In Yakuza 0, the role of money (yen) is pivotal to character progression, replacing the traditional experience points found in many other RPGs. Yen serves as your primary resource for unlocking and enhancing skills, which allows you to develop your characters, Kiryu and Goro, into formidable fighters.

Earning Money

You can earn money in a variety of ways throughout the game:

1. Main Story Missions: Completing the central narrative quests rewards you with significant amounts of yen, which is essential for progression.

2. Side Quests: Engaging in side quests not only enriches the story but also provides additional monetary rewards upon completion. These quests often feature unique challenges and interesting characters.

3. Mini-Games: A plethora of mini-games exists in Yakuza 0, ranging from arcade games to playful betting games, all of which can yield substantial financial rewards.

4. Business Ventures: One of the standout mechanics in the game is the Real Estate Royale minigame. By investing in various properties, you can build a passive income stream that generates yen over time, adding a strategic layer to your financial growth.

Spending Money

Accrued yen can then be spent strategically to enhance Kiryu and Goro’s capabilities:

1. Skill Trees: Similar to leveling up, you can invest your money to buy new skills and moves from combat trainers, which unlock new abilities and enrich your combat styles. This investment is crucial for adapting to various combat scenarios throughout the game.

2. Equipment and Items: With yen, you can purchase equipment that enhances combat effectiveness and acquire items that can assist in battles or recovery.

3. Recruitment: You can also spend money to recruit various agents for crafting weapons and collecting materials, which adds another dimension to your gameplay and resource management.

Conclusion

In Yakuza 0, money is not just a means to an end; it represents a critical component of character development and combat readiness. Your ability to earn and wisely invest yen directly affects your progression and effectiveness in the game. Successful players will need to balance earning strategies and spending decisions to maximize their growth within the skill and combat systems, ensuring they can handle the challenges that lie ahead. Careful management of your finances is, therefore, essential for enjoying the full breadth of what Yakuza 0 has to offer.