Yakuza: Like A Dragon Job Guide – Every Unlockable Job And Which Ones Are Worth Your Time

Yakuza: Like a Dragon represents a significant genre shift, embracing traditional RPG mechanics with its innovative job system. This class-based approach allows characters to assume different professional roles, each offering unique combat abilities, stat bonuses, and tactical advantages.

The job system functions similarly to Final Fantasy’s class mechanics, enabling party members to switch between various professions. Each job provides distinct skill trees, stat growth patterns, and combat styles that dramatically alter battlefield performance. While completing the main story without job changes remains feasible, maximizing this system unlocks superior abilities and creates more dynamic combat encounters. Crucially, certain mastered skills become permanently available across all jobs, creating powerful character progression opportunities.

Understanding job synergies and skill inheritance is essential for optimizing your party’s effectiveness against challenging late-game content.

When Should I Start Exploring the Job System?

Initiate job experimentation during Chapter 5 when the employment office becomes accessible and multiple job options unlock simultaneously. This timing provides sufficient character levels to evaluate different roles effectively without sacrificing main story progression.

Common Mistake: Many players delay job exploration until post-game, missing crucial skill transfer opportunities that would have enhanced their entire playthrough. Begin testing alternative jobs as soon as three or four become available to identify complementary abilities.

Strategic Approach: Focus on mastering at least one additional job per character by mid-game to acquire transferable skills. Allocate 2-3 hours specifically for job testing and skill acquisition during Chapter 5-6 for optimal results.

What About the DLC Jobs?

Downloadable content jobs typically offer specialized abilities that complement base game roles. These often include unique elemental attacks, enhanced support capabilities, or unconventional combat styles that diversify tactical options.

Character-Exclusive Roles and Specializations

Each main character possesses unique default jobs that align with their personality and story role. These positions cannot be accessed by other party members, creating unique tactical niches within your team composition.

• Freelancer: Balanced stats with versatile skill access, ideal for newcomers learning combat mechanics
• Hero: Protagonist-exclusive role featuring high damage output and leadership abilities
• Homeless Guy: Specializes in environmental attacks and durability with unconventional combat styles
• Detective:
  • Excels at debuffing enemies and gathering battlefield intelligence
  • Provides unique crowd control options through investigative techniques
• Hitman: High single-target damage with precision attacks against priority targets
• Gangster: Area control specialist using intimidation and group combat tactics
• Barmaid: Support-focused role with healing capabilities and status effect removal
• Clerk: Merchant class utilizing economic tactics and item enhancement abilities

Optimization Tip: Master each character’s unique job first to unlock their most powerful innate abilities before branching into shared professions.

Gender-Restricted Professional Roles

Several jobs remain exclusively available to male characters, reflecting the game’s narrative setting. These roles provide diverse combat approaches and support capabilities that significantly impact team dynamics.

• Breaker:
  • Dance-based combat style with high mobility and multi-target attacks
  • Excellent for dealing with grouped enemies and applying status effects
• Foreman: Construction specialist utilizing heavy tools and area denial tactics
• Musician: Support class providing party-wide buffs and enemy distraction abilities
• Host: Charisma-based role focusing on social engineering and psychological warfare
• Bodyguard: Defensive specialist with high durability and protective abilities for allies
• Enforcer: Law enforcement specialist using crowd control and disabling attacks
• Chef: Culinary combatant employing kitchen tools and food-based healing techniques
• Fortuneteller: Mystic class utilizing elemental magic and predictive combat strategies

Advanced Strategy: Combine male-only jobs with character-specific roles to create hybrid builds that cover multiple tactical functions. For example, pairing Enforcer with defensive specialties creates nearly impervious tank characters.

Endgame Optimization and Team Building

Mastering the job system requires understanding advanced mechanics beyond basic role switching. Skill inheritance permanently enhances character capabilities across all professions.

Cross-Class Skill Synergies: Identify transferable skills that complement multiple job roles. Defensive abilities from Bodyguard combined with offensive skills from Hitman create versatile combat specialists.

Team Composition Principles: Balance your party with at least one dedicated healer, one damage dealer, and one tank role. The fourth slot should provide either additional damage or specialized utility based on current challenge requirements.

Common Pitfall: Avoid spreading skill points too thinly across numerous jobs. Focus on mastering 2-3 complementary roles per character rather than achieving minimal proficiency in many.

For comprehensive gameplay guidance, consult our complete RPG system overview covering additional progression mechanics.

Time Investment: Plan for approximately 15-20 hours of dedicated job mastery activities if aiming for complete optimization.

In Like a Dragon, your party members can acquire diverse combat capabilities through the job system, which becomes accessible around the midpoint of Chapter 5. Visit any Hello Work office and speak with Ririka to review available professions for each character. However, not every occupation unlocks simultaneously – many require reaching specific experience thresholds and developing sufficient bond levels with party members. For protagonist Kasuga Ichiban, certain advanced roles demand both level prerequisites and meeting stat benchmarks across multiple attributes.

Character progression gates influence job availability significantly. You’ll find distinct profession categories separated by gender, with each party member possessing at least one exclusive class nobody else can utilize. Kasuga stands out with two unique roles available only to him, providing specialized combat styles that complement his leadership position in the party.

Combat rewards two separate experience types: character EXP for base level progression and job EXP dedicated specifically to your current profession. Your selected occupation levels independently from your character, creating dual progression paths. At predetermined job levels, you’ll unlock either new class-specific techniques or receive permanent statistical enhancements that persist regardless of future job changes.

While most abilities learned through job advancement remain exclusive to that specific class, each profession contains two designated ‘Character Skills’ that become permanently accessible once acquired. These persistent skills remain available even when switching to different jobs, making some otherwise underwhelming classes valuable for their transferable abilities. Additionally, party members gain unique skills at every fifth character level that function across all classes, while Kasuga can obtain additional capabilities through the business management side content.

As highlighted in our Complete Guide, immediately embracing job-swapping upon availability often proves counterproductive. Early game job leveling progresses slowly, and transitioning too soon may deprive you of familiar abilities you’ve grown dependent on. The exception to this rule involves Saeko, who benefits tremendously from switching to the Idol class as soon as possible for enhanced support capabilities.

With Chapter 6 consisting largely of extended combat sequences, Chapter 7 presents the ideal timeframe to begin experimenting with different professions, particularly after recruiting Eri through business management activities. By this stage, you’ll also possess greater financial resources for purchasing class-specific weaponry that significantly impacts combat performance.

Job advancement accelerates dramatically during the late game when the Battle Arena unlocks in Chapter 12. Each encounter within this facility grants substantial job experience rewards, enabling rapid profession leveling even from lower-tier battles. This location also serves as an excellent grinding spot for character levels and equipment acquisition, which proves invaluable for overcoming Chapter 12’s notoriously challenging boss encounter.

Two premium DLC occupations exist outside the core experience: Devil Rocker for male characters and Matriarch for females. Since these represent paid additional content beyond the base game, they fall outside this guide’s scope. For comprehensive Weapons Unlock strategies and detailed Class Guide information, consult our specialized resources.

Default/Exclusive class of Kasuga Ichiban

Common Pitfall: Many players waste resources leveling multiple jobs simultaneously early game when focusing on one primary class until Chapter 7 yields better results. The most efficient approach involves mastering one profession to acquire its permanent Character Skills before transitioning to another, rather than distributing experience thinly across several classes.

Pro Tip: Create a skill acquisition spreadsheet tracking which permanent abilities you’ve obtained from each job. This prevents redundant leveling and ensures you maximize your character’s available techniques without unnecessary grinding.

TWO-SENTENCE SUMMARY: The Detective foundation serves adequately initially, but strategic class transition becomes essential for optimal performance as you progress through the campaign.

Default/Exclusive class of Joon-gi

Joon-gi’s signature Hitman specialization represents a devastating offensive powerhouse engineered for rapid, multi-faceted damage deployment. This combat archetype leverages exceptional agility to deliver both blunt trauma and specialized firearm/piercing strikes – the latter being particularly valuable since few enemies possess resistance to this damage category. This dual-damage versatility enables Hitman-equipped Joon-gi to adapt seamlessly across diverse combat scenarios. While certain abilities technically offer status impairment potential, their unreliable activation rates make pure damage output the primary focus. Early progression emphasizes single-target elimination, but the game-changing Heavenly Shot ability unlocked at job level 16 transforms him into arguably the most efficient area-of-effect clearer available.

The specialization capitalizes brilliantly on Joon-gi’s innate speed attributes but provides minimal compensation for his inherent defensive fragility, creating a classic glass cannon dynamic without proper equipment reinforcement. Mana pool limitations present additional challenges for this ability-dependent class, though strategic accessory selection can partially mitigate this constraint. During critical combat situations, the unique Banshee Bayonet technique offers emergency evasion by rendering him completely untargetable until his subsequent action cycle – though this affects both hostile and friendly targeting. Ultimately, Hitman stands as a premier offensive option that integrates effectively into virtually any party configuration and encounter type.

TWO-SENTENCE SUMMARY: Exceptional velocity and adaptable assault methodologies that prove effective against extensive enemy varieties. Strongly endorsed for damage-focused builds.

Default/Exclusive class of Zhao

Do you appreciate bone-crushing impacts? Do you favor precision blade work? The Gangster discipline delivers both combat philosophies simultaneously! Zhao evolves into an absolute offensive terror as a Gangster, mastering both concussive blunt-force techniques and razor-edged swordplay, including his standard assault maneuvers. The resultant damage output is monumental, with select techniques applying supplementary impairments like defense reduction and persistent bleeding damage as valuable secondary effects. With accessibility to dual assault categories (several incorporating debuffs) and extraordinary raw damage potential, Gangster legitimately contends for the title of the game’s most overwhelming offensive specialization.

However, anticipate exclusively offensive capabilities, as this class offers zero supportive or recuperative abilities. Zhao becomes entirely dependent on consumable items for health restoration and statistical enhancements. Naturally, investing time developing secondary job specializations and transferring their techniques provides expanded tactical flexibility… or simply amplifies his damage source diversity.

TWO-SENTENCE SUMMARY: Pure aggression, uncompromising assault, and singular damage orientation. Prepare to import supplementary abilities if you desire functionality beyond simple damage application.

Default/Exclusive class of Saeko

Glass Cannon Mitigation Strategies: Both specializations suffer from defensive deficiencies that require proactive management. For Hitman, prioritize agility-boosting gear that also provides marginal defense increases, while Gangster benefits from equipment that enhances both offense and durability. The Class Guide offers comprehensive gear recommendations for maximizing survival while maintaining damage output.

MP Management Mastery: These ability-intensive classes demand careful resource allocation. Equip MP-conservation accessories early, and consider carrying MP restoration items for extended engagements. Advanced players should master normal attack weaving between skill uses to conserve mana during less demanding encounters.

Status Effect Optimization: While not their primary focus, certain situations make status effects valuable. For Hitman, focus on enemies weak to specific impairments; for Gangster, leverage defense-down debuffs against high-armor targets. Reference the Weapons Unlock guide for equipment that enhances status application rates.

Advanced Rotation Techniques: Master skill sequencing for maximum efficiency. Hitman players should open with high-damage single-target abilities before using Heavenly Shot on weakened groups. Gangster specialists should apply defense-down debuffs first, then follow with high-damage attacks. These optimizations can reduce encounter time by 25-40% compared to basic play.

Party Composition Synergy: Both classes function best alongside dedicated healers and tanks. Ideal partners include Idol for healing and Enforcer for damage absorption. The Complete Guide provides detailed party building strategies for advanced content.

The Foreman’s primary limitation centers on its deliberate pacing in combat scenarios. Beyond basic statistical considerations, many of its most powerful abilities, including Master Hammer, require additional preparation turns before execution. This delay creates significant windows for enemy counterplay and interruption opportunities. When these charged attacks successfully connect, however, they deliver devastating impact. Players must carefully weigh whether to commit to these delayed strikes, particularly when alternative Battlefield 6 classes can produce substantial damage output without similar charging requirements.

Crucially, temporary class assignment for Kasuga proves essential regardless of long-term usage plans. The Demolish exploration ability enables destruction of specific environmental barriers throughout the game world. For players intending to explore the extensive optional subterranean areas, this skill becomes absolutely necessary for progression.

TWO-SENTENCE SUMMARY: The Foreman presents situational challenges but remains viable with proper planning. Effective utilization demands strategic foresight and turn management expertise.

The Musician represents an unconventional hybrid role blending support and offensive capabilities. Its core mechanics revolve around accumulating “Voltage” – a resource randomly generated after executing specific musical techniques. Subsequent abilities receive damage enhancements proportional to current Voltage levels. While thematically appealing with its musical victory approach through empowering melodies, the random nature of Voltage acquisition creates reliability issues. Most skills provide uncertain Voltage gains, with the sole guaranteed source being a counter technique dependent on separate random factors. Maximizing Musician effectiveness often requires employing multiple standard abilities, potentially including unnecessary ones, while hoping for favorable Voltage generation. (Album Drop offers an alternative scaling mechanism based on active party Musician count, though multiple Musicians rarely prove optimal.)

Despite combat limitations, temporary Musician training yields exceptional character abilities. Endless Desire provides continuous health regeneration for the entire party, while Be my Shelter offers precious MP restoration – an exceptionally valuable resource in extended engagements.

TWO-SENTENCE SUMMARY: Entertaining conceptually but hampered by inconsistent mechanics. Superior damage and support alternatives exist within the BF6 class roster.

Host embodies a distinctive fusion class combining physical and magical combat approaches with diverse functionality. It features pure blunt damage techniques such as Birthday Bash alongside elemental status-inflicting abilities including Sparkling Splash (inducing drunkenness and cold effects) and Rose Stinger (fire-based charm induction). Additionally, several Host skills enable item theft from adversaries, providing opportunities to acquire rare equipment. The class further enhances its utility with MP restoration on basic attacks, creating a well-rounded role covering multiple tactical needs. Equippable champagne bottles introduce additional elemental or status-afflicting properties, expanding strategic possibilities further.

Naturally, the “master-of-none” design philosophy means Host doesn’t excel dominantly in any particular combat dimension. Regarding pure adaptability, however, it represents a competent selection. Its most notable weaknesses include mediocre character skills (Ice Bucket and Secret Cocktail) compared to other class offerings. Additionally, certain Host techniques overlap with abilities Kasuga acquires through business management minigames and level progression, reducing its relative value for him specifically.

TWO-SENTENCE SUMMARY: Host rarely constitutes the optimal choice for specific scenarios but consistently provides reliable performance. It serves as an excellent supplementary option for diverse party configurations.

Let’s establish clear expectations: this profession underperforms compared to alternatives. It can, however, generate substantial damage output – both standard attacks and specialized skills deliver slash damage capable of applying bleed status to targets. The Bodyguard also possesses high-damage techniques that inflict significant harm on opponents at the expense of the user’s health pool.

Advanced players should note that Bodyguard effectiveness peaks in specific combat situations where quick elimination outweighs sustainability concerns. Proper positioning becomes critical to minimize incoming damage while maximizing the class’s offensive potential. Understanding when to deploy this high-risk specialist separates competent commanders from exceptional strategists in Battlefield 6’s dynamic combat environments.

The primary limitation of the Dealer class lies in its exclusive focus on offensive capabilities, completely omitting support or recovery abilities. This design forces players to depend heavily on consumable items for healing or strategically importing skills from other job trees. Additionally, since Nanba already possesses extensive fire-based abilities through his Homeless Guy specialization, the Dealer class offers diminished returns for him specifically. (The substantial magic power enhancements remain quite valuable nonetheless.)

TWO-SENTENCE SUMMARY: Master slicing techniques, precision cutting, meat tenderization, and fire-based assaults. An exceptional damage-dealing specialization featuring a well-balanced skill assortment.

Fortuneteller serves as the designated support archetype for male party members, delivering underwhelming overall performance. It provides an adequate selection of abilities that enhance allies while applying negative status effects to opponents. However, the two exclusive character skills obtainable through Fortuneteller progression prove exceptionally valuable: Soul Tether resurrects fallen party members, while Fulminating Forecast delivers powerful area-of-effect lightning damage.

YLAD features numerous classes containing support, debuff, and status-infliction capabilities, with many offering superior damage output or more versatile toolkits. The Idol profession particularly surpasses Fortuneteller across all metrics, boasting exceptional healing capacities, status-inflicting strikes, and enhancement/reduction abilities. Consider acquiring the job solely for its unique character skills, but delegate primary support duties to the Idol class.

TWO SENTENCE SUMMARY: Multiple classes incorporate support abilities, rendering Fortuneteller frequently redundant during standard gameplay. The exclusive character skills remain tremendously impactful, however!

When seeking combat effectiveness enhancement through supportive capabilities, the Idol class becomes indispensable for any optimized party composition. Idols excel in three critical areas: delivering attack enhancements, restoring party health and curing status conditions, and applying particularly debilitating status effects to enemies. For instance, Charm ranks among Like a Dragon’s most effective crowd control mechanisms, completely immobilizing affected foes until the effect expires—and Smash Step, one of the Idol’s baseline abilities, can inflict this condition. After achieving several level milestones, you’ll unlock Magical Song, a capability that restores substantial health to the entire party, proving virtually mandatory for challenging encounters.

Idol equipment remains readily accessible throughout the game, with certain items increasing status ailment application probabilities—strategically leverage these advantages. Combine this with the capacity to regenerate MP through standard attacks, resulting in a supremely effective support class. While possessing somewhat reduced health and defensive stats, these limitations prove relatively simple to mitigate. Furthermore, enemies cannot effectively assault your party when incapacitated through charm effects, correct?

TWO-SENTENCE SUMMARY: The unparalleled support specialization, without exception. Idol integration will dramatically improve your combat satisfaction.

This represents the feminine counterpart to the Host profession, and since that class performs well… this should follow suit, correct? Unfortunately, Hostess fails to deliver equivalent performance. The class loses numerous fire-based techniques and item theft capabilities, substituted with competent slashing abilities and supportive enhancements. Numerous Hostess attacks incorporate status afflictions and stat reductions, providing additional tactical benefits.

A significant weakness involves the predominantly single-target nature of Hostess abilities, rendering it exceptionally ineffective against groups in a game where most engagements involve multiple adversaries. The support skills provide utility, but for robust support capabilities, the Idol class remains the superior choice. Hostess skill diversity proves beneficial during early gameplay, but the class becomes progressively less appealing as you advance.

To maximize your party’s effectiveness, prioritize acquiring critical character skills from less optimal classes before transitioning to superior specializations. The Fortuneteller’s Soul Tether and Fulminating Forecast abilities provide tremendous value that persists regardless of your primary job selection. Strategic skill inheritance allows you to maintain these powerful capabilities while benefiting from the enhanced performance of top-tier classes like Idol.

For damage-focused characters, the Dealer class offers exceptional offensive capabilities but requires careful resource management. Always maintain ample healing items and consider cross-training in classes with recovery abilities to compensate for this deficiency. The Class Guide provides additional insights into optimal skill combinations.

Advanced players should note that status effect success rates scale with your magic stat investment. When building an Idol character, prioritize equipment that enhances both magic power and status application probabilities. Early-game Hostess utility diminishes rapidly around level 25-30, making strategic re-specialization essential for maintaining combat effectiveness during later chapters.

No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Yakuza: Like A Dragon Job Guide – Every Unlockable Job And Which Ones Are Worth Your Time