Chapter 1: Hidden Dragon

After a brief cutscene (a non-interactive cinematic the game plays automatically) (a non-interactive story sequence), engage in combat. This section serves as a tutorial, so practice your Agent Style on enemies using the on-screen prompts. Pay attention to the instructions for using the Spider tool. Use your limited Agent tricks to defeat the initial group of enemies, then enjoy the title sequence.

Following a series of cutscenes detailing Kiryu's current situation and catching you up on elements from Yakuza 6, you will find yourself in the harbor district of Yokohama. Your immediate objective is to the west, marked in yellow on your minimap (the small circular map in the bottom-left corner of your screen) (a small map usually in the corner of the HUD (heads-up display — the on-screen icons showing health, ammo and the minimap) - Heads-Up Display). Speak to nearby agents; one will give you a Tauriner (an item that restores health) and another a Staminan X (an item that restores health and boosts abilities).

Proceed to the marked location. You will encounter another fight against an upstart opponent. Utilize your Heat Actions (special powerful moves) and grab nearby objects to assist in defeating him.

Next, you will face a group of enemies where the tutorial focuses on "Extreme Heat." Activating this in Agent Style provides wide-sweeping attacks, ideal for clearing out multiple enemies.

After these fights, Kiryu's handler, Hanawa, will give you a catalog. This unlocks the "Upgrade Abilities" tab in the menu. You can spend money to purchase Abilities, though only a few are available initially; more will unlock later. You may purchase some Abilities now, but you will likely only have enough money for a few.

You will immediately enter another fight, this time against bat-wielding foes. This is not a tutorial, so use the skills you have learned. Grab a dropped bat to even the odds, as weapons deal significant damage. After defeating the first group, a cutscene will play, followed by a fight against a larger group, including a "mini-boss" who is better at dodging. It is recommended to defeat the surrounding enemies first, saving the mini-boss for last. Conserve your Heat (a resource used for special moves) for him.

Following this event, Kiryu will discuss the situation with Hanawa at the Daidoji Temple. To investigate the attack, Kiryu will travel to Isezaki Ijincho in Yokohama. You will be restricted to a specific section of the city, which will remain consistent throughout the game, but several locations are accessible.

Follow the marker on your minimap to the south. You may encounter your first random battle on the street. You can choose to engage them or walk past slowly, and they will likely ignore you.

Continue east and you will pass Benten Pawn. This is a shop that sells Gear and Recovery Items.

Proceed east towards the next marker to be introduced to "Out of Reach Items." Use your wire to retrieve a Soccer Ball for a child and return it.

Continue southeast to the marked location. You can explore the area and practice on local minigames, which will be available later. When ready, follow the prompt to proceed.

After some spying, you will fight another group of six enemies, one of whom has a gun. Prioritize eliminating the gunman to prevent ranged attacks. You can pick up his gun and use it as a weapon.

Your next fight is in a parking garage against eight enemies with various weapons. After this fight, you will face your first boss, a MAN IN A SUIT. Bosses are generally wise to simple tactics. The basic strategy is to wait for them to attack, quickstep (a rapid dodge maneuver) away, and then punish them. Be aware that some bosses may break away from combos quickly. Use environmental weapons and your Heat Actions. When the boss reaches half health, you will be introduced to the "Ultimate Attack - Ultimate Counter" mechanic. Use it for extra damage and finish him off.

Hanawa will arrive, but you will be attacked en route by another fight, this time against a MAN IN A HANNYA MASK. This unarmed opponent has wide swings. Defeat him to win.

The Man in the Hannya Mask will get back up and taunt you. You will receive another tutorial for the Yakuza Style. Switch to it and utilize its charge hits, which can help cause more damage and disrupt enemy timing. This foe now has two health bars and an Ultimate Attack. From this point on, all bosses will have an Ultimate Attack.