It seems like folly to take on armed rebels in Like a Dragon: Ishin with nothing but Ryōma’s bare hands. But it worked for his modern-day counterpart Kazuma Kiryu in the other Yakuza games. In fact, Ryōma’s Brawler style is one of his more reliable fighting styles thanks to its stability and agility.
Even so, Ryōma needs to build up his skills to get the best out of Brawler. This fighting style has some powerful moves, but if the player has XP and orbs to spare, these are the best Brawler Skills in Like aDragon: Ishin that players should unlock as soon as possible.
5 Komaki Dharma Tumbler
The first move Ryōma needs is a simple dodge roll. As tame as it sounds, the Komaki Dharma Tumbler has been a necessity for Yakuza protagonists since the series’ beginning. It helps them move better around their foes, either dodging narrow attacks or giving the player more breathing room to work with.
It doesn’t take much to get it either. Simply find Komaki’s dojo and start his training. The Dharma Tumbler will be the first thing the old man teaches Ryōma. Once completed, the skill will be unlocked on the Skill Tree. Then the player can use one of Ryōma’s orbs to make it part of his move list and roll to their heart’s content.
4 Knowledge of Fortitude
Unless the player is an action game machine, they’re eventually going to get knocked down to the ground in a fight. Maybe a goon got a lucky shot in, a boss smashed into them, or some other obstacle toppled them. Either way, getting grounded isn’t a bad thing. It’s staying on the ground that’s the problem.
Normally, Ryōma will take his time getting back up, and be left open to any follow-up attacks. But with the Knowledge of Fortitude, he’ll get up much faster to avoid any errant strikes and take the fight back to the grunts. It doesn’t require any training either; just enough XP and an orb for the Skill Tree.
3 Essence of Mighty Strikes
The Heat Actions are a key part of Ryōma’s move set. They’re powerful attacks that can take out one or even groups of opponents with a single button press, depending on the situation, at the cost of the Heat Gauge. For example, if Ryōma has a mikan (orange) in his inventory, he’ll shove it in a goon’s mouth and show them a new way to drink orange juice.
The Essence of Mighty Strikes is simpler by comparison. Once unlocked, Ryōma will grab a foe by their scruff of their outfit, smash them in the face with two punches, then knock them down with a hard headbutt. On its own, it’s a decent if basic damage dealer when grabbing goons.
2 Essence of Dragon Strikes
The real reason to unlock Mighty Strikes is to get this follow-up. Ryōma will skip doing a headbutt, and instead swing his unfortunate foe around into any surrounding goons. Then he finishes them off by chucking them into another unassuming mook.
It’s a great move for controlling the crowds, as it’ll leave Ryōma in the clear and ready to face any stragglers. Just unlock the Mighty Strikes, then use a spare orb to unleash the Dragon on anyone foolish enough to take Ryōma on.
1 Iaido Knowledge
Finally, Ryōma can pick up spare weapons like spears, blades, and guns beyond his own katana and pistol. They don’t usually last long, breaking once their durability runs out, but they can be handy in a pinch. Like providing extra range, extra damage, or some nasty Heat actions.
If Ryōma stashes them away, he can do a quick-draw attack when switching to a gun or sword in Brawler style. It can be improved with a little Iaido Knowledge too, making it faster and do more damage. Simple as it is, it can be enough to provide an opening for more attacks.
Like a Dragon: Ishin! is available now for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.