So you've downloaded the demo or grabbed the full package, and now you're staring at two massive campaigns wondering where to begin. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties bundles a complete remake of the third mainline entry with an entirely new story featuring the series' most memorable antagonist. Whether you're a first timer or a returning Dragon, this guide breaks down everything you need to hit the ground running.
What Exactly Are You Getting in This Bundle?
This release packs two full experiences into one purchase. Yakuza Kiwami 3 rebuilds the original from scratch using the Dragon Engine, while Dark Ties delivers a standalone adventure starring Yoshitaka Mine. Both campaigns run parallel in the timeline, so you can switch between Kiryu protecting kids in sunny Okinawa and Mine climbing the criminal ladder in neon-soaked Kamurocho.
The remake isn't just a visual upgrade. RGG Studio added fresh cutscenes, expanded substories, and reworked the entire combat system. If you played the 2009 original or the 2018 remaster, expect a dramatically different experience with modern mechanics and quality of life improvements.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Beginner's Guide
Combat Mechanics
Kiryu brings two distinct fighting approaches to every street brawl. Understanding when to use each one separates button mashers from true Dragons.
Dragon of Dojima Kiwami Style
This is your bread and butter for raw damage output. You'll throw punches, land kicks, grab enemies, and weaponize the environment around you. See a bicycle on the sidewalk? Pick it up and swing. Notice a wall nearby? Slam someone into it.
Build your Heat Gauge through successful attacks and avoiding damage. Once it fills, activate Dragon Boost to unlock devastating combo extensions and cinematic finishing moves called Heat Actions. These flashy takedowns deal massive damage while looking absolutely brutal.
Ryukyu Style: Okinawan Weapon Mastery
The remake introduces an entirely new combat approach built around traditional Okinawan weapons. You'll wield eight different types, each suited for specific situations.
The real magic happens when you swap styles mid-combo. Start with Dragon punches to build Heat, then transition into Ryukyu weapons for the finish. Press D-Pad to switch instantly without breaking your flow.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Beginner's Guide
What Makes Dark Ties Combat Different?
Yoshitaka Mine fights nothing like Kiryu. His Shoot Boxing style emphasizes speed over power, mixing lightning-fast kicks with rapid punches. You'll exploit openings in enemy defenses and launch aerial attacks to overwhelm opponents before they can react.
Mine builds his Shackled Heart Gauge through aggressive play. Fill it completely and trigger Dark Awakening, a berserk state where Mine drags enemies across the ground and unleashes devastating strike combinations. The Rage system further amplifies damage the longer you maintain offensive pressure.
While simpler than Kiryu's dual-style approach, Mine's combat rewards relentless aggression. Don't wait for openings. Create them.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Beginner's Guide
Leading the Biker Gang
Bad Boy Dragon Side introduces gang management to the series. You'll recruit members for the Haisai Girls, an all-female biker crew defending Okinawa's streets.
Building Your Crew
Start by recruiting five allies for Baddie Battle, team-based fights against rival gangs. As your reputation grows, expand to twenty members and participate in 100-Person Rumbles, chaotic large-scale brawls featuring motorcycles, weapons, and pure mayhem.
Customization Options
Personalize everything about your gang:
- Bike modifications (yes, you can mount rocket launchers)
- Uniform designs and colors
- Baddie Weapons including unconventional options like a flock of chickens
- Member roles and combat assignments
Train your recruits, assign tactical roles, and race through missions to climb the rankings. This mode alone adds substantial replay value beyond the main story.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Beginner's Guide
What Should I Do at the Orphanage?
As head of Morning Glory Orphanage, Kiryu takes on fatherly duties between street fights. These activities aren't just flavor. They provide stat bonuses and unlock heartwarming substories.
Daily Activities
- Cooking meals for the kids
- Gardening and maintaining the grounds
- Fishing at nearby spots
- Bug catching around Okinawa
- Sewing and crafting
- Board games with the children
Bonding with each child unlocks unique storylines and permanent upgrades. Don't skip these quieter moments. They represent some of the most emotionally rewarding content in the entire package.
Minigames
Both campaigns overflow with distractions. Here's what awaits:
Kiryu also plays retro games on a portable device and explores both Okinawa's beaches and Kamurocho's alleys. Mine focuses on Damage Control missions, handling clan requests to climb yakuza ranks.
How Does Hell's Arena Work?
Mine's exclusive underground fighting circuit offers two distinct modes:
Hellish Brawls
Time-limited fights against single opponents or groups. Win to earn cash and climb the rankings. These quick matches test your combat fundamentals without the story distractions.
Survival Hell
A dungeon-crawling experience where you hire mercenaries, fend off hunters, discover hidden treasures, grab powerful upgrades, and face a final boss at the end. Think of it as a roguelike mode within the larger game.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Beginner's Guide
What Are Phone Straps and Why Do They Matter?
Kiryu's cellphone accepts equippable phone straps that provide stat boosts. These motivation items enhance health, Heat Gauge capacity, and attack damage. Farm them through substories, minigames, and exploration.
Building around specific straps lets you customize Kiryu's playstyle. Stack Heat-focused straps for aggressive Dragon Boost builds, or prioritize health for survivability during harder difficulties.
Quick Tips for Getting Started
- Practice style swapping in the demo before tackling the main game
- Complete orphanage activities daily for cumulative bonuses
- Prioritize gang rumbles for efficient experience farming
- Explore thoroughly since both maps hide substories and collectibles
- Use the recap if you're unfamiliar with previous entries
Both campaigns combined offer over fifty hours of content when including side activities. Take your time, explore everything, and enjoy the journey through Okinawa's sunshine and Kamurocho's shadows.