Troubleshooting/Common Issues
Even the Dragon of Dojima can run into a snag or two. This section addresses common challenges and provides actionable solutions to keep your journey through Kamurocho smooth and impactful. From tricky boss fights to elusive collectibles, we've got you covered.
Struggling with Specific Bosses?
Certain adversaries in Yakuza Kiwami can prove to be significant roadblocks. Here's how to overcome some of the most common challenges:
Shinji Tanaka (Chapter 2)
- Issue: Shinji's quick attacks and evasiveness can make him difficult to pin down, especially early in the game when your abilities are limited.
- Strategy: Focus on parrying (L1/LB + Triangle/Y) his attacks to create openings. After a successful parry, unleash a quick combo in Rush Style. Don't be afraid to use environmental objects like bicycles or cones as weapons for extra damage. Keep your distance and bait his attacks if you're low on health.
- Recommended Items: A few
Staminan X orToughness Z from the Poppo convenience store can be life-savers if you get caught in a bad combo.
Lau Ka Long (Chapter 5)
- Issue: Lau's dual swords inflict heavy damage, and his quick dashes can be hard to counter.
- Strategy: Prioritize upgrading your Brawler Style's "Guard Break" and "Heat Action" abilities. When Lau charges, try to sidestep (X/A) and counter with a heavy attack. use Heat Actions whenever possible, especially the ones that disarm or stun him. If you find yourself surrounded by his goons, use Beast Style's wide swings to clear them out before focusing on Lau.
- Recommended Items:
Tauriner ++ to quickly build Heat for those crucial Heat Actions, and a good supply of healing items likeStaminan Royale .
Akira Nishikiyama (Final Boss)
- Issue: Nishiki's multiple phases and devastating Heat Actions can be overwhelming, especially in the later stages of the fight.
- Strategy: This is an endurance battle. Ensure you have fully upgraded all of Kiryu's fighting styles, particularly Dragon of Dojima.
- Phase 1 (Brawler/Rush): Focus on dodging his initial attacks and counter-attacking. Build Heat efficiently.
- Phase 2 (Beast/Dragon): Nishiki will become more aggressive. Use Beast Style's heavy attacks when he's open, and switch to Dragon Style for powerful counters and Heat Actions.
- Phase 3 (Full Power): This is where he unleashes his most damaging moves. Your parry and dodge timing must be impeccable. Save your most powerful healing items for this phase. The "Essence of Extreme Dragon" Heat Action (unlocked through Majima Everywhere) is incredibly effective if you can land it.
- Recommended Items: Stock up on the best healing items available, such as
Staminan Spark andToughness Emperor . Consider bringing a fewSacred Wood orSacred Tree items to revive yourself if things go south.
Majima Everywhere Not Triggering?
Majima's unpredictable appearances are key to unlocking Kiryu's full Dragon of Dojima potential. If you're having trouble getting him to show up:
- Check Your Progress: Majima Everywhere encounters are tied to story progression. Ensure you've advanced far enough in the main narrative (typically after Chapter 2) for him to start appearing.
- Vary Your Location: Don't just stick to one area. Majima appears in different forms and locations across Kamurocho.
- Street Encounters: Walk around the main streets like Tenkaichi Street, Pink Street, and Nakamichi Street.
- Specific Locations: Check places like the Champion District, Purgatory, and even specific restaurants or mini-game locations.
- Manhole Encounters: Sometimes he'll pop out of a manhole. Listen for his distinct laugh!
- Look for the "Majima" Icon: On your mini-map, a small "M" icon will appear when Majima is nearby. Head towards it!
- Complete Previous Encounters: If you've left a Majima encounter unfinished (e.g., ran away), he might not appear again until you complete that specific encounter or a certain amount of time passes.
- Advance the Majima Everywhere Rank: Some encounters are locked behind higher Majima Everywhere ranks. Keep fighting him to increase your rank and unlock new types of encounters.
Missing a Specific Substory?
Kamurocho is bustling with side quests, and it's easy to miss one. If you're aiming for 100% completion:
- Consult Your Completion List: Access the "Completion List" from the main menu. Navigate to the "Substories" tab to see which ones you've completed and which are still pending. This will often give you a hint about the general area.
- Check Specific Chapters: Many substories are only available during certain chapters of the main story. If you've passed that chapter, you might need to wait until Premium Adventure mode to complete it.
- Explore Thoroughly: Walk every street, enter every building, and talk to every person with a white speech bubble above their head. Some substories require specific triggers, like overhearing a conversation or approaching a particular landmark.
- Day/Night Cycle: A few substories are only available during the day or night. If you're stuck, try resting at your hideout (Serena or New Serena) to change the time of day and re-check the area.
- Specific Triggers: Some substories have unique triggers:
- "The Price of a Life" (Substory 1): Requires you to approach a specific group of thugs near the entrance to Tenkaichi Street.
- "The Bouncer's Story" (Substory 22): You need to enter the M Store on Tenkaichi Street and speak to the clerk.
Low on Money or Experience?
Grinding is a part of any good RPG. Here's how to maximize your gains:
- Money:
- Gambling: The casino (Dragon Palace) and gambling hall (Ryugujo) offer quick ways to earn money if you understand the games. Try your hand at Blackjack or Koi-Koi. Save before you play, and reload if you lose too much.
- Selling Valuables: Check your inventory for items marked "Valuable." These are meant to be sold at pawn shops (Ebisu Pawn) for a good profit.
- Substories: Many substories offer significant cash rewards upon completion.
- Mr. Shakedown: While risky, defeating Mr. Shakedown (random encounter) can net you millions of yen. Carry a
Rage Amulet to guarantee he appears, and aBinding orStun Gun to make the fight easier.
- Experience:
- Majima Everywhere: This is your primary source of experience for the Dragon of Dojima style and overall character leveling. Fight Majima every chance you get.
- Street Fights: Engage in every street brawl you encounter. Use Heat Actions frequently for bonus experience.
- Substories: Completing substories provides a good chunk of experience.
- Food: Eating at restaurants provides a small experience boost, especially if you order a full meal.
- Training with Komaki: Komaki's training sessions (unlocked in Chapter 4, located in Purgatory) not only teach you powerful moves but also grant experience.