Learn how to upgrade Kiryu's abilities in Yakuza Kiwami by spending XP on Soul, Tech, Body, and Dragon trees. Discover all ability effects and requirements.
In Yakuza Kiwami, the upgrade system has evolved from simple experience tracks into distinct ability trees: Soul, Tech, Body, and the new Dragon tree. To access these, pause the game and navigate to "Abilities". As you gain experience (XP), the number next to your Experience Meter will increase, allowing you to unlock new skills. The Dragon tree is particularly linked to the Majima Everywhere System.
To acquire an ability, select the desired circle in an ability tree using the directional buttons or Left Stick, and press Confirm to spend XP. You must start from the center of each tree and progress outwards. Abilities closer to the center cost less XP, while those further away require more.
The charts below detail each ability's name, effect, applicable styles, and Heat Mode requirements. Styles indicate which combat stances the ability affects (or "Any" if not combat-specific). Heat Mode specifies the state of your Heat Gauge needed for the ability to be effective: "Heat" (anywhere from blue to Climax Heat), "Climax" (red Climax Heat only), "Calm" (first long bar of the Heat Gauge), or "Calm to Blue" (specific to some "Spirit" abilities in Soul, stopping Heat rise just before Climax Heat). If blank, Heat mode is not a factor.
Soul Upgrades
The Soul tree primarily focuses on Heat and Heat Actions, along with boosts to attack power and experience gain.
| # | Name | Styles | Heat Mode | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 - 1 XP | ||||
| 1 | Black Tortoise Spirit | Brawler Dragon | Calm to Blue | Blocking raises the Heat Gauge, but will not charge Climax Heat. |
| 2 | Azure Dragon Spirit | Brawler Beast Dragon | Heat | Raises defense while in Heat Mode. |
| 3 | Vermillion Phoenix Spirit | Brawler Rush Dragon | Calm to Blue | Heat Gauge will rise when at critical health, but will not charge Climax Heat. |
| 4 | White Tiger Spirit | Brawler Rush Dragon | Calm to Blue | Taunting raises the Heat Gauge, but will not charge Climax Heat. |
| Tier 2 - 3 XP | ||||
| 5 | Climax Heat Gauge +1 | Any | Increases Climax Heat Gauge by one bar. | |
| 6 | Grab Mastery | Brawler Beast Dragon | Calm | The first time you grab an enemy in combat, your Heat Gauge will raise. |
| 7 | Essence of Disarming | Brawler | Climax | Heat Action - Press Heavy Attack when attacked with a small blade. |
| 8 | Heat Gauge +1 | Any | Increases the normal Heat Gauge by one bar. | |
| 9 | Secret of Gourmet | Any | Increases XP gain from eating food. | |
| 10 | Essence of Extreme Beast | Beast | Heat | Heat Action - Press Heavy Attack while in Beast Style near a crouching boss glowing yellow. |
| 11 | Essence of Extreme Brawler | Brawler | Heat | Heat Action - Press Heavy Attack while in Brawler Style near a crouching boss glowing blue. |
| 12 | Essence of Extreme Rush | Rush | Heat | Heat Action - Press Heavy Attack while in Rush Style near a crouching boss glowing pink. |
| 13 | Eagle Spirit | Rush | Boost the damage of normal attacks on stunned enemies. | |
| 14 | Swallow Spirit | Rush | The Heat Gauge will rise when dodging enemy attacks. | |
| 15 | Last-Minute Evade | Brawler Rush Dragon | Calm | The Heat Gauge will rise when dodging enemy attacks. |
| Tier 3 - 10 XP | ||||
| 16 | Wrath | Any | Calm | If your first attack at the start of a battle sends an enemy flying, the Heat Gauge will rise dramatically. |
| 17 | Drunkards' Dulled Senses | Brawler Dragon | While drunk, you are immune to stun and paralysis. | |
| 18 | Essence of Face Twisting | Brawler | Climax | Heat Action - Press Heavy Attack while an enemy is guarding. |
| 19 | Climax Heat Gauge +4 | Any | Increases Climax Heat Gauge by one bar. | |
| 20 | Extra Resolute Counter | Brawler | Heat | When using Resolute Counter, hold down Light or Heavy Attack to charge up the hit. |
| 21 | Essence of Solid Counter | Brawler | Heat | Heat Action - Press Heavy Attack as Kiryu gets up from a hard knockdown that requires mashing Evade to stand. |
| 22 | Last Ditch Effort | Rush | Boosts attack power for normal attacks while at critical health. | |
| 23 | Essence of Crushing: Wall | Rush | Climax | Heat Action - With your back to the wall, press Heavy Attack as an enemy attacks. |
| 24 | Fighting Spirit | Rush | When starting a battle, attack power is boosted until taking damage. | |
| Tier 4 - 50 XP | ||||
| 25 | Heat Gauge +2 | Any | Increases the normal Heat Gauge by one bar. | |
| 26 | Thunder God Mastery | Brawler | Climax | While running, you will not be staggered by normal attacks. Does not apply to blades and bullets. |
| 27 | Essence of Wall Smashing | Brawler | Climax | Heat Action - With your back to the wall, press Heavy Attack as an enemy attacks. |
| 28 | Climax Heat Gauge +2 | Any | Increases Climax Heat Gauge by one bar. | |
| 29 | Secret of Endurance | Beast Dragon | Calm | Weapon durability will not decrease while defending with one. |
| 30 | Heated Determination | Brawler | Climax | Will not be staggered by blades or bullets. |
| 31 | Heat Gauge +3 | Any | Increases the normal Heat Gauge by one bar. | |
| 32 | Resolute Power-up | Brawler | Heat | Increases the damage of Resolute Counter. |
| 33 | Climax Heat Power 1 | Any | Climax | Increases the damage of Heat Actions. |
| 34 | Climax Heat Gauge +5 | Any | Increases Climax Hea | |
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