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Combat Mechanics: Kiwami 3 + Dark Ties
Yakuza Kiwami 3

Combat Mechanics: Kiwami 3 + Dark Ties

Master Yakuza Kiwami 3 combat with controls for Quickstep, attacks, grabs, and Heat Actions. Learn Dragon Boost and Dark Awakening.

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Master Yakuza Kiwami 3 combat with controls for Quickstep, attacks, grabs, and Heat Actions. Learn Dragon Boost and Dark Awakening.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Use the Quickstep button to evade attacks. In Yakuza Kiwami 3, Perfect Quickstepping at the right time allows for a counterattack using attack buttons (Dragon of Dojima/Mine only). For Kiryu's Ryukyu Style, this becomes a dodge roll.
  2. 2
    Use the Weak Attack button to string together multiple hits for rush combos, which can be ended with a strong attack. In Kiryu's Ryukyu Style, this command is used for Shield+Small Spear and Nunchaku combos.
  3. 3
    Use the Grab button to grab enemies. While holding an enemy, you can press the button again to throw them or attack with either attack button, or move them (Dragon of Dojima only). Some Heat Actions require grabbing, and enemies may break free. This command is also used to pick up and use weapons (Dragon of Dojima only). In Kiryu's Ryukyu Style, this command is used for Tekko and Surujin combos. For Mine, it allows him to grapple enemies and knock them down rather than hold them.
  4. 4
    Use the Strong Attack button at the end of Rush Combos. This button can be held during rush combos for more damage and input multiple times for longer combos. This command is also used for triggering Heat Actions. In Kiryu's Ryukyu Style, this is used for Sai, Scythe, Eiku, and Tonfa-based combos.
  5. 5
    Use the Movement controls to move during battle. These can be used with Quickstep to control direction, affecting certain attacks. They can also be used to change combo direction when not in Fighting Stance.
  6. 6
    Press the Fighting Stance button to enter Fighting Stance, which locks onto a specific enemy when fighting.
  7. 7
    Press the Guard button while holding to guard. New to Yakuza Kiwami 3 are Perfect Guards. Guns and blades cannot be guarded (Dragon of Dojima only). In Kiryu's Ryukyu Style, this is used with attack commands for guard attacks.
  8. 8
    Hold the Cancel Heat Action button to prevent Heat Actions from triggering when using the Weak Attack or Strong Attack buttons.
  9. 9
    Press the Special Mode button to activate Dragon Boost (Kiryu) or Dark Awakening (Mine). After the gauge is nearly depleted, you can use Dragon Finisher (Kiryu).
Tips
  • String together attack buttons to create combos and deal damage.
  • Use Quickstep or evade to dodge attacks.
  • Open your inventory and menu at any time to use items to replenish Heat and HP.
  • Yakuza Kiwami 3 introduces Perfect Quickstep and Perfect Guard mechanics, requiring precise timing for enhanced effects.
  • Critical hits deal more damage under certain conditions, including performing a perfect quickstep/perfect guard and attacking, attacking immediately after breaking an enemy's guard, or attacking a stunned enemy using certain attacks with Dragon Boost/Dark Awakening. These conditions can be unlocked via upgrades.
  • Unlike the original Yakuza 3, Kiryu does not have equipment, armor, or weapons, but he can pick up and use weapons found lying around. Mine cannot pick up weapons to use.
  • When the Heat gauge (below your HP) is full, you can perform cinematic attacks called Heat Actions, which deal significant damage. The conditions for triggering them depend on enemy positioning, weapons held, etc.
  • Kiryu starts with one Heat Gauge, but more can be unlocked through upgrades.
  • Many Heat Actions require unlocking.
  • When the Orange circle gauge is filled, Dragon Boost can be activated. In this state, Kiryu's combos change, and he can move rapidly between enemies, hitting much harder. The gauge fills mainly by hitting enemies, though upgrades can allow it to fill with Perfect Quick Steps.
  • Using the Dragon Finisher ends Dragon Boost. You cannot use Dragon Boost if the boost ends before you trigger the Finisher. Dragon Boost and Finisher work similarly in Ryukyu Style, with altered combos.
  • Mine's Dark Awakening works similarly to Kiryu's Dragon Boost. Hitting enemies fills his 3 suppressed hearts (with other methods unlockable). Holding the Special Mode button slows down time, allowing Mine to unleash 1 or 2 hearts (3 after upgrading). This mode changes his moveset to a more violent, aggressive style until the time limit expires. The number of hearts unleashed determines the mode's power and duration. It is extremely effective against weak enemies or those whose Auras have been broken.

Completion Kiwami 3:

  • Defeat 150 enemies who pick a fight on the streets.
  • Trigger the Dragon Finisher 30 times.
  • Use Heat Actions 70 times.

Completion Dark Ties:

  • Defeat 1000 enemies.
  • Defeat 100 enemies who pick a fight on the streets.
  • Defeat 200 enemies in Dark Awakening Mode.
  • Use Heat Actions 30 times.
  • Land a hit with a special action 50 times.

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