How to Recruit Eri Kamataki in Yakuza: Like a Dragon: A Comprehensive Guide
The question on every Yakuza: Like a Dragon player’s mind, “How do you recruit Eri?”, is a valid one. Unlike other party members who join automatically through the story, Eri Kamataki is a secret, missable character. You can only recruit her by successfully navigating the game’s Business Management minigame and taking Ichiban Confections to the top. In short, to recruit Eri, you must elevate Ichiban Confections to Rank 100 or higher within the Company Rank system. This requires significant effort and understanding of the game’s business management mechanics, making her a unique and rewarding addition to your party.
The Path to Recruiting Eri
Recruiting Eri is not a simple case of progressing through the main storyline. It requires you to delve into the Ichiban Confections storyline, which introduces the Business Management minigame. This isn’t simply an optional side activity; it is the only way to recruit her. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
1. Unlocking the Business Management Minigame
The Business Management minigame becomes available about halfway through Chapter 5. You’ll be introduced to Eri, a struggling business owner needing Ichiban’s help. This is when Ichiban Confections starts, your mission to revive Eri’s rice cracker company.
2. Mastering the Minigame
The core of recruiting Eri lies in excelling at the Business Management minigame. This involves:
- Hiring Employees: You need a team. Some employees are available from the Recruitment List, while others might join after a successful business session or Shareholder Meeting. Some also join from completing Substories. DLC employees can also be obtained.
- Planning Business Sessions: You’ll choose employees to manage operations and focus on growth, making strategic decisions for the company.
- Shareholder Meetings: Here you’ll defend your decisions, responding to questions from stakeholders to maintain their confidence and company rank. Successfully passing these meetings is essential to growing the company.
- Investing and Expanding: You must continually invest in your business, improving facilities, purchasing new ones, and expanding to other locations.
- Increasing Share Prices and Rank: The ultimate goal is to increase the company’s share price and climb the company rank ladder.
3. Reaching Rank 100
This is the main hurdle. You must reach Rank 100 or higher with Ichiban Confections. It’s a process that takes time, strategic thinking, and efficient use of the Business Management minigame mechanics. The higher your rank, the more your company is valued.
4. The Recruitment Event
Once Ichiban Confections hits Rank 100, the game will trigger a specific event. Kasuga will invite Eri to the Survive Bar to celebrate the company’s success. Upon arriving at the bar, talking to Eri, who will be there with your other party members, will start a cutscene. After this cutscene, Eri will officially join your party.
Why Recruit Eri?
Eri isn’t just another party member; she’s a valuable addition for several reasons:
- Unique Skills: Eri brings a unique blend of combat abilities, which includes healing and buffs, making her a versatile party member.
- Character Depth: Her storyline within the Business Management minigame reveals more about her personality and background, adding to her appeal.
- Optional Challenge: Eri is the only truly optional party member. Recruiting her is a rewarding achievement that showcases your skills in the management sim.
- Romance Potential: Beyond party membership, you can max out Eri’s bond and even pursue a romantic relationship with her, further enriching your gaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Eri the only missable party member in Yakuza: Like a Dragon?
Yes, Eri is the only missable party member in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. The other characters join through story progression.
2. Can I skip the Business Management minigame entirely?
Yes, you can, but skipping it means missing out on recruiting Eri. You are able to skip the minigame after your first mandatory meeting, thus allowing you to potentially not obtain Eri.
3. How important is Business Management to progress in the main story?
The Business Management minigame is not essential to progress the main story. However, it’s a crucial component to recruit Eri, and it also provides access to valuable money and items.
4. How do I romance Eri in Yakuza: Like a Dragon?
To romance Eri, you must first achieve Rank 100 with Ichiban Confections. This will max out her bond level and allow you to invite her on a date. Following the dating cutscene and a second cutscene at Survive bar will then trigger a romantic relationship.
5. What is the best way to increase my Share Price rank?
Focus on hiring high-quality employees, investing in facilities, and performing well at Shareholder Meetings. Be sure to balance your company and focus on all areas.
6. What is Eri’s age in Yakuza: Like a Dragon?
Eri’s birthday is April 7th, 1995, making her twenty-four years old during the events of Like a Dragon.
7. Is Eri a real person?
Yes, Eri Kamataki is portrayed by a real person, a Japanese model and actress who also provides her voice for the character.
8. Is Eri a good party member?
Yes, Eri is considered a valuable party member. She has a good mix of skills, especially in supporting and healing.
9. What is the max level in Yakuza: Like a Dragon?
The max character level in Yakuza: Like a Dragon is 99.
10. Is Kiryu in Yakuza: Like a Dragon?
Yes, Kiryu appears as a supporting character in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and you even get to fight him as a boss battle.
11. Can you beat Kiryu in Yakuza: Like a Dragon?
Yes, you can beat Kiryu as a secret boss. You may need a strong team and good strategy.
12. Who is the secret boss in Yakuza: Like a Dragon?
Shin Amon is the secret boss you can face in Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
13. Where can I find new employees in the Business Management minigame?
You can find employees in the Recruitment List, from business events, by completing substories, or through DLC.
14. What is Ichiban’s tattoo?
Ichiban’s tattoo is a “ryuugyo”, a dragon-like fish that represents the midway point of a fish transforming into a dragon.
15. What is the sequel to Yakuza: Like a Dragon?
The sequel to Yakuza: Like a Dragon is Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, which is set to be released in 2024.
Conclusion
Recruiting Eri in Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a unique experience that showcases your proficiency in the Business Management minigame. She’s not just an optional character; she’s a worthwhile addition to your party, both for her combat abilities and her compelling personal story. By understanding the steps involved and excelling at the business simulation, you can unlock Eri and enjoy all that she brings to the game. Remember, the path to her lies in your managerial prowess and your dedication to Ichiban Confections. Happy gaming, and may your rice crackers be ever so profitable!