The latestYakuzaspin-off is here, andLost Judgmentis the second installment of detective Takayuki Yagami’s story. Following his adventures down the dangerous streets of Kamurocho, players are immersed in the bright and interesting world.
RELATEDUnresolved Mysteries In The Yakuza Series
There is alotinvolved inLostJudgment.Following on from the 2018 release of the same name,Judgmentpicks up with the same fighting styles and wacky side-quests. But be warned - there are some easily made mistakes that will (somewhat) hinder the game! Here’s a set of frequently made blunders so that players can avoid them, and improve their own abilities.
10Expecting An Instant Open-World
Anyone who has playedaYakuzagameshould know by now that it isn’t really possible to go guns-blazing into an open world immediately.Lost Judgmentis no different. While there is some room for exploration early on, it is best not to get too tied up with it for the time being.
Players are advised tostick with the story - through chapters three and fourat least - before they attempt to go running around Kamurocho and its seedy streets. After this point in the story, the map will be unlocked and Yagami can run around any and every square inch as he pleases.
9Resetting Conversations By Accident
Here’s something that will stop a lot of players from getting quite irritated quite quickly.Lost Judgment, like any of theYakuzagames, is filled with speech and side-quests. It seems like every character wants to talk to Takayuki!
However:don’t let the conversations reset. Movingat all -even small movements - while in the middle of a conversation will tell the game that the player has ended the chat. This means that any of the elapsed speech will need to be redone to complete it. Rule of thumb? Hands off the controller while in conversation.
8Not Visiting Eateries
As well as stocking up on items in the inventory, it is recommended tostop by some restaurants and sample the offeringsonce in a while. Not only do the meals look (and probably taste) amazing, but they can add some extra effects.
RELATEDThe Best Mods For Yakuza 0
Certain meals can add extra buffs: these are known as Lucky Items. These meals can provide skill points, as well as stat changes and healing actions. While in the restaurants, buy some stacks of takeaway food, too, as Yagami can hold up to ten in his inventory at a time.
7Forgetting To Upgrade Battle Bonus Tiers
Another common mistake that players make isspending their points unwisely. This includesforgetting to upgrade certain areas like the Battle Bonus! Found in the skills menu, it is one of many perks available for improvement by spending SP Points.
The Battle Bonus upgrade will earn players more SP after battles - which really helps in the long run as they will stack up quickly, and can be spent on otherfight-related upgrades! Some players forget about this option, but really, it is a worthwhile perk to boost as soon as possible.
6Ignoring The Tailing Skills Section
A point of contention inLost Judgmentis the less-than-impressive tailing sections of the game.The stealth aspect often doesn’t fill players with glee. In typical fashion, however, the more players do the sections, the better their character will get at them and so makes them easier in the future.
RELATEDYakuza: The Games' Combat Systems Ranked
The Tailing Skills areneeded for some side cases, too, so completionists should aim to get them out of the way quickly. Some skills can help ease the pain of the target tailing sections, such as the Master of Deception and Target Locked skills.
5Ignoring Areas And Items
Yakuzaseries games are big. Really big. So it’s understandable that some players might cut some corners and not want to spend extra hours traipsing into every dark alleyway. But… it is recommended that you do!Check every building. Every corner of every car park.
Loot pick-ups will keep any player going during their play ofLost Judgment. Interesting healing items, boosters, and lucrative objects can be found in every corner of the map, as can secrets and cool easter eggs. Heck, there’s evena set of squirrel-shaped statuesthat can be found!
4Skipping The Sega Arcade
A classic and recurring feature ofYakuzagames and its spin-offs is theClub Sega Arcades: treasure troves of mini-gamesand machines to waste many a Yen in. These bright and boisterous buildings have a range of games available that players can actually have a go at within the game!
Recently, it was announced thatSonic the Fighterswould be available inLost Judgment’s arcades- breathing life back into the 1996 title. This joins a cool lineup along withSpace Harrier, Alien Syndrome,andHama Of The Dead,reminiscent of pivotalHouse Of The Dead, made just for theJudgmentarcades!
3Forgetting To Unlock Wall Jumps
Here is a key ability that some players miss:wall jump attacks are not automatically available. Players will need to unlock them. It can be found in the Skills app on Yagami’s phone and unlocked for a reasonable cost of 600 skill points.
RELATEDDetective Games To Play If You Love Lost Judgment
The wall jump attack is incredibly handy in fights for combat and escape - by moving towards a wall and pressing the jump button, Yagami will pounce upon his foes from an elevated height. The attack can also be used with EX actions!
2Not Using The Skate Board To Move
Sometimes, as a high-profile detective, players might not want to get into every scuffle they see on the street. But how can they be avoided? Quite easily, actually. In chapter 3, Yagami gains the use of a skateboard.
Players canhop on their cool board and skate straight past enemies. It doesn’t trigger a fight! Even if foes do start to come after Yagami, he can outrun them on the skateboard as it is quite fast! Note: don’t drink and skate. Not only is it irresponsible, but being ‘drunk’ inJudgmentmakes everything very hard.
1Abandoning The Climbing Gauge
This is an unusual hint for aYakuzagame, it has to be said. But it is nevertheless an overlooked issue by a lot of players. Like a lot of themost beloved RPGs,Judgmentfeatures a stamina gauge.
Known in-game asthe ‘Grip Gauge’, the stamina measure can be upgraded (thankfully). Players will need to use it for various quests, as well as spidering their way around Ijincho. The gauge can be upgraded three separate times in the skill menu, costing between 1,200 and 20,000 SP. We recommend doing this before losing grip on the story.
Lost Judgmentwas released on Jul 31, 2025, and is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
