InYakuza Kiwami, mastering combat is essential to progressing through the story and surviving in the chaotic streets of Kamurocho. While much of the gameplay revolves around hand-to-hand fighting, using weapons can dramatically shift the balance of power in your favor. However, many players find themselves confused by how to actually equip weapons and use them effectively during battles. Understanding how to equip weapons in Yakuza Kiwami is key to making the most of the game’s dynamic combat system. Whether you’re picking up gear from enemies or collecting powerful weapons from the locker, equipping them properly can give you a serious edge.
How the Weapon System Works in Yakuza Kiwami
Unlike some other action RPGs,Yakuza Kiwamidoesn’t automatically equip items when you pick them up. Instead, weapons and gear are stored in your inventory, and you need to manage them manually. There are also two types of items that fall under the weapon category equippable weapons (such as swords, bats, and guns) and usable items (like knives or nunchaku).
Understanding Weapon Types
- Melee Weapons: Bats, swords, and knuckles that can be equipped for regular combat use.
- Thrown Weapons: Items like throwing knives or smoke bombs, which are used as consumables.
- Guns: Firearms that can be equipped, often rare and powerful but limited in ammo.
- Heat Weapons: Items that can be used during Heat Actions for devastating effects.
Each weapon has a durability rating, so it can break after repeated use. Some weapons can be repaired at certain shops, while others are one-time-use items. It’s important to know the difference when planning your strategy.
How to Equip a Weapon in Yakuza Kiwami
Equipping a weapon inYakuza Kiwamiis not done through the real-time combat interface. Instead, you must equip it through the game’s pause menu. Follow these steps to properly arm Kiryu with a weapon:
Step-by-Step Guide to Equipping Weapons
- Press theStartbutton to pause the game and open the main menu.
- Select theEquipmenttab.
- Scroll to the weapon slot (lower section of the equipment screen).
- Choose the weapon from your inventory that you want to equip.
- Exit the menu your weapon is now ready to use in battle.
Once equipped, you can access your weapon during fights by holding theD-pad left(on console) or pressing the assigned shortcut key. This will cause Kiryu to draw the weapon, allowing you to attack using the equipped gear. Make sure you’re locked onto an enemy for maximum effectiveness.
Using Weapons in Combat
Once you’ve equipped a weapon, it’s time to put it to use. Unlike environmental weapons picked up mid-fight, equipped weapons are part of your toolkit for planned confrontations. Using them properly requires knowledge of combat flow and Heat mechanics.
Combat Tips for Equipped Weapons
- Use Heat Actions: When your Heat gauge is full, pressing the attack button near an enemy while holding your weapon will trigger a powerful animation.
- Target Weak Enemies: Weaker enemies are more likely to be instantly KO’d by weapon attacks, saving durability.
- Switch Stances if Needed: Some weapons work better with certain fighting styles, like Brawler or Beast.
- Manage Durability: Don’t waste rare weapons on random street punks save them for boss battles.
Equipped weapons often deal far more damage than fists, but they are not always the right choice. Be smart about when to use them, and consider enemy type, number, and the space around you.
Where to Get Weapons in Yakuza Kiwami
There are multiple ways to acquire weapons in Yakuza Kiwami. If you want to have a strong and varied arsenal, you’ll need to explore, complete missions, and interact with various NPCs.
Ways to Obtain Weapons
- Enemy Drops: Defeated enemies sometimes drop weapons you can pick up and use temporarily or store.
- Locker Keys: Hidden throughout Kamurocho are keys to lockers containing unique weapons.
- Shops: The pawn shop and certain underground dealers sell powerful gear.
- Substories: Completing side quests often rewards you with rare weapons or materials.
- Bob Utsunomiya (Premium Adventure): Use CP points to trade for gear after unlocking Premium Adventure mode.
Make sure to check your inventory and locker often, as you may acquire new weapons without realizing it. Keeping your loadout fresh ensures you’re ready for anything the game throws at you.
How to Store and Retrieve Weapons
Because your carry limit is low, you won’t always be able to hold every weapon. Luckily, you can store excess gear in your item box.
Managing Your Inventory
- Visit anySave Point(telephone booth).
- SelectItem Boxfrom the menu.
- Transfer weapons between your inventory and storage as needed.
Inventory management becomes critical later in the game when you’re juggling many weapons. Keep only the essentials with you, and stash the rest for future battles.
Weapon Crafting and Upgrades (Kamiyama Shop)
Later in the game, you’ll gain access toKamiyama’s Weapon Shop, where you can craft and upgrade weapons using materials and yen. This is where you can truly customize your arsenal to fit your combat needs.
Using Kamiyama’s Shop
- Collect crafting materials from enemies or exploration.
- Visit Kamiyama to view crafting options and weapon upgrades.
- Upgrade durability, damage, and even elemental effects.
Some of the most powerful weapons in Yakuza Kiwami are only available through crafting. Investing in the crafting system gives you access to rare tools that can turn the tide of any fight.
Tips for Weapon Success in Yakuza Kiwami
Don’t Overuse Your Strongest Weapons
Keep your best weapons in reserve for boss fights or critical moments. Random brawls don’t usually require powerful gear your fists are often enough.
Experiment with Different Weapon Types
Each weapon type offers a different feel. Try knives, katanas, and blunt weapons to see what suits your style. Some Heat Actions are exclusive to certain weapons and worth discovering.
Keep an Eye on Durability
If a weapon is nearly broken, store it for repair rather than using it until it’s gone. Repairing at Kamiyama’s shop is more economical than losing a rare weapon forever.
Equipping a weapon inYakuza Kiwamiadds a new dimension to combat, offering powerful options and satisfying variety during fights. From managing your inventory to selecting the right weapon for each situation, mastering the equip weapon system allows you to fight smarter, not just harder. Whether you’re facing off against street thugs or major bosses, having a reliable weapon at your side can be the difference between victory and defeat. With a bit of practice and smart preparation, you’ll be able to unleash Kiryu’s full power through a wide range of devastating tools all at your fingertips.