Collectibles Guide
Yakuza 5 is a massive game, and with that comes a plethora of collectibles to hunt down across its five distinct cities. From hidden locker keys to valuable equipment, finding these items can significantly enhance your gameplay experience, offering powerful gear, substantial yen, and even unlocking new side stories. This guide will break down the most prominent collectible types and provide actionable strategies for snagging them all.
Locker Keys
Locker Keys are perhaps the most ubiquitous collectible in Yakuza 5. Each city has a set of lockers, typically found near the main thoroughfares or entertainment districts, and each locker requires a specific key to open. These keys are often sparkling on the ground, tucked away in obscure corners, or sometimes even dropped by enemies after certain encounters. Collecting all keys in a given city will usually net you a valuable reward, often a powerful piece of equipment or a large sum of money.
General Strategies for Locker Keys:
- Eagle Eye: Always keep an eye out for the distinctive sparkle on the ground. Keys are often small and can be easily missed if you're rushing.
- First-Person View: Utilize the first-person camera (R3 by default) in tight alleys, behind vending machines, and on rooftops to spot keys that might be obscured by environmental objects.
- Night vs. Day: Some keys are easier to spot at night due to the contrast of their sparkle against the darker environment. Consider revisiting areas at different times of day if you're struggling.
- Check Every Corner: Don't just stick to the main paths. Explore every alley, staircase, and rooftop access point. Many keys are deliberately placed in out-of-the-way locations.
- Enemy Drops: While less common for locker keys specifically, some enemies in certain substories or street fights might drop keys. Pay attention to post-battle loot.
Locker Key Locations (Per City - Examples):
While a full list would be exhaustive, here are a few examples of common key placements to get you started:
- Kamurocho:
- Key A1: On the ground near the entrance to Millennium Tower, just past the taxi stand.
- Key B5: Tucked behind a vending machine in the alleyway leading to the Champion District.
- Key C8: On the rooftop accessible via the ladder behind Mach Bowl.
- Sotenbori:
- Key D3: Underneath the Ebisu Bridge, near the riverbank.
- Key E7: On the second floor balcony of the Grand Cabaret, accessible via the stairs outside.
- Nagasugai:
- Key F2: Near the fishing spot on the pier, close to the railing.
- Key G6: Inside the alleyway behind the Motsunabe restaurant.
- Tsukimino:
- Key H4: On the snow-covered bench outside the convenience store on Main Street.
- Key I9: Behind the large snow sculpture in the park area.
- Kineicho:
- Key J1: On the steps leading up to the castle grounds.
- Key K5: Hidden behind a potted plant near the entrance to the batting cages.
Weapon and Gear Blueprints
Throughout your journey, you'll stumble upon various blueprints that allow you to craft powerful weapons and armor at the weapon modification shops. These are often found in safes, as rewards for completing substories, or sometimes even purchased from specific vendors.
Finding Blueprints:
- Substory Rewards: Many substories, especially those involving inventors or unique characters, will reward you with blueprints upon completion. Always check your inventory after finishing a substory.
- Safes: Keep an eye out for small, glowing safes in various locations. These often contain valuable blueprints, along with other rare items. You'll need a safe key, which can be found as a sparkling item or purchased from pawn shops.
- Hidden Vendors: Some less-than-reputable individuals might sell blueprints in back alleys or hidden shops. These are often expensive but can provide access to top-tier gear.
- Exploration: Similar to locker keys, blueprints can sometimes be found sparkling on the ground in less obvious areas.
Example Blueprints and Locations:
- Dragon God Katana Blueprint: Reward for completing the "Legendary Blacksmith" substory in Kamurocho.
- Bulletproof Vest Mk. III Blueprint: Found in a safe on the rooftop of the building next to the Don Quijote in Sotenbori.
- Stun Gun Prototype Blueprint: Purchased from the "Mysterious Merchant" who appears randomly in the Nagasugai underground mall after certain story progression.
Revelation Books
Revelation Books are unique collectibles that, when "read" (by observing a specific event in the environment), grant your character a new Heat Action. These are crucial for expanding your combat repertoire and mastering each character's fighting style.
Triggering Revelations:
- Observe the Environment: Revelation opportunities are usually marked by a thought bubble icon appearing above your character's head. When this happens, stop and look around for anything unusual or interesting.
- Specific Locations: Each Revelation is tied to a specific location and a particular visual cue. For instance, watching a street performer, observing a unique fight, or even seeing someone trip can trigger a Revelation.
- Character Specific: Some Revelations are character-specific, meaning only a certain protagonist can trigger them.
Example Revelations:
- Kiryu - Essence of the Dragon God: In Kamurocho, observe a street performer doing an elaborate martial arts display near the Millennium Tower entrance.
- Saejima - Essence of the Snowman: In Tsukimino, watch a group of kids building a particularly impressive snowman in the park.
- Akiyama - Essence of the Flying Kick: In Sotenbori, witness a particularly acrobatic fight between two thugs in an alleyway.
By diligently searching for these collectibles, you'll not only enrich your Yakuza 5 experience but also significantly empower your protagonists for the challenges ahead. Happy hunting, yakuza!