Yakuza Kiwami 2
Yakuza Kiwami 2

Standard Guide Stuff

Navigate Yakuza Kiwami 2's Kamurocho and Sotenbori streets. Understand Kiryu's progression and menus to begin your journey through the yakuza war.

·Multi-source verified (55/55)

Standard Guide Stuff

Welcome, Dragon of Dojima, to the essential guide for navigating the streets of Kamurocho and Sotenbori in Yakuza Kiwami 2. fundamental mechanics and strategies to ensure your journey through the Kansai yakuza war is as smooth as Kiryu's punch.

Understanding the Menus

The game's menu system is your primary interface for managing Kiryu's progression, inventory, and various activities. Familiarizing yourself with it early on will save you headaches later.

  • Main Menu Access: Press the Options button (PS4) to open the main menu.
  • Key Menu Sections:
    • Items: Manage your inventory. Always keep a stock of healing items like Staminan X or Toughness Z, especially before major boss fights. You can hold up to 10 of each item type.
    • Abilities: Spend your experience points (EXP) to unlock new skills and upgrade Kiryu's stats. Prioritize upgrading your health and attack power early on. check the various EXP categories (Strength, Agility, Spirit, Technique, Charm) as different actions grant different types.
    • Equipment: Equip weapons and protective gear. While Kiryu is a master of bare-handed combat, a good Steel Katana or Bulletproof Vest can make a significant difference in tougher encounters.
    • Map: View your current location and objectives. Essential for finding substory markers, restaurants, and key story locations.
    • Substories: Track your progress on side quests. Many substories offer valuable rewards, including unique items, experience, and access to new minigames.
    • Completion List: Your go-to for tracking all the challenges and achievements in the game. From eating every dish at every restaurant to winning specific minigames, this list guides you to 100% completion.
    • Save/Load: Crucial for saving your progress. Always save before entering a new chapter, attempting a difficult fight, or after completing a significant substory.

Basic Controls & Combat Tips

Mastering Kiryu's combat is key to surviving the streets. The Dragon Engine provides fluid and impactful combat, but understanding the basics is paramount.

  • Movement: Use the Left Analog Stick to move Kiryu. Press X (PS4) to sprint.
  • Camera Control: Use the Right Analog Stick to adjust the camera.
  • Light Attacks: Press Square (PS4) for quick, less damaging attacks. String these together for combos.
  • Heavy Attacks: Press Triangle (PS4) for slower, more powerful attacks. Use these to break enemy guards or finish combos.
  • Grabbing: Press Circle (PS4) to grab an enemy. From a grab, you can perform throws or additional attacks.
  • Dodging: Press X (PS4) while in combat to quickstep and evade incoming attacks. Timing is crucial for avoiding damage.
  • Blocking: Hold L1 (PS4) to block. While effective against most attacks, some heavy attacks can break your guard.
  • Heat Actions: When your Heat Gauge (the blue bar below your health) is sufficiently filled, you'll see a prompt (usually Triangle) appear near enemies or environmental objects. These are powerful, cinematic finishers that deal massive damage. Experiment with different Heat Actions, as some are incredibly effective against specific enemy types or in certain situations.
  • Weapon Usage: Pick up environmental weapons like Bicycles, Cones, or Signboards by pressing Circle (PS4) when prompted. These can turn the tide of a street brawl.

Exploration and Interaction

Kamurocho and Sotenbori are bustling cities filled with opportunities and secrets. Don't rush through the main story; take your time to explore.

  • Talking to NPCs: Many NPCs have dialogue that can lead to substories or provide useful information. Look for speech bubbles above their heads.
  • Entering Establishments: Restaurants, bars, and shops are marked on your map. Eating at restaurants can restore health and provide EXP bonuses. Shops are where you'll buy healing items, equipment, and gifts.
  • Finding Items: Keep an eye out for glowing items on the ground. These can be anything from HP Boosters to Plate items that can be sold for cash.
  • Money Management: Earn money by winning street fights, completing substories, and engaging in minigames. Money is essential for buying items, upgrading equipment, and progressing in some substories. Don't be afraid to sell excess items at pawn shops like Ebisu Pawn.