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Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name has arrived, bridging the stories of Yakuza 6 and Yakuza Like A Dragon. It follows Kiryu, who has faked his own death and taken on a new identity. This new life has him working odd jobs for a mysterious crime organization that influences politics in Japan. This entry in the series returns to the brawler combat and has all the mainstays of the series. This includes side stories and minigames galore. If this is your first entry in the series or your first experience with the brawler combat, here are some Like A Dragon Gaiden tips for beginners.
1. Utilize Every Aspect of Combat
Combat in Like A Dragon Gaiden is both simplistic and complicated. It is very easy to button-mash your way through most normal enemies in the game, but the bosses will require more skill. The best way to be prepared for these challenging fights is to practice using every ability at your disposal in normal fights. This means understanding the combos you have unlocked and the spy gadgets that Kiryu has access to, like the Spider Wire. My best Like A Dragon Gaiden tip is to figure out which combat parts speak to you and focus on those.
It also means knowing how the different fighting styles work and when you should swap. Plus, pick up weapons and objects off the ground to beat enemies down. While you might find that not every ability is useful to your playstyle, the more understand, the better you will be. If you forget a button combo or how certain aspects of combat work, the help section of the menu has every tutorial you have unlocked so far.
2. Upgrade Abilities in Like A Dragon Gaiden
Another important Like A Dragon Gaiden tip is to focus on ability upgrades. These combat upgrades can be basic, like increasing damage and health. Others are more specific, like unlocking new combos and Heat Moves. Unlike other entries in the series, there isn’t a traditional XP system here. Instead, all upgrades are purchased with money. That means stacking your cash via combat, minigames, and side stories is more important than ever. Ensure you’re constantly getting new upgrades, as it will make combat much easier and more enjoyable.
3. Stock up on Equipment and Healing Items
Equipment and healing items are essential in Like A Dragon Gaiden. Using equipment gives massive stat boosts, so you can take more hits or deal more damage. Equipment can be acquired from stores, fights, and side stories. Early on, you can only have one piece equipped, but you will eventually be able to equip four. Healing items are just as important. In combat or specific story missions, you cannot heal via any method other than healing items. You can only carry a limited amount of each specific item, but a large variety is available. You will always want to have at least a few, if not many more.
4. Fight, Fight, Fight
Fights occur often in Like A Dragon Gaiden and that’s a good thing. When exploring the open world, mobs of degenerates and thugs will constantly find Kiryu. These enemies are marked on the minimap with red arrows. If you approach them or they spot you, a fight will break out. As mentioned earlier, there isn’t a traditional XP system, but that doesn’t matter. You will want to fight anyway, as its an excellent source of money and items. Enemies will randomly drop cash and items when you beat them. Many of the upgrades cost a pretty penny, so you will want to pick fights whenever possible. There are other ways to make cash, but this method is quick and consistent.
5. Take a Break, See the Sights in Like A Dragon Gaiden
This series is known for its side activities and Like A Dragon Gaiden is no exception. There is no shortage of minigames and side stories for you to enjoy. Most of these provide cool rewards, like money and items, but they are also fun. My favorite is Karaoke, which doesn’t provide rewards but features excellent music. This entry has a shorter main story, so if you want to extend your time, these activities can be found everywhere. Minigames are marked on the map with purple controllers, and side stories are marked by exclamation points. The further into the story you get, the more activities that become available to you.
Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.
