Like a Dragon: Ishin!
Like a Dragon: Ishin!

Money Making Strategies

Get rich in Like a Dragon: Ishin. This guide details the most effective money-making strategies to fund weapon upgrades and diversions in Kyo.

·Multi-source verified (76/76)

Money Making Strategies

In the tumultuous world of Bakumatsu-era Kyo, having a healthy supply of Ryo is crucial for everything from upgrading your weapons and armor to indulging in the city's various diversions. While the main story provides some funds, truly thriving requires a more proactive approach. This section details the most effective and efficient ways to line your pockets.

Early Game Ryo Boosts (Chapters 1-3)

During the initial chapters, your options are somewhat limited, but you can still accumulate a decent starting fund.

  • Battle Dungeons: As soon as they become available, dive into the Battle Dungeons. These offer consistent Ryo rewards, along with valuable materials you can sell. Focus on completing the easier dungeons repeatedly.
  • Selling Unused Materials: Early on, you'll gather many common crafting materials. Don't hoard everything. Check your inventory regularly and sell off any materials you have in excess or don't foresee needing for immediate upgrades. Blacksmiths and general stores will purchase these.
  • Substories: Many substories offer Ryo as a reward upon completion. Keep an eye out for exclamation marks on your map and engage with the citizens of Kyo. Some substories also lead to valuable item rewards that can be sold.

Mid to Late Game Ryo Farming (Chapters 4 Onward)

As you progress, more lucrative opportunities open up, allowing for significantly higher Ryo gains.

Another Life: Farming and Cooking

The "Another Life" segment, unlocked in Chapter 4, is arguably the most consistent and profitable long-term money-making method. Investing time here pays dividends.

  1. Unlock Another Life: Progress the main story until you gain access to your second home.
  2. Invest in the Farm:
    • Purchase seeds from the General Store in Rakunai or from the farmer near your home. Prioritize high-value crops like Eggplant, Daikon, and later, Sweet Potatoes.
    • Regularly water and harvest your crops.
    • Upgrade your farm plots and tools as soon as possible to maximize yield and efficiency.
  3. Master Cooking:
    • Use the ingredients harvested from your farm to cook dishes. Focus on recipes that use your most abundant and valuable crops.
    • Initially, simple dishes like Grilled Fish or Pickled Daikon are good. As you unlock more recipes and ingredients, aim for more complex and valuable meals.
    • Sell your cooked dishes to the various vendors around Kyo. The General Store in Rakunai is a convenient option.
  4. Pet Management:
    • Adopt pets (cats and dogs) and assign them to your farm. They will occasionally bring back valuable items, including rare crafting materials or even small amounts of Ryo, which can supplement your income.

Dungeon Diving for Profit

Battle Dungeons remain a strong contender for Ryo, especially the higher-tier ones.

  • Tokugawa Mausoleum: Once unlocked, this dungeon offers excellent Ryo rewards and valuable crafting materials. Repeated runs are highly recommended.
  • Bandit Cave: Another reliable source of Ryo and materials.
  • Golden Sneaks: These rare enemies, identifiable by their golden glow, drop a significant amount of Ryo when defeated. They can appear in various combat encounters, including Battle Dungeons and random street fights. Equip accessories that increase encounter rates or Ryo drops if you're actively hunting them.

Gambling and Mini-Games

While less reliable due to their inherent randomness, certain mini-games can provide quick Ryo if you're lucky or skilled.

  • Chō-han (Dice Game): Found in the Gambling Den in Rakunai. This game offers a 50/50 chance, making it a quick way to double your money or lose it all. Save before playing if you're feeling lucky.
  • Koi-koi (Card Game): Also in the Gambling Den. Requires more skill and understanding of the rules, but can be very profitable once mastered.
  • Shogi: If you're adept at Shogi, winning matches can net you some Ryo, though it's generally slower than other methods.

Virtue Exchange

While not directly earning Ryo, accumulating Virtue allows you to unlock various upgrades that indirectly boost your Ryo-earning potential.

  • Virtue Shrine Upgrades: Prioritize upgrades that increase crop yield, reduce cooking times, or enhance item drop rates from enemies. These will make your other money-making activities more efficient.
  • Selling Virtue Items: Some Virtue rewards, particularly those from the "Another Life" section, can be sold for Ryo if you find yourself with an excess.

By combining these strategies, particularly focusing on the "Another Life" farming and cooking loop, you'll find yourself with ample Ryo to purchase the best equipment, enjoy all of Kyo's offerings, and truly become a force to be reckoned with.