FAQ

What is Yakuza 4? Yakuza 4 is the fourth mainline game in SEGA's Yakuza series, originally released in 2010. It's an action adventure game with RPG elements where you play a Japanese crime story intermixed with an exploration of Japan.

How can I get this game? If you're a Western player looking to play Yakuza 4, you can buy the original disc release for the PlayStation 3, buy the remastered version standalone (digitally on PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam), or buy the "Yakuza Remastered Collection" (available digitally on PlayStation, Xbox, or Steam, and physically only for the PlayStation 4).

Is this a good game to start the Yakuza series with? While Yakuza 0 is recommended as the best entry to start with, followed by Yakuza Kiwami and Kiwami 2, Yakuza 4 is a decent entry that introduces new characters and is not heavily focused on Kiryu. You can play the games in almost any order.

How do I save in this game? Saving is done manually at payphones (marked with an "S" on the (minimap (the small circular map in the bottom-left corner of your screen))), at your established hideouts, or between chapters. Save before critical points to avoid losing progress.

Is there anything different from the original Japanese version? The minigame "Answer X Answer" has been removed from arcades in the Western release due to localization difficulties.

What is this game rated? This game is rated "M" for Mature by the ESRB, with content descriptors including Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, and Use of Alcohol. It depicts Japanese organized crime with brutal combat and "Heat Actions" (special combat moves), but violence is not overtly gory, and sexual content is muted.

Who do I play as in this game? You play as four characters: Shun Akiyama (moneylender), Taiga Saejima (imprisoned yakuza), Masayoshi Tanimura (police officer), and series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu.

Can I go back to playing as other characters after finishing their part? Only in the finale and post-game content. During their individual story parts, you are confined to one character. In the finale, you can switch characters, and money and the Item Box are shared, though individual inventories remain separate.

What's an easy way to grind experience? Experience is generally easy to gain through substories and side activities. Saejima may find it harder; give him the Yakuza Training Gear if needed.

What's an easy way to grind money? Early on, use gambling establishments and cheat items (found in Lockers) to acquire chips or wooden tags for Platinum Plates, which sell for cash. The Zero Jewel can provide a significant amount of money.