10/02/2023
Mastering Isezaki Ijincho: Your Ultimate Yakuza: Like a Dragon Companion
Welcome, aspiring heroes, to the vibrant yet perilous streets of Yokohama's Isezaki Ijincho! Yakuza: Like a Dragon, a revolutionary entry in the beloved franchise, trades its familiar brawling roots for a compelling turn-based RPG system. This shift introduces a whole new layer of strategy, where understanding your foes and equipping yourself wisely is paramount to survival and success. This guide is your indispensable tool, delving deep into the Sujidex to reveal enemy weaknesses, pinpointing the locations of crucial gear, and offering insights to help you conquer this new chapter.
The Sujidex: Knowing Your Enemies
The Sujidex is your comprehensive bestiary, detailing every foe you'll encounter in Isezaki Ijincho. Each entry not only provides a visual reference but also crucial information on enemy types and, most importantly, their weaknesses. Exploiting these weaknesses is key to turning the tide of battle in your favour. Let's break down some of the early-game adversaries:
Businessman
These suited individuals are your initial hurdles, often found in the Bar District and later on Yokohama Blvd. They are generally weak to Blunt, Bullet, Fire, and Electric attacks. While they possess simple skills, be wary of their ability to call for backup, potentially overwhelming you.
| Sujimon ID | Name | Weaknesses | Typical Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| #001 - #003 | Businessman (various ranks) | Blunt, Bullet, Fire, Electric | Bar District, Yokohama Blvd. (West End) |
Drunkard
These inebriated adversaries can be found patrolling the Commercial District. Their weakness lies in Blunt, Bullet, Ice, and Electric attacks. As they rank up, their drunken state can become a strategic advantage for them, so dispatch them swiftly.
| Sujimon ID | Name | Weaknesses | Typical Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| #004 - #006 | Drunkard (various ranks) | Blunt, Bullet, Ice, Electric | Commercial District, Koreatown Riverfront |
| #007 | Urbane Legend | Ice, Electric | Kamurocho Underground B2F |
Vagrant
This category includes the unfortunate homeless, but also a vital enemy for efficient grinding: the Invested Vagabond. While most Vagrants are weak to All damage types, the Invested Vagabond is a special case. Found primarily in the Yokohama and Kamurocho Undergrounds, they are the game's equivalent of a 'Metal Slime', offering massive experience but being incredibly evasive and resilient.
Invested Vagabond Strategy: These enemies have 25 HP and only take 1 damage per hit from most attacks. To overcome this, you need skills that hit multiple times. Prioritise using skills like:
- Rapid Shot (Hitman): Highly recommended, especially if Joon-gi Han can retain it across jobs.
- Bullet of Honor (Matriarch)
- Smash Step (Idol)
- Windmill (Breaker)
- Dragonfly Decimator (Zhao)
- Pyro Breath (Homeless Guy)
- Stapler Strike (Clerk)
Target these enemies first in any encounter to maximise your experience gains.
Host
These charismatic foes often utilise stat-based moves and ailments. Their weaknesses are Blunt and Electric attacks. They can be found in the Red Light District and are guaranteed encounters in the Yokohama Underground.
Thug
Basic enemies encountered early on, often wielding small knives and capable of calling for reinforcements. They are weak to Blunt, Fire, and Ice damage.
Brawler
These burly fighters excel in defence and deliver heavy physical blows. Their vulnerabilities lie with Blade and Ice attacks. They typically congregate in the northern parts of Koreatown.
Gangster
Remnants of past colour gangs, these pistol-wielding foes are weak to Ice attacks. You'll find them patrolling the area around the Courthouse in East Jinnai Station.
Tattooed
This group, identifiable by their tribal tattoos, are physical combatants who can inflict stun and counter-attacks at higher ranks. They are weak to Blade and Fire damage and are commonly found in the northeastern areas of Koreatown.
Assassin
Despite their name, these knife-focused fighters have numerous weaknesses: Blade, Bullet, Fire, and Ice. They can be found in Restaurant Row towards the northern end of the city.
Yakuza
The quintessential enemies of the series, Yakuza members are common and possess slightly higher HP. They are susceptible to Ice attacks. Notably, after Chapter 11, they have a chance to drop valuable 'Tojo Crests'.
Gear Up for Success: Essential Items and Locations
Beyond understanding your enemies, equipping Ichiban and his party with the right gear is crucial. While the provided information focuses on enemy data, it also offers a hint about item locations:
- Gear Items: These are primarily found within the 'Battle' list.
- CDs: These are located within the 'Adventure' list.
While specific locations for every piece of gear aren't detailed here, keep an eye out for treasure chests scattered throughout Isezaki Ijincho, enemy drops, and rewards from various substories and activities. Exploring thoroughly and engaging in different combat scenarios will naturally lead you to valuable equipment.
A Brief History: The Yakuza Franchise Timeline
Yakuza: Like a Dragon marks a significant evolution for the series, both in gameplay and setting. For newcomers and long-time fans alike, understanding the franchise's history provides context for these changes:
- Yakuza 0 (1988-1989): The chronological beginning, exploring the early lives of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima.
- Yakuza/Yakuza Kiwami (1995): Kiryu's rise and fall within the Tojo Clan.
- Yakuza 2/Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2006): Kiryu prevents an all-out gang war.
- Yakuza 3 (2009): Kiryu manages an orphanage in Okinawa.
- Yakuza 4 (2010): Introduces multiple playable characters.
- Yakuza 5 (2012): The largest game in the series, featuring five protagonists and five cities.
- Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (2016): Kiryu's final chapter, utilising the Dragon Engine.
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2019-2020): Introduces Ichiban Kasuga, a new setting (Isezaki Ijincho), and turn-based combat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Yakuza: Like a Dragon take place?
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is set in the fictional district of Isezaki Ijincho in Yokohama, a departure from the series' traditional setting of Kamurocho.
What is the main combat system in Yakuza: Like a Dragon?
Unlike previous titles, Yakuza: Like a Dragon features a turn-based RPG combat system, focusing on strategic party-based battles.
Who is the protagonist of Yakuza: Like a Dragon?
The protagonist is Ichiban Kasuga, a new character who takes over from the long-standing Kazuma Kiryu.
Where can I find the Invested Vagabond for grinding?
The Invested Vagabond, crucial for experience grinding, is primarily found in the Yokohama Underground and Kamurocho Underground dungeons.
What are the weaknesses of the Businessman enemies?
Businessman enemies are weak to Blunt, Bullet, Fire, and Electric attacks.
Embark on your journey through Isezaki Ijincho with confidence. By understanding enemy weaknesses and strategically equipping your party, you'll be well on your way to uncovering the truth behind Ichiban's downfall and achieving victory in Yakuza: Like a Dragon!
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