InYakuza: Like a Dragon, players are introduced to a whole new set of RPG-inspired mechanics, where leveling up and upgrading gear becomes essential for progressing through the game’s more difficult battles. One of the most valuable and sought-after items in the game is theGold Ingot. This shimmering bar of precious metal is not just a high-priced item, but a core component in crafting and upgrading powerful weapons and gear. Understanding how to obtain Gold Ingots and use them efficiently is crucial for players looking to maximize their combat potential in Yokohama.
What Is a Gold Ingot in Yakuza: Like a Dragon?
Gold Ingots are valuable items primarily used in the crafting and enhancement of weapons and armor. These materials are essential when visiting Romance Workshop, the crafting station where Ichiban and his crew can upgrade their gear to match the rising difficulty of enemies, especially in the later chapters of the game.
Primary Uses of Gold Ingots
- Used to upgrade high-tier weapons and gear
- Can be sold for a large amount of yen if needed
- Often required in crafting the strongest job-specific weapons
While players may be tempted to sell Gold Ingots due to their high value (typically around Â¥100,000 each), it’s generally recommended to keep them for weapon enhancement unless you’re desperate for cash. They are more difficult to come by than yen, especially early on.
How to Get Gold Ingots
Gold Ingots are not something players will stumble upon frequently. Instead, there are several specific methods to obtain them, most of which involve effort, investment, or a bit of grinding. Below are the most effective ways to acquire Gold Ingots inYakuza: Like a Dragon.
1. Romance Workshop Crafting
One of the most direct ways to obtain a Gold Ingot is by crafting it at the Romance Workshop. To do this, you will need to gather the required materials and yen, and also ensure the workshop has been sufficiently upgraded to unlock the recipe.
- Required Materials: 10 Gold Bars
- Workshop Level: At least Level 3
- Cost: Approximately ¥10,000¥20,000
This method takes time, especially since Gold Bars are themselves rare, but it offers a reliable route to upgrading your gear when you’re unable to find Ingots elsewhere.
2. Dungeon Farming
Certain dungeons, such as the Sotenbori Battle Arena or the Yokohama Underground Dungeon, are good sources of high-value loot. In these areas, you may occasionally find Gold Ingots either in treasure chests or as enemy drops, particularly in the later stages.
It’s recommended to run these dungeons after Chapter 12, when higher-tier items begin to appear more frequently. Equipping gear or accessories that boost item drops can also increase your chances.
3. Completing Substories and Side Missions
Some substories and side missions reward players with rare materials, including Gold Ingots. While these are not always guaranteed, it’s worth checking your map and completing any available side content. Not only will you gain experience and yen, but you may also walk away with a valuable crafting material.
4. Business Management Minigame Rewards
One of the most efficient and consistent ways to farm resources including Gold Ingots is through the Business Management minigame. Once Ichiban becomes president of Ichiban Confections, he can earn regular shareholder meeting bonuses and receive valuable gifts for hitting profit milestones.
At certain shareholder rank levels or through management achievements, you may receive Gold Ingots as a reward. This method is a long-term investment but offers passive income and useful items as a bonus.
Should You Sell Gold Ingots?
While Gold Ingots can be sold for a high price, it’s generally not recommended to do so unless you are absolutely in need of cash. Crafting and enhancing weapons at higher levels almost always requires these materials, and they’re harder to come by than money.
Instead, if you’re low on funds, focus on maximizing profits through the business management minigame or selling more common valuables like bronze or silver plates. These can be found throughout the game world or received through part-time hero quests.
Best Time to Use Gold Ingots
Timing is everything when it comes to crafting inYakuza: Like a Dragon. You should aim to use Gold Ingots during the mid-to-late chapters of the game, particularly:
- Chapter 10 and Beyond: Enemies start becoming tougher and standard weapons won’t cut it.
- Job Weapon Upgrades: When you’re ready to upgrade job-specific weapons to their EX versions.
- Endgame Content: Including the True Final Millennium Tower, which requires top-tier gear.
Using Gold Ingots earlier may result in wasting a rare resource on gear that will soon be outclassed. Make sure the weapon or armor you’re upgrading is part of your final build or extremely efficient for your current setup.
Where to Farm Gold Bars for Ingot Crafting
Because crafting a Gold Ingot requires Gold Bars, you’ll need a good source for these as well. Like Ingots, Gold Bars are not handed out generously. Here are a few places to farm Gold Bars:
- Part-Time Hero Quests: Some of these offer Gold Bars as completion rewards.
- Dungeon Chests: Especially in the later floors of Sotenbori Battle Arena.
- Shop Purchase (Limited): Some bars can be bought from shops like Benten Pawn, though they are expensive.
Once you’ve gathered 10 Gold Bars, return to Romance Workshop and craft a Gold Ingot when you’re ready. Be sure you’ve upgraded the workshop and paid the necessary fee before starting the process.
Optimizing Gold Ingot Usage
For players aiming for efficiency, here are some final tips to make the most of your Gold Ingots:
- Save Before Crafting: Always save your game before committing rare resources in case you change your mind.
- Focus on Core Team Members: Upgrade weapons for characters you use consistently, like Ichiban, Zhao, or Adachi.
- Check Material Requirements First: Some weapons may require other rare items in addition to Gold Ingots, so make sure you can afford the full upgrade.
TheGold IngotinYakuza: Like a Dragonis far more than just a high-priced collectible. It represents progression, strategy, and preparation for the toughest battles the game throws at you. Whether you earn them through dungeons, business management, or crafting, Gold Ingots are a symbol of growth in Ichiban’s journey. Use them wisely, and you’ll be equipped to take on anything Yokohama has to offer from street thugs to legendary bosses. Always keep an eye out for these golden treasures; they may be rare, but their impact on your game is invaluable.