The wait is finally over. With the February 12 launch of Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, players worldwide are diving back into the turquoise waters of Okinawa and the gritty streets of Kamurocho. This isn't just a visual facelift of the 2009 classic; RGG Studio has completely overhauled the experience with the Dragon Engine, introducing a split-campaign structure that places Yoshitaka Mine center stage in the Dark Ties prequel. Whether you are struggling to master Mine’s aggressive shoot-boxing or hunting for the new Okinawa side quests guide, our walkthrough has you covered.
1. Mastering Yoshitaka Mine’s Boxing Style
In the Dark Ties expansion, Yoshitaka Mine controls drastically differently from Kiryu. His combat is built around a "Stylish Shoot-Boxing" discipline that rewards aggression and aerial mobility. The key to mastering the Yoshitaka Mine boxing style is the new "Vault Stance" mechanic. By holding the stance button after a combo finisher, Mine plants his foot on a stunned enemy.
From here, you have three options: a heavy knee strike, a grapple throw, or—most importantly—a launch jump that propels you toward a distant enemy. This allows you to ping-pong between targets in large group fights, maintaining a high combo count without getting surrounded. Unlike Kiryu, Mine lacks a traditional block-and-counter style; rely on his sway dodge (similar to the Rush style) to slip punches and punish openings.
2. Dominating with Kiryu’s New Ryukyu Style
While the Dragon of Dojima style returns with more heat actions than ever, the real game-changer in this Yakuza Kiwami 3 combat guide is the new Ryukyu Style. Inspired by Okinawan Kobudō, this style equips Kiryu with a Tinbe (shield) and Rochin (short spear) by default. The secret here is the "Auto-Switch" combo system.
Don't just mash square. Alternating light and heavy attacks will automatically cycle through hidden weapons like Nunchaku and Sai depending on the range. Use the Tinbe shield to turtle against gun enemies—a common annoyance in the original game that is now trivialized. Mastering this style is essential for the "Hell’s Arena" challenges in the mid-game.
3. Unleashing Mine’s Dark Awakening
Mine’s answer to Extreme Heat Mode is "Dark Awakening." When activated, Mine’s suit jacket comes off (metaphorically or literally depending on your costume), and his moveset shifts from calculated boxing to feral brutality. This mode grants hyper-armor, meaning you cannot be knocked down.
Dark Ties expansion tips often overlook the resource management aspect of this mode. Do not burn it on grunt enemies. Save Dark Awakening for boss encounters, specifically to counter "Grab" attempts. When an enemy tries to grab Mine in this state, a unique reversal prompt appears that deals massive damage by dragging their face across the pavement—a brutal nod to his villainous future.
4. Crushing the Kanda Damage Control Minigame
To upgrade Mine’s stats, you must engage with the "Kanda Damage Control" side content. As the calm lieutenant to the erratic Tsuyoshi Kanda, your job is to clean up his messes. These missions are timed combat challenges where you must defeat enemies before Kanda’s "Public Image" meter hits zero.
Prioritize enemies with cameras or phones first. If they record Kanda’s outbursts, the meter drops faster. completing these missions with a high rank unlocks "Drink Links" with Kanda, which are the only way to acquire new skill books for Mine’s aerial moveset.
5. Finding Hidden Okinawa Side Quests
The Yakuza 3 remake walkthrough wouldn't be complete without touching on the new substories. The 2026 release adds five exclusive "Hidden" quests in Ryukyu that don't appear on the map until you trigger them. The most vital one is "The Next-Gen Dream Machine."
Head to Ryukyu Boulevard, just outside the Goin' My Way shop, and look for a group of students arguing near a scooter. Interacting with them triggers a questline that unlocks the "Street Surfer"—an electric skateboard that makes traversing the expanded Okinawa map significantly faster. Another secret quest, "Master Kame Hit Me," is located on the beach behind Morning Glory Orphanage but only spawns at night.
6. Managing the 'Bad Boy Dragon' Gang
Replacing the old Cabaret Club management is the "Bad Boy Dragon" minigame, where Kiryu manages the Haisai Girls gang. This isn't just fluff; it's the primary way to earn money for gear. The loop involves assigning members to defend turf against the "Tokyo Night Terrors."
Recruit members by completing Yakuza Kiwami 3 secrets and substories. For example, completing the "Excuse Me!" substory in Hatsumachi Street recruits a high-level brawler early in the game. Focus on leveling up your "Leader" characters first, as their passive buffs apply to the entire squad during turf wars.
7. Maximizing Morning Glory Efficiency
Don't ignore the orphans. In Kiryu combat styles 2026, your "Father" stats (Kindness, Sternness, reliability) directly impact the passive buffs of your Dragon Style. Cooking the perfect meal in the new cooking minigame boosts your experience gain for the next 3 battles.
Make it a habit to return to the orphanage after every major story chapter. New conversations and requests will pop up that are time-sensitive. Ignoring them won't fail the game, but you will miss out on the "Dragon’s Will" amulet, an accessory that significantly reduces Heat usage.
