Substory List & Locations
Welcome to the definitive guide for completing every substory in Yakuza 5! Subtories are optional side quests that offer unique rewards, expand on the game's rich world, and often provide hilarious or heartwarming diversions from the main narrative. This section will detail each substory by protagonist and location, providing step-by-step instructions, key items, and strategies to ensure you don't miss a single one.
General Tips for Substory Completion:
- Many substories are only available during specific chapters or parts of the day (day/night). If you can't find a substory, try advancing the main story or changing the time of day by resting at an apartment or hotel.
- Look for people with speech bubbles over their heads, or listen for distinctive dialogue cues as you walk by. Some substories trigger simply by entering a specific area.
- Always check your map for "!" icons, which often indicate an active substory or a point of interest for one.
- Keep a good stock of healing items. Some substories involve unexpected combat encounters.
- Don't rush! Enjoy the unique stories and characters these quests introduce.
Kazuma Kiryu - Fukuoka
Kiryu's substories in Nagasugai often involve his taxi driver persona and the local populace. Many of these require you to drive your taxi, so be prepared for some driving challenges!
1. The Driver's Challenge
- Location: Nagasu Taxi Office, Nagasugai.
- Trigger: Speak to the dispatcher inside the office after completing the initial taxi driving tutorial.
- Walkthrough: This substory introduces you to the "Taxi Driver" minigame challenges. You'll need to complete a series of driving tests, such as timed deliveries and precision parking. Focus on smooth driving, using your brakes effectively, and avoiding collisions.
- Reward: Various driving gear, experience points, and unlocks further taxi missions.
2. The Hungry Homeless Man
- Location: Near the riverbank in Nagasugai, close to the Nagasu Taxi Office.
- Trigger: Approach the homeless man sitting on a bench during the daytime.
- Walkthrough: The man will ask for food. You can either purchase a Bento Box from a nearby convenience store (e.g., Poppo) or give him a Sushi Set from a restaurant. Any food item will do, but higher quality items might elicit different dialogue.
- Reward: 5,000 Yen, experience points.
3. The Drunkard's Debt
- Location: Outside the convenience store on Nagasu Boulevard, near the intersection with Hakata Street.
- Trigger: Observe a man arguing with a group of thugs.
- Walkthrough: Intervene in the argument. You'll be forced into a combat encounter against three relatively weak thugs. After defeating them, the man will thank you and promise to pay you back. He won't, but you'll gain experience.
- Reward: Experience points, Staminan Spark.
Taiga Saejima - Sapporo
Saejima's substories in Tsukimino often highlight his brute strength and his struggle with his past. Expect some intense brawls and encounters with the local wildlife.
1. The Bear Hunter's Request
- Location: Hunting Village, outside Tsukimino. Accessible after progressing Saejima's main story.
- Trigger: Speak to the old hunter near the entrance of the Hunting Village.
- Walkthrough: The hunter will ask you to hunt a specific type of bear. You'll need to venture into the snowy mountains and track the bear. Use your hunting rifle (equipped automatically during hunting segments) and aim for headshots for maximum damage. Be cautious, as bears can be very aggressive.
- Reward: Bear Skin (can be sold for a high price), experience points, unlocks further hunting requests.
2. The Snowman Builder
- Location: Tsukimino Park, near the central fountain.
- Trigger: Approach the child struggling to build a snowman.
- Walkthrough: The child will ask for help. You'll be given a few dialogue options. Choose to help him. Saejima will then effortlessly build a magnificent snowman.
- Reward: Warm Scarf, experience points.
Shun Akiyama - Osaka
Akiyama's substories in Sotenbori revolve around his loan shark business, his unique perspective on money, and helping those in need (for a price, of course).
1. The Struggling Hostess
- Location: Outside Club Elise, Sotenbori.
- Trigger: A hostess will be arguing with a debt collector.
- Walkthrough: Intervene. You'll have the option to pay off her debt (50,000 Yen) or fight the debt collector. Fighting is generally recommended for experience, but paying will also resolve the substory. If you pay, she'll eventually pay you back with interest later in the game.
- Reward: Experience points, potential future repayment (if you pay).
2. The Aspiring Comedian
- Location: Near the bridge connecting Sotenbori Street East and West.
- Trigger: A young man attempting to perform comedy will be heckled.
- Walkthrough: Speak to the comedian. He'll ask for advice. You can offer encouraging words or give him some money (10,000 Yen) to help him with his dream. Giving money will lead to a more positive outcome.
- Reward: Experience points, Laughter Charm (if you give money).
Haruka Sawamura - Osaka
Haruka's substories are unique, focusing on her idol career and the challenges that come with it. These often involve rhythm games, dance battles, and interacting with her fans.
1. The Fan Letter
- Location: Haruka's apartment in Sotenbori.
- Trigger: After a certain point in her main story, check the mailbox in her apartment.
- Walkthrough: You'll receive a fan letter asking for a special performance. Head to the designated location (marked on your map) and perform a dance battle. Successfully completing the dance will finish the substory.
- Reward: Experience points, Idol's Handkerchief.
2. The Stalker
- Location: Various locations in Sotenbori, often near shops or restaurants.
- Trigger: While walking around, you might notice a suspicious individual following Haruka.
- Walkthrough: Once you identify the stalker (he'll have a distinct appearance), you'll need to lose him. This often involves using the crowd to your advantage or entering buildings. Successfully evading him will complete the substory.
- Reward: Experience points, Security Charm.
Tatsuo Shinada - Nagoya
Shinada's substories in Kineicho highlight his past as a baseball player and his current struggles with debt. Expect some baseball-themed challenges and encounters with his old acquaintances.
1. The Batting Center Challenge
- Location: Mirai Batting Center, Kineicho.
- Trigger: Speak to the owner of the batting center.
- Walkthrough: The owner will challenge you to hit a certain number of home runs in a specific batting course. You'll need to time your swings perfectly. Practice makes perfect here!
- Reward: Various batting gear, experience points, unlocks more batting challenges.
2. The Loan Shark's Enforcer
- Location: Near the pawn shop in Kineicho.
- Trigger: A group of thugs will be harassing a shop owner.
- Walkthrough: Intervene and defeat the thugs. Shinada will recognize them as enforcers for a local loan shark. This often leads to a short dialogue about his own debt struggles.
- Reward: Experience points, Toughness Emperor.
Final Chapter - Kamurocho
During the final chapter, all protagonists converge in Kamurocho. Some new substories become available, and certain previously inaccessible ones might now be open. These often involve characters from previous substories or unique challenges.
1. The Legendary Fighter's Return
- Location: Purgatory, accessible via the sewers in the northern part of Kamurocho.
- Trigger: Speak to the fight promoter in Purgatory.
- Walkthrough: This substory involves a series of increasingly difficult arena battles. You'll need to use your best combat skills and heat actions to emerge victorious. Ensure you have plenty of healing items.
- Reward: Dragon God Amulet, massive experience points, unlocks the ultimate fighting tournament.
2. The Ultimate Ramen
- Location: Kyushu No. 1 Star, Kamurocho.
- Trigger: Speak to the ramen shop owner.
- Walkthrough: The owner is looking for inspiration for a new ramen dish. You'll need to visit various ramen shops across Kamurocho and try their signature dishes. After trying a few, return to the owner and choose the dialogue option that best describes a unique flavor profile.
- Reward: Ramen Master's Secret, experience points.