How Many Hours Does It Take to 100% Yakuza 0? A Comprehensive Guide
The burning question for any completionist diving into the neon-lit world of 1980s Japan: how long will it take to truly conquer Yakuza 0? The answer, while not exact, sits comfortably around the 140-hour mark. This impressive time investment separates the casual player from the dedicated, showcasing just how much content Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio packed into this prequel masterpiece. Reaching the credits is just the beginning; true completion requires meticulous attention to every side quest, mini-game, and hidden challenge. This guide will delve into the depths of what makes Yakuza 0’s completion so time-consuming, and answer some frequently asked questions to help you plan your own journey.
Understanding the 100% Completion in Yakuza 0
What exactly does “100% completion” entail in Yakuza 0? It’s not simply finishing the main storyline. The game presents a comprehensive completion list, a detailed menu that acts as a checklist for every significant activity. This list includes, but is not limited to:
- Completing all substories: These are the side quests that pepper the streets of Kamurocho and Sotenbori, often offering unique stories and rewards.
- Mastering mini-games: Yakuza 0 is packed with mini-games, from karaoke and disco dancing to arcade classics like OutRun and challenging batting cages. Each has its own set of achievements and specific requirements for completion.
- Building your Real Estate Royale and Cabaret Club Czar empires: These business management mini-games consume substantial time, but are integral to progressing your characters and earning specific upgrades.
- Achieving specific combat challenges: Certain combat styles, such as completing the heat action list, will require a high level of skill and dedication.
- Defeating all secret bosses: The formidable Amon Clan and other secret bosses stand as the ultimate combat challenges, testing your mastery of the game’s fighting systems.
- Collecting all unlockables: This includes items, weapons, armor and completing specific character objectives like completing the CP requirements.
- Fully leveling up characters: Earning enough experience to unlock all character combat skill will take a significant amount of time.
Factors Influencing Playtime
While 140 hours is a good benchmark, your playtime can fluctuate based on several factors:
- Your experience with Yakuza games: If you are already familiar with the franchise, and you have played similar games, you’ll likely be more efficient with the combat and mechanics, leading to a faster overall completion.
- Your approach to the game: Do you follow guides to ensure efficient completion, or do you prefer to discover everything naturally? The latter approach, while more rewarding to some, will dramatically increase your total playtime.
- Your proficiency at mini-games: Some mini-games, like karaoke and the disco, can be challenging. If you struggle with these, your playtime will increase.
- How much time is spent completing each substory: As they are numerous and can be skipped entirely, the playtime for completionists will increase accordingly.
Why the Time Investment is Worth It
Despite the considerable time commitment, many Yakuza fans consider Yakuza 0’s 100% completion to be exceptionally rewarding. The sheer depth of content, coupled with the engaging narrative, captivating characters, and the over-the-top action, makes the journey enjoyable. The game provides you with everything you need to track progress, making it a very manageable checklist for completionists.
Is 140 Hours a Lot?
Yes, 140 hours is a significant amount of time to spend on a single game. However, Yakuza 0 isn’t just a game; it’s an experience. The 140 hours isn’t just grinding, it’s experiencing some of the best the series has to offer, including the complex, emotional story and the quirky, addictive mini-games. Think of it as a long and compelling novel that you get to actively participate in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Yakuza 0 the longest Yakuza game?
No, while Yakuza 0 is lengthy with around 140 hours for full completion, Yakuza 5 is generally considered the longest in the series due to its multiple protagonists and vast scope.
2. Can you 100% Yakuza 0 after finishing the main story?
Yes! Like many open-world games, you can continue to work towards 100% completion even after beating the final boss. There is a completion list to aid you with this.
3. How long is the final chapter of Yakuza 0?
The final chapter, consisting of multiple boss fights and the ending, usually takes around 2 hours, though you can’t save during this period, you are clearly headed for the end of the story.
4. Does Yakuza 0 have a lengthy tutorial?
No, the tutorial is very brief and barebones. The game introduces mechanics through pop-up explanations as you encounter them.
5. What’s the shortest Yakuza game?
While the article doesn’t specifically state which is the shortest, it does rank games by completion time with Yakuza Kiwami being one of the shortest, at around 80 hours.
6. Does Yakuza 0 start off slowly?
Yes, the early parts of Yakuza 0 can feel slow for some players, especially the beginning with Nishikiyama.
7. Who is the killer in Yakuza 0?
While not definitively stated, it’s heavily implied that Lao Gui murdered Taichi Kurihara, framing Kiryu.
8. How many endings does Yakuza 0 have?
Yakuza 0 has only one ending.
9. How much time passed between Yakuza 0 and Yakuza 1?
The events of Yakuza 1 take place six years after Yakuza 0.
10. Can you romance in Yakuza 0?
While not traditional romances, you can date women through the telephone club mini-game.
11. Can I skip Yakuza 0?
While you can, it is not recommended as Yakuza 0 is often considered one of the best games in the series and provides crucial context for later games.
12. Who owns the empty lot at the end of Yakuza 0?
The empty lot’s owner is Makoto Makimura, Tachibana’s estranged sister.
13. Which Yakuza game is the grindiest?
Yakuza Ishin and HGG are often cited as the grindiest, due to ingredient gathering.
14. Which Yakuza game has OutRun?
Yakuza 0 features OutRun as a playable arcade game.
15. Does Kiryu go to jail in Yakuza 0?
No, Kiryu does not go to jail in Yakuza 0. He goes to jail at the beginning of Yakuza 1 due to taking the blame for a crime he did not commit.
Conclusion
Reaching 100% completion in Yakuza 0 is a marathon, not a sprint. With approximately 140 hours of gameplay, it requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to explore every nook and cranny of its vibrant world. However, the journey is filled with engaging stories, over-the-top action, and quirky characters, making it a rewarding and memorable experience for any completionist. So, prepare yourself, immerse in the vibrant 80s, and get ready for a truly unforgettable gaming adventure.