Ichiban Kasuga is back. Honestly, if you’ve spent any time in Honolulu City, you know exactly what that means. It means you're going to get distracted. A lot. Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth substories are the soul of the experience, and they’re way more than just "side quests." They're these bizarre, heartfelt, and sometimes totally unhinged vignettes that define what Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is all about. You’re just walking down the street, minding your own business, and suddenly you’re helping a guy find a lost letter or fighting a giant vacuum cleaner. It’s chaotic. It’s brilliant.
Some people skip these. Big mistake. You're basically missing out on half the game if you just rush the main plot.
The Hawaii Shift in Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth Substories
Moving the setting to Hawaii changed the vibe. Obviously. But it didn't change the DNA of the side content. In previous games, we were used to the neon-soaked alleys of Kamurocho. Now, we’re dealing with sunshine, surfboards, and a whole new set of cultural tropes. The developers really leaned into the "fish out of water" element for Ichiban. He’s an eternal optimist, which makes him the perfect mark for some of the local weirdos.
Take the "Radio Active" questline. You end up helping out a local radio station, and it’s not just a fetch quest. It’s about the legacy of a DJ and the way music connects people across different languages. That’s the thing about Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth substories—they start with a joke and end with a punch to the gut. You think you're just doing a favor for a guy in a mascot suit, and ten minutes later you're reflecting on the nature of regret and lost time.
The variety is actually staggering. You go from the "Anaconda Escape" game show—which is a hilarious parody of Japanese variety TV—to much more grounded stories about the homeless population in Honolulu. The game doesn't shy away from the contrast. It’s that tonal whiplash that fans of the series live for. One second you're laughing at a guy who thinks he's a secret agent, and the next you're helping a kid sell lemonade to save up for a gift.
Why Some Quests Feel Better Than Others
Let’s be real. Not every single one is a masterpiece. Some of them feel a bit like filler, especially the ones that just involve running back and forth between the same three blocks. But the ones that land? They land hard.
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"Coming Out of My Shell" is a great example. It involves a turtle. I won't spoil the specifics, but it’s a classic RGG setup where Ichiban’s earnestness solves a problem that shouldn't even be his business. That’s the core of these Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth substories. They rely on Ichiban being the kind of guy who physically cannot say "no" to someone in need, even if that person is a total stranger or a literal animal.
If you’re looking for the best rewards, you have to hunt down the substories that unlock new Poundmates. These are the summons you use in battle. Some of the most powerful allies in the game are locked behind these weird little side adventures. You aren't just getting EXP and some pocket change; you're building a network of lunatics who will jump out of a helicopter to help you punch a shark later.
The Sujimon Connection
You can't talk about the side content in this game without mentioning the Sujimon stuff. It’s a massive time sink. It’s essentially a full-blown parody of Pokémon, complete with a "Sujidex" and trainer battles. While it’s technically its own system, many of the Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth substories feed directly into it. You’ll meet "Sujimon Sensei" early on, and from there, the world opens up.
Is it deep? Sorta. Is it funny? Absolutely. The way the game treats these "creatures"—who are just weird guys in the street—with the gravity of a high-stakes monster battler is peak comedy. You’ll find yourself wandering into parks just to see if a rare "Sujimon" has spawned, completely forgetting that you’re supposed to be finding your mother or dismantling a global conspiracy.
Missing the Point of the Grind
A common complaint is that the game feels grindy. I’d argue that if you’re doing the substories, you never feel the grind. The game is balanced so that if you engage with the world, you’re always at the right level for the main bosses. People who complain about difficulty spikes are usually the ones who ignored the lady trying to sell "Miracle Kimchi" or the guy obsessed with crawfish.
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The rewards aren't just mechanical, though. They're world-building. Through these quests, you learn about the tension between the local community and the influx of tourists. You see the grit beneath the tropical paradise. It’s a much more nuanced take on Hawaii than you usually see in western media. The developers clearly did their homework, even if they filtered it through a lens of extreme absurdity.
Tips for Completionists
If you want to see everything, keep an eye on your map for the white speech bubble icons. Those are your triggers. But remember, some substories only trigger at night. Others require you to be at a certain point in the story or have a specific personality level. Ichiban’s stats—like Kindness, Passion, and Style—actually matter here. Some dialogue options or even the ability to start a quest are locked behind these social stats.
- Check the Aloha Links app often. It’s basically a social media network for Ichiban. Making friends through this app often leads to small interactions that feel like mini-substories.
- Don't ignore the "Photo Rally." It’s not a traditional substory, but it forces you to explore the nooks and crannies where the best side content is hidden.
- Talk to everyone with a name. In the Yakuza/Like a Dragon world, if a character has a unique name and model, they probably have a problem you need to solve.
The Legacy of Kiryu’s Side Quests
We can’t ignore that Infinite Wealth is a dual-protagonist game. When the perspective shifts back to Kazuma Kiryu, the tone of the side content shifts too. While Ichiban’s quests are often about making new friends and being loud, Kiryu’s "Memories of a Dragon" are more reflective. They act as a retrospective for the entire 20-year history of the franchise.
For long-time fans, these are the real emotional heavy hitters. You’ll visit locations or meet NPCs that haven't been seen since the PS2 era. It’s fanservice, sure, but it’s done with so much respect for the character's journey. It creates a beautiful contrast: Ichiban is building a future, while Kiryu is reconciling with his past. Both types of Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth substories are essential for getting the full picture of what this game is trying to say about life and legacy.
Actionable Steps for Players
If you're currently playing or about to start, here is how to handle the side content without getting overwhelmed.
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First, don't feel pressured to do everything in Chapter 3. The game is massive, and more content unlocks as you progress. If a quest feels too hard or requires a stat you don't have, just walk away. It’ll be there later.
Second, prioritize the Poundmates. Look for substories near the Anaconda Shopping Center and the harbor. These usually give you the best tactical advantages for the mid-game.
Third, level up your personality stats early. Go to the Ounabara Vocational School as soon as it becomes available. Passing those exams boosts your stats, which in turn unlocks more Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth substories. It’s a loop. Better stats lead to more stories, which lead to better gear and allies.
Finally, just enjoy the weirdness. If a guy asks you to help him film a movie or stand in as a stunt double, do it. The best moments in this series aren't the high-octane cutscenes; they're the moments where a legendary ex-yakuza is forced to teach a shy guy how to talk to girls. That’s the real magic of Infinite Wealth. It’s a game that isn't afraid to be silly, and that’s why we’re still talking about it.
The most important thing is to let the game distract you. Let the map icons pull you off the path. That's where the real heart of Honolulu is hidden. Get out there and find the weirdest person on the beach. They probably have a quest for you.