As far as palaces go, Kaneshiro has one of the hardest to navigate. With a snaking path that will take players back and forth, through vents and a seemingly neverending series of hallways, it's crucial to have a gameplan as soon the entrance is opened. Getting lost is a serious possibility that will only lead the thieves through waves of guard enemies, likely ending in frustration for all parties.
It's not only the maze-like path but the repeating clues that have to be found along the way, slowly but surely unlocking the paths to the shadow. The palace is also considerably more difficult than the previous 2, taking most by surprise and slowing down progress. Completing the vaults in 1 day in-game is a challenging task that most don't accomplish, creating a need to cut the time down as much as possible. Knowing the codes is the surest way to speed up the process, even with the guidance some patience is required to get through the string of vault doors.
4 Vault 1
The path to the vaults is not a straight forward one, stating all the way back at the entrance to the bank. The challenge begins with the entrance itself, hidden among a pig statue to the East of the building. From here it's a maze through the Front Hall, Banker's Passageway, and the Laundering Office, in alternating order. Facing patrol guards that vary from shadows to hounds and maneuvring surveillance cameras along the way, all leading up to the room where Shadow Kaneshiro makes his reveal.
Before players even reach the boss, he will flee amongst the enemies protecting him, but dropping the first part of the cypher code in the process. R=C=0, I=1,H=2. Once the elevator Kaneshiro ran down is taken, players will hit the Underground vault where an ATM can be found. The code is RICH, fitting for a bank and easy enough with the given piece of the code already.
3 Vault 2
The first room will have the first pig statue inside, giving the code P=1. Then the stairs to the southeast should be taken, leading to the second pig statue. This reveals that A=3 and E=9. Up the southern staircase and onto the next ATM, REAP will the code. Players will have to venture deeper into the vault and down the staircase again.
If treasure chests are a goal, there are 2 located on the path for the 2nd vault code. One at the entrance through 2 vault doors in the security area, another at the top of some shelves near the second pig statue. Taking a little extra time doesn't hurt, after all, Why break into a bank if you don't want some currency?
2 Vault 3
Here players will have to venture through an air duct at the top of the north wall, the room at the other side connects to the next vent. Entering a new hallway at the end, players will find a room with electricity blocking their path. A pig statue lies in the first door with the clue U=A. Taking the high path that leads to a staircase, another pig statue is to the south of the room. G=P is the code, triggering a watchdog fight.
A powerbox for the electricity that blocks the path is found on the path to the East, break it and the ATM is accessible. The code is HUGE and the vault doors will open.
The next ATM has no pin, only a directional code. It's also guarded by a very strong enemy that will put the gang to the test, a warmup fight for the big baddy. Once defeated, the ATM will be moved to the left revealing yet another, just activate and return to the original and move it to the right. Finally being able to enter vault 3, it only gets harder going forward.
1 Vault 4 ( Final Boss)
Once the players in, it's down to the Eastern staircase and onto the first room. Climb the stage in the middle of the room and move West into the vent. Open the gate in the proceeding room and enter the room with a power box on the right side of the hall. A pig statue holds the code O+H=10. Back to the big room and now north, players will see a smaller passage that holds the 2nd pig statue. D=G, L=U+G. Back into the previous room and go through the shortcut by using the Key Card Reader.
Back in the main room, climb the pallets. Move to the East and find a small vent along the wall, this will lead the gang to the final ATM. The pin is GOLD and the puzzle is now complete, back to the vault, and take the elevator to the treasure room. The vault must be reentered another day to trigger the boss fight, a fairly easy one that will seem like a walk in the park compared to the lengthy process the protagonist just endured.