Substories (Chapter-by-Chapter Breakdown)

Substories (Chapter-by-Chapter Breakdown)

Welcome to the most comprehensive guide to completing every substory in Yakuza 0! This section breaks down each substory by the chapter in which it becomes available, providing detailed, actionable steps to ensure you don't miss a single one. Many substories have specific triggers, locations, and even prerequisite items or conversations. Follow this guide closely to maximize your completion rate and earn those valuable rewards.

Chapter 2: The Real Estate Broker in the Shadows

As Kiryu begins his journey into the world of real estate, a few early substories become available in Kamurocho. These are excellent for earning some quick cash and getting a feel for the city's eccentric inhabitants.

Substory 1: The Bouncer's Dilemma

• Location: Pink Street, near the entrance to Maharaja.
• Trigger: Approach the two men arguing near the club entrance.
• Walkthrough:
  1. You'll overhear a bouncer being harassed by a group of thugs. Intervene to help the bouncer.
  2. Defeat the three thugs. They are relatively weak, so any fighting style will suffice.
  3. After the fight, the bouncer will thank you.
  4. Reward: 10,000 Yen.

Substory 2: The Human Trafficking Ring

• Location: Theater Square, near the fountain.
• Trigger: Walk past the group of men talking loudly about a "deal."
• Walkthrough:
  1. You'll notice a suspicious group of men attempting to coerce a young woman.
  2. Approach them and choose to intervene.
  3. You'll face off against three to four thugs. Focus on dodging their attacks and using quick combos. Brawler style is effective here.
  4. After defeating them, the woman will thank you and explain her situation.
  5. Reward: 20,000 Yen, Toughness Light.

Substory 3: The Pervert in the Park

• Location: Shichifuku Street Park.
• Trigger: Enter the park and look for a man harassing a woman on a bench.
• Walkthrough:
  1. Confront the man bothering the woman.
  2. He will challenge you to a fight. He's not particularly strong, but he can be evasive. Rush style can help land hits.
  3. After you defeat him, the woman will express her gratitude.
  4. Reward: 15,000 Yen.

Chapter 3: A Gilded Cage

With Kiryu settling into his new role, more opportunities for side activities open up, including some that introduce you to key mechanics or recurring characters.

Substory 4: The Debt Collector's Request

• Location: Nakamichi Street, near the entrance to Mach Bowl.
• Trigger: Speak to the man in a suit standing nervously by the street.
• Walkthrough:
  1. The man, a debt collector, will ask for your help retrieving money from a debtor who frequents Mach Bowl.
  2. Enter Mach Bowl and approach the man playing alone at the far end.
  3. He'll refuse to pay, leading to a fight. He's a bit tougher than previous substory enemies, so be prepared to use Heat Actions if available.
  4. After the fight, he'll pay up. Return to the debt collector.
  5. Reward: 30,000 Yen, Staminan X.

Substory 5: The Taxman's Burden

• Location: Pink Street North, just outside the SEGA HI-TECH LAND arcade.
• Trigger: A distraught man will be pacing back and forth, visibly upset.
• Walkthrough:
  1. Talk to the man, who turns out to be a tax collector being threatened by loan sharks.
  2. Agree to help him. The loan sharks will appear shortly.
  3. You'll fight three loan sharks. They fight aggressively, so use your Beast style to clear them out quickly if you've unlocked it.
  4. After the fight, the tax collector will be relieved.
  5. Reward: 40,000 Yen, Tauriner +.

Chapter 5: End of the Line

As Kiryu faces increasing pressure, the substories in this chapter often reflect the darker undertones of Kamurocho.

Substory 6: The Homeless Man's Secret

• Location: West Shichifuku Street, in the alleyway behind the M Store.
• Trigger: Approach the homeless man sitting by a fire.
• Walkthrough:
  1. The homeless man will ask for food. You can purchase a Bento Lunch from the M Store nearby.
  2. Give him the Bento Lunch. He'll thank you and offer some cryptic advice.
  3. Walk away and then return to the alley. He'll be gone, but he leaves behind a valuable item.
  4. Reward: 5,000 Yen, Sacred Wood (a valuable item for selling).

Substory 7: The Stolen Briefcase

• Location: Taihei Boulevard, near the taxi stand.
• Trigger: Witness a man getting his briefcase snatched by a running thug.
• Walkthrough:
  1. Immediately give chase to the thug. He's fast, so sprint and cut corners efficiently.
  2. Once you catch him, you'll engage in a quick fight. He's a standard street thug.
  3. Retrieve the briefcase and return it to the distraught businessman.
  4. Reward: 25,000 Yen, Luxury Watch (can be sold for a good price).