Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is brimming with optional side stories, known as Substories, that offer a welcome break from the main narrative and often reward players with valuable items, experience, and a deeper understanding of the game's world. This guide will help you navigate all of them, ensuring you don't miss a single heartwarming, hilarious, or bizarre encounter.
Substory Structure
Substories are typically initiated by approaching specific NPCs marked with a blue exclamation point on your minimap. The difficulty and requirements for each substory vary greatly, ranging from simple fetch quests to more involved mini-games or combat encounters.
Kamurocho Substories
Kamurocho, the familiar neon-drenched district, hosts a sificant number of substories. Keep an eye out for:
- The Man Who Lost His Way: A recurring substory involving a lost salaryman.
- The Little Match Girl: A poant tale that requires finding specific items.
- The Yakuza's Way: Engage in conversations and help out aspiring yakuza.
- The Karaoke King: Master the art of karaoke to progress.
- The Delivery Boy: Assist a young delivery driver with his tasks.
Onomichi: Clan Creator and Beyond
The serene seaside town of Onomichi also features its own unique set of substories, often tied to its local businesses and residents. Some notable ones include:
- The Cat Cafe: Help a struggling cat cafe owner by finding specific feline friends.
- The Old Man and the Sea: Engage with the local fishermen and their tales.
- The Missing Cat: A common theme in Yakuza, expect to search for a lost pet.
- The Bar Owner's Request: Assist a local bar owner with various errands.
Tips for Completing Substories
- Explore Thoroughly: Don't rush through areas. Many substories are triggered by simply walking past certain NPCs or locations.
- Check Your Minimap: Blue exclamation points are your best friend for locating active substories.
- Talk to Everyone: Even characters without exclamation points might offer hints or start a substory if you interact with them.
- Prepare for Combat: Some substories will lead to unexpected fights, so ensure Kiryu is well-equipped and has a good stock of healing items.
- Revisit Areas: Some substories only become available after progressing through the main story or completing other side content.
Completing all substories is a sificant undertaking, but it's incredibly rewarding and offers a complete picture of Kiryu's final adventure.