Yakuza 3 Substories - Complete Guide

Side stories are a big part of what makes Yakuza 3 fun. The main story is about Kazuma Kiryu trying to balance family, crime, and doing what's right.

But the side stories? They're where the series really shines, mixing funny moments with sad ones and showing how weird people can be.

In Yakuza 3, these side stories aren't just things you can skip. They help you explore the in-game world, get to know the characters better, and earn cool stuff. Plus, they're a nice change from the serious tone of the main story.

In this guide, we'll go over:

• The total number of side stories in Yakuza 3

• When and where you can find them

• Side stories specific to Okinawa and Kamurocho

• Side stories you might miss

• What you get for finishing them and tips on how to do it

How Many Substories Are in Yakuza 3?

Yakuza 3 Remastered has 119 substories.

You'll find them in two main locations:

• Okinawa (Ryukyu) - at the beginning of the game

• Kamurocho - later on

Keep in mind that some substories can only be played during certain chapters, at certain times of the day, or only after you finish other related substories.

How Substories Work in Yakuza 3

Substories usually kick off when:

• Kiryu hears someone talking.

• Someone walks up to him.

• You go to a certain spot.

• You talk to someone who seems shady.

After that, you'll see the substory in your mission log. They usually involve things like:

• Picking what to say in conversations.

• Fighting.

• Playing mini-games.

• Finding or bringing items.

Okinawa Substories (Ryukyu)

Okinawa stories often explore:

• Daily life

• Local issues

• Funny mix-ups

• Kiryu acting as a guardian instead of a Yakuza

Notable Okinawa Substories

• Helping locals avoid scams.

• Supporting the kids at Morning Glory Orphanage.

• Settling arguments between shopkeepers.

• Helping tourists get around and understand the local culture.

These side stories create a more relaxed and personal feel than Kamurocho usually has.

Kamurocho Substories

Kamurocho side stories? Expect a wild ride filled with:

• Shady deals

• Secretive businesses

• Famous faces

• Crazy situations that get way out of hand

They really capture the city's wild and dangerous vibe.

Common Kamurocho Substory Themes

• Fake charities and scams: Spotting the phonies.

• Hostess club drama: The real stories.

• Underground fighting rings: A look inside.

• Celebrity impersonators: More than just look-alikes.

• Moral lessons: Separating fact from fiction.

Missable Substories in Yakuza 3

Yep, you can miss some substories.

Why Substories Can Be Missed

• Chapter-specific availability

• Certain substories only appear before major story events

• Location access changes after story progression

Important Tip

For a perfect game completion, I advise you to:

• Do substories when they pop up.

• Keep an eye on your map for substory icons.

• Take your time with the main story.

Substory Chains and Prerequisites

Some side stories come in a series.

Keep this in mind:

• Finishing one will make another available later.

• Your choices can change what happens in later quests.

• You might see the same characters more than once.

• If you don't finish earlier parts, you might not be able to start later side stories.

Rewards for Completing Substories

Substories give players rewards like:

• Money

• Items and weapons

• Hostess unlocks

• Experience and upgrades

• Completion points

And some substories even unlock:

• Heat actions

• Equipment upgrades

• Special abilities

While not every reward is a must-have, many help you fight better and move through the game faster.

Completion Rewards

Finishing lots of substories helps you:

• Make progress on your Completion List.

• Get achievements/trophies.

• Earn ultimate rewards for finishing everything in the game.

If you're going for the platinum trophy, you'll need to do a lot of substories.

Substories and Combat Difficulty

A lot of substories have fights that can be pretty rough.

• They're harder than the usual street brawls you find.

• Often, you'll be up against several enemies at once.

• Just mashing buttons won't get you through these fights.

Finishing these substories early on can be quite a test, but the rewards you get usually make it worth your time.

Substories vs Main Story Tone

Yakuza 3 stands out because of its changes in tone.

This mix is what makes the Yakuza games special.

Tips for Completing All Substories

1. Take your time and look around carefully.

2. Chat with all the characters you meet, even if there's no quest marker.

3. Go back to old places as the story moves forward.

4. Keep some extra supplies and cash on you.

5. Save your game often, especially before trying something new.

Side stories are more fun if you're curious, not just trying to get through them fast.

Are Substories Worth Doing?

Sure.

Substories:

• They add to Kiryu’s character.

• They flesh out Okinawa and Kamurocho.

• They are the reason for some of the series’ most memorable moments.

• They make the gameplay more interesting.

If you skip them, you'll miss a lot of what makes Yakuza great.

Yakuza 3 Substories Compared to Other Yakuza Games

Here's what to expect from Yakuza 3's substories, compared to later games:

• The gameplay in substories is not as complex.

• The writing is still great.

• The humor is more subtle.

• The rewards aren't extravagant, but they're still worth getting.

Yakuza 3 focuses on more relatable, everyday stories.

Final Verdict

The side stories in Yakuza 3? They're not just there to take up space.

They actually:

• Give the game its own special feel.

• Lighten the mood when the main story gets intense.

• Make it worth your time to check everything out.

• Can be funny and even tug at your heartstrings.

To really get everything out of Yakuza 3, doing these side stories isn't just a good idea it's a must.