything you can. Isezaki Ijincho is a large area, with lots of alleys and buildings hiding items useful battle items. Just be careful where you go hunting – while you can pretty much visit any area from the start, there are a lot of tough enemies that won't hesitate to take you out if you're not prepared.
If you discover something you can't interact with yet, like a side story that requires a higher level or a golden safe, don't worry about losing track of it on your map. Once discovered, they'll be marked on your map so you can find it with no problem once you're ready.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon tips: Hop into a not-so-crazy taxi
The district of Isezaki Ijincho is where you'll spend the majority of your time in-game. Whether you decide to get yourself involved with one of the many side stories or unwind with some food and karaoke, you'll quickly learn that getting around town is sometimes easier said than done. Luckily, there are taxis parked on corners throughout the district. For just a small fee, they'll drop you off at a few predetermined drop-offs.
You don't always have to find a taxi to get around, either. Once you're able to take a taxi, you can actually call a taxi from your smartphone. Just open the main menu and select the taxi icon. This will allow you to fast travel anywhere you'd like, though it'll cost you a lot more yen. It is a convenient way to get around the city, especially if you haven't unlocked all of the taxi spots yet.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon tips: Drink with your friends
Early in the game, you'll be introduced to a bar called Survive, which will act as a hangout of sorts for you and the other members of the party. This spot is important to remember because it's tied to your party's bond level.
Once a character joins Ichiban's party, Ichiban will be able to work on his bond with each character. Your bond always increases after every battle, sharing a meal with active party members, or by listening to their stories while exploring the city. Once your bond gauge with a party member is maxed out, you'll be able to unlock a heart to heart conversation, learning more about your party member's back story while strengthening your bond with that party member. Doing so will unlock special tag team moves that can be performed between Ichiban and that party member.
Be sure to visit the bar the moment you've maxed out your bond meter. If you don't, your party member's bond level won't be able to get any higher, and you'll be wasting any new bond experience you earn.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon tips: Wait for your turn
Yakuza: Like a dragon does away with the beat 'em up mechanics of previous games, instead opting for a turn-based RPG system. Despite the change, combat is still fast and furious. When you get into battle, make sure you pay attention to who is going next in the attack order. Unlike previous Yakuza games, you can use this moment to strategize the best play for each encounter.
It's something that the game doesn't really call attention to, but it's a necessary thing to keep track of, especially in later game fights. Prioritizing threats is the key to surviving tougher battles.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon tips: Dress for the job you want
Ichiban sets a lofty goal for himself – to be a hero. But being a hero doesn't necessarily pay the bills, so he and his friends have to get real jobs. Of course, the jobs affect your character's abilities, as well as their outfits in battle. If you ever wanted to see an idol, a breakdancer, a chef, and a musician beat up a bunch of gang members, this is the game for you.
The higher your level is, the more jobs become available. Increasing your bond with party members also unlocks more jobs for them. Learning how jobs complement each other, or just mixing and matching until you find one that fits your playstyle, is just another layer of depth to Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon tips: Scared money don't make money
Like any good gangster would tell you, money is everything, and that's true in Yakuza. Ichiban might be a penniless punk, but he won't be for very long if you stick to these handy tips.
Early in the game, you'll learn the skill treasure hunt. Using this at random trash bags and vending machines will allow Ichiban to search the surrounding area for money. You may not pull anything too impressive, but you have a chance to find some serious yen or even valuable gear or items to sell. You can also use this skill many times on a single vending machine or bag of trash. If you head up to Hamakita park, you can find plenty of bugs to sell, too. Keep searching and see what you find!
Another great way to raise money comes from a side mission in which Ichiban takes control of a senbai rice cracker company. In this side mission, Ichiban is responsible for turning the company's fortunes around, and he does so by leading shareholder meetings (I know, wild, right?) A successful shareholder meeting means a big payout for Ichiban, so try to do your best to impress the shareholders.
Reclaim your honor
Ichiban might not be the best yakuza, but he's the star of one of the best Yakuza games and one of the best RPGs of this year. Ichiban's path to redemption is riddled with tons of twists and turns, but these tips will get you from zero to hero in no time. Be on the lookout for Yakuza: Like a Dragon when it launches on current and next-gen consoles on November 10th, 2020.
Not a loser!
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a departure for the series in many ways, but it manages to hold onto the elements that make Yakuza games great while introducing a brand new set of RPG rules. This is one of the most entertaining, bizarre, and ridiculous RPGs I've played and one of the best games of the year.
