Sub Stories
Sub Stories are the side quest system of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life. There are 52 in total in the game, and the full list can be seen in the Sub Stories category of the Awards screen from the pause menu. Titles will be hidden on that list until activated. You can earn Trophies depending on how many Sub Stories you complete, and any completed during the Epilogue still count.
Sub Stories can be acquired in numerous ways. Some will automatically trigger over the course of the story. Others will automatically trigger when you walk at specific locations at certain times. Still others may require you to talk to someone or reach a certain point in Mini-Games. Most activation points are not shown on the map, but once activated, the next step to complete them will be marked with a blue icon that looks like a doubled-up speech bubble.
Note that some quick missions may show the symbol but not actually count toward your total. For example, observe the top-right corner of the screenshot below:
Though the icon and font style of "Vs. Tamotsu" looks like a Sub Story, that "quest" relates to the Clan Creator Mini-Game. Once Kiryu wins that particular fight, he'll gain an ally but not clear anything in the Sub Stories list.
Rewards for completing Sub Stories range from large amounts of experience points, new Mini-Games being unlocked, new tools for those Mini-Games, or large amounts of yen. Sub Stories have no time limit, and Kiryu can activate as many as he wants at once. All active Sub Stories can be seen in the pause menu, both on its front screen and in the Tasks category.
Substories unlock at certain chapters. The following is an ordered list per chapter.
Chapter 1
#3: Haruka's Biggest Fan
During Chapter 1 head to the Children’s Park in the North West corner of town. You’ll see a mother and daughter arguing. Listen to their conversation to start this Substory. She will ask you to find some Haruka merchandise. Head to the Don Quijote store, it’s at the South end of Nakamichi Street. After speaking with the shop assistant he will tell you to go to Theater Square and speak with people at Club Sega. Speak with one of the guys at the top of the stairs.
He will ask you a question to prove your fandom. Choose “So Much More!” as your answer. Head to Ebisu Pawn, it’s just North of Showa Street at the South end of town. Once you arrive at Ebisu Pawn you can purchase the Haruka’s Bromide for 50,000 Yen. However, there’s a cheaper way.
If you completed Substory #5, did a few fights and go eat you can possibly have another way of getting the photograph without spending money. When you exit the shop you’ll hear a man call for help. Defeat the thugs and he’ll give you the picture for free. Return to the park to give the girl the picture. Wait for some time to pass and she will appear at the park once more. Speak with her there to complete the Substory.
#5: I, Hiji
There’s a man standing around near Club Sega, not far from Cafe Alps. When you get close he will approach you and ask if he can install a new app on your phone. Let the man install Hiji. After you have the app head to Children’s Park in the North West of town and speak with Hiji. The responses don’t seem to matter. Exit the park and fight the man harassing the lady. She’ll give you a Good Luck Amulet for saving her.
Return to the Salesman that gave you the app. Youl will have to chase the guy that took your phone.
#21 Look What the Dragon Dragged In
Head to the Nyan Nyan cafe on the South East side of town. You have to go up some stairs and enter at the top floor to find the Cat Cafe. Speak with the owner inside the cafe and he will ask you to track down stray cats. This actually completes the Substory itself.
#22: The Temptation of Live Chat
Head to the corner of Taihei Blvd. You will see two people arguing. Get closer to the couple to hear the argument. Speak with the man afterwards and tell him it’s an online messaging group. After the conversation head into the nearby building marked by the speech bubble icon. Speak with the man inside. Not sure the choices matter but I went with “You’re cute” and that seemed to work out positively.
#23: We are Committed to Results
Head to RIZAP on the far left of town, it’s where the Bowling Alley used to be. You’ll see some guys chatting before heading inside. Join up when it asks if you want to become a member. You can choose two training sessions with RIZAP, which give you bonus experience points in specific stats. You will then get a hint on specific foods that will further help to improve the experience points you receive.
#24: A Man Rises Up
After you complete Substory #23: We Are Committed To Results and leave RIZAP gym, a man named Sodachi challenges you to a fight. Beat him down, it’s not difficult, and that will complete the first phase of this Substory. During Chapter 7 you will find Sodachi roaming the city. You need to take him down a couple of times and then meet him at the Children’s Park. Defeat him one more time to complete the Substory.
Chapter 4
#25: The Fools Who Dream
Head to the Shrine to see a mother and daughter arguing. Speak with the young girl afterwards, choosing the top option of the conversation both times. After she leaves, go do a fight or another part of a Substory, then return to the shrine. You will see the young girl with her Senpai before a group of thugs appear. Take them out. You get an Expensive Leather Belt. Speak with Misa after the cut-scene to complete the Substory.
#26: Sins of the Father
Head to the stairs that lead up to the cemetery. Two elderly people are having a discussion. Listen to the conversation and then agree to help the man. Head to the cults headquarters, there’s two girls outside handing out fliers. You will have a choice during the conversation. Choose “I want to join the Order of Munan Chohept Onast”. You will get asked a few questions after that. Choose Hept-onast, Kulipaas, Munan Akamatsu and Re-Education. Following that you will learn the true identity of the old man and have to defeat the guru. Substory complete. You get the Eye of the Dragon as a reward.
#32: The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Walk around in the Pedestrian Bridge area and a young girl will approach you from behind, asking you what year it was. Tell her that you believe her and then return to the Pedestrian Bridge to encounter her again. Once you reach the bridge you will learn more about her family before fighting to save her dad. Kill the thugs to complete the Substory.
#28: The Curse of Onomich
This Substory takes place at night only. Head to the cemetery area and Kiryu will feel as though he is being watched. A few seconds later you will be ambushed by a ghost. Win the fight. You need to return to the Cemetery several times to complete the Substory. After the first fight, go and complete another Substory or fight some random thugs around town. You can then return to the Cemetery for the next fight. Do this 3-4 times until Kiryu wakes up at home. Return to the Cemetery one last time to complete the Substory
#29: Oh No It's Ono-Michio
Head to the Pharmacy on Central Shopping District. Outside you’ll notice a large, plastic head on the floor. You’ll take on the role of a mascot and have to complete a performance. Use the following responses during the show.
- Option 2: Introduce yourself Passionately
- Option 2: Nice to Michi
- Option 2: Oh no!
- Option 3: Onomichi Ramen-Michi
- Option 1: Oh no!
After the interview you’ll need to take down a group of thugs. You get a Fighters Binding for completing the Substory and questions correctly.
#33: A Freaky Situation
On the Shrine steps leading up to it, head there and two people will fall down the stairs. Let the scene finish then head up the stairs to speak with the boy. Clear the Yakuza thugs that come and complete this Substory
#34: Assemble the Team
During Chapter 4, or Chapter 5, and only during the day, when you are walking down by the water during the day. A guy in a baseball uniform will approach you. After you speak with him take a taxi to the Baseball Field to play a game. I only lost by a single run but I’m not sure it’s possible to win due to the story that follows. Once the game is complete, the Substory is done.
#50: Crisis Managment Professional
Head to the Ropeway Station to find a man injured near the taxi. You need to give him a Bento to start this Substory. Once you have some Bento, defeat him. The Substory doesn’t actually start here but you must complete these steps first.
Now, when traveling through Onomichi, look for missions in the Troublr App. Eventually you will come across the same guy looking to try new moves. You need to defeat him during three Trouble Missions. Eventually, during the day, he will return to the first spot with the perfected technique. Take him down to finish the Substory.