Useful Beginner Gameplay Tips

Download Free DLC: Access the PlayStation Store for the free Densetsu Pack (8 new weapons, 14 new firearms) and Patriot Pack (casino cheat items, weapon upgrade materials). Talk to Bob Utsunomiya B at Naomi's Place for the Densetsu Pack and Igita at the back of Kamiyama's van for the Patriot Pack. The Patriot Pack's casino items can be used to earn significant money at the Rune Casino in the Ryugujo during Akiyama's chapter 3. Note: These DLC are pre-installed or available via updates in European and Japanese versions, respectively.

Understand Movement: Recognize that movement and aiming are directly based on your character's positioning, not the camera. All directional actions (dodges, kicks, grenade throws, strafes) are relative to where your character is facing.

Prioritize Early Abilities: Focus on upgrading Weapon Skill: Intermediate, Armor Skill: Intermediate, Head Lock-On, and alternating between Inventory Slots and Accessory Slots. The Leg Sweep ability is invaluable, especially on higher difficulties. On higher difficulties like Dead Souls mode, abilities that push zombies away are crucial; Unarmed Expertise can be more useful than the default kick.

Upgrade Kamiyama's Services: Prioritize upgrading Kamiyama's services as soon as possible. Earn money by playing Roulette at the Ryugujo casino in Akiyama's Chapter 3, using the Zero Jewel to bet on 0 or 00 for chips. Exchange these chips for money and use it to meet the ¥100,000, ¥300,000, and ¥1,000,000 total upgrade requirements for Kamiyama. This unlocks more items and reduces upgrade costs.

Upgrade Weapons: After upgrading Kamiyama's van and acquiring weapon/armor skills, upgrade your weapons. Blocks of Steel and Scrap Iron can be obtained from mutants and zombies in free roam (the open-world mode where you move and play without an active mission). High Density Polymer can be purchased cheaply from vendors in Akiyama's subterranea. Be mindful that these materials stack only up to 10.

Gary's Training Camp: At Gary's Training Camp, complete training to at least unlock the Wide Area Fire ability, which improves auto-aiming. Continue training, especially Field Combat courses, once partners are available to get accustomed to the game's aiming.

Complete Substories: Finish all substories for each character during their respective chapters. This grants a Design Source completion reward, allowing for the full upgrade of their unique weapon, which is a significant improvement.

Early Game Weapon Recommendations: The Hunting Shotgun and its upgrades (like the Flesh Shredder) are powerful early on, capable of knocking back large zombie groups. The New Balalaika is also effective for clearing groups with its rapid fire. A Grenade Launcher is recommended for panic situations with large enemy crowds.

Evening Event: The game features a single evening segment exclusively during Majima's chapter 2. If pursuing minigame completion, catch the evening-exclusive fish during this time, otherwise, you must wait until Premium Adventure.

Kiryu's Late-Game Weapons: Kiryu does not get his unique weapon until the Finale. Rely heavily on the assault rifle and Flesh Shredder shotgun, which share ammo. The assault rifle is good for groups, and the shotgun for mutants. All materials for assault rifle upgrades are available by Ryuji's part. In Premium New Game (NG+), Kiryu can use the Anti-Materiel Rifle from the start of his chapter 2.