Best fighting styles in Like a Dragon: Ishin

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Sakamoto Ryoma from Like a Dragon: Ishin wielding a gun
Credit: SEGA

The Yakuza games always feature a variety of different fighting styles, and Like a Dragon: Ishin is no exception. There are four fighting styles, so you might be wondering which is the best fighting style in Like a Dragon: Ishin to upgrade and invest the orbs in.

The story in Like A Dragon: Ishin includes quite a lot of combat. Not only will you have to fight main characters, but you'll also come across a lot of random encounters while you're exploring the world. That's not to say that the entire game revolves around this mechanic. There are plenty of the classic Yakuza mini-games and side stories to get lost in.

For more on the game, check out how to complete Death of an Author in Like a Dragon: Ishin. We've also got a look at how to redeem Deluxe Edition DLC, and some details on how to get Virtue in Like a Dragon: Ishin.

Best fighting styles in Like a Dragon: Ishin

There are four unique fighting styles in Like a Dragon Ishin: Brawler, Swordsman, Gunman, and Wild Dancer. Each of them have their own unique features and abilities, and you can switch between them during combat.

When you use each of the styles in combat, you'll earn either an orb for that specific style, or a general training orb. For example, if you use Brawler in a battle, you'll earn a red orb that can only be used to upgrade the Brawler style. You can use the training orbs on any of the styles without any restrictions. You can even use a coloured orb to replace these, and get them back to spend elsewhere.

You'll have the opportunity to unlock special abilities and heat actions through this upgrade system too. Sometimes you'll need to visit a certain training dojo in order to unlock it, though.

The Gunman fighting style in Like a Dragon: Ishin
click to enlarge
Credit: SEGA
Gunman is great at keeping your foes at a distance

What is the best fighting style in Like a Dragon: Ishin?

This will completely depend on which of the fighting styles you prefer. Brawler is best if you like classic fighting-style games, while Gunman is a good choice if you want to keep your enemies at a distance. There is one style that incorporates the best of each of the styles in one, and that is Wild Dancer.

With Wild Dancer, you wield both a sword and a gun. This means that you can fire at enemies, as well as take them on at close range. Importantly, this comes with a skill that will fire off rounds around you while you spin. This is particularly great for crowd control!

However, it's probably best that you don't invest all of your orbs into Wild Dancer. This is for a few different reasons. First of all, each of the styles gets health upgrades through their tracks. These are particularly important to get, especially as the game increases in difficulty.

The second reason why you should balance your fighting upgrades is that at certain points in the story, you'll be locked into one style for a fight. There are times when you won't have your weapons, and you'll need to rely on Brawler. Alternatively, there are certain boss fights that will lend themselves to some styles over others.

The Brawler upgrade screen in Like a Dragon: Ishin
click to enlarge

Brawler style explained

Brawler is the hand-to-hand combat style that has you wield your fists as your primary weapon. This is the most nimble out of all of the fighting styles, and is the best for countering enemy attacks. You can also pick up furniture from the world and use it to fight with.

Some of the upgrades are optional and branch off from the main track. In order to make it easier to plan how many orbs you may need to reach certain upgrades, they have been listed as x.1 in the table.

Upgrade Position Name Description
1Health Increase 1Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
2Brawler Rank 1Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Brawler style.
3Rush Combo ExtensionIncreases the number of attacks in the Brawler style Rush Combo. Learn Greater Finishing Blow to follow up.
4Greater Finishing BlowExecute a Finishing Blow after the fourth attack in the Brawler Style Rush Combo.
5Health Increase 2Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
6Health Increase 3Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
6.1 Attack Speed BoostIncreases the speed of Rush Combo attacks in Brawler style, giving your enemies fewer chances to strike back.
7Paper Lantern VoyageHonor the dead with a ceremonious running knee. Useful against distant enemies.
8Brawler Rank 2Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Brawler style.
8.1Essence of MikanA novel technique to place a mandarin in the mouth of an enemy, then make fresh orange juice. Consumes Heat.
9Collateral DamageIncreases the damage between enemies thrown or knocked into one another. Helpful in crowded fights.
10Health Increase 4Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
10.1Essence of Reverse ThrowParry an enemy, then grab them when they stumble to hurl them far away. Consumes Heat.
11Enhanced GrabEnemies will find it harder to escape your grip. A necessity for any fighter who favors grappling.
12Health Increase 5Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
12.1Health Increase 6Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
13Divine BlessingIncreases the amount of experience you gain from defeating enemies.
14Brawler Rank 3Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Brawler style.
15Health Increase 7Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
16Brawler Rank 4Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Brawler style.
16.1Essence of Mighty StrikesA brawny series of punches followed by a calamitous headbutt. Consumes Heat.
16.2Essence of Grounding StrikesTransition the Essence of Mighty Strikes into a slam so ruthless, they'll never want to stand up again. Consumes Heat.
16.3Essence of Dragon StrikesTransition the Essence of Mighty Strikes into a throw befitting a restless, raging dragon. Consumes Heat.
17Health Increase 8Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
18Greater EvasionLengthen the invulnerability time of your evasion and your ability to dodge incoming attacks.
19Brawler Rank 5Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Brawler style.
19.1Komaki Knock BackCreates an opening for your counterattack by rebuking enemies from your guard. A valuable technique.
20Health Increase 9Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
20.1Komaki Evade and StrikeDodging alone will not ensure victory, but this technique will bring you one step closer.
21Brawler Rank 6Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Brawler style.
21.1Dragonwing GaleIncreases the attack speed of Dragonwing Sortie.
21.2Dragonwing RaidIncreases the duration of Dragonwing Sortie.
22Essence of Mercurial FortuneStrike down an enemy who's escaped your grab with a whirlwind kick. Consumes Heat.
23War Cry EchoIncreases the duration of War Cry Counter. It's not a bad idea to switch styles while this effect is active.
23.1Komaki Tiger DropDeliver a devastating punch in the instant an enemy is most vulnerable. The timing is difficult, but the payoff extraordinary.
24Essence of Shot StopperStep directly into a gun-toting enemy's face and teach them a thing or two. Consumes Heat.
24.1Komaki Cat-Like ReflexesCollect yourself during a fall and spring back to your feet with feline tenacity.
25Essence of Swordless ReversalParry a sword-wielding enemy the moment before they connect and use their blade against them.
25.1Komaki Shadow BindEvade an enemy's attack and use that momentum to capture them in a grab, rendering them weak and foolish.
26Brawler Rank 7Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Brawler style.
27Heat EnhancementQuickens the rate at which you gain Heat. Remember, the higher the Heat Gauge goes, the slower it accumulates.
27.1Sheathed BladeInstantly draw your weapon and change styles mid-combo.
28Brawler Rank 8Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Brawler style.
29StabilityShake off enemies' grabs more easily. Strong foes can turn grabs into devastating attacks - best to avoid that.
29.1Essence of Grand BruisingAdvance upon your enemy and ruin them with a bevy of palm strikes. Consumes Heat.
30IaijutsuIncreases damage after drawing a weapon. Works well with Sheathed Blade.
31Essence of Empty HandsCounter incoming attacks from all sides with swift and deadly poise. Consumes Heat.
32Brawler Rank 9Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Brawler style.
33Asura SpiritExpend your entire Heat Gauge to recover health.
The Swordsman upgrade screen for Like a Dragon: Ishin
click to enlarge

Swordsman style explained

Swordsman is where you fight with a single sword in combat. Out of all the styles, this one does the most damage. You can use a charged, strong attack during a combo, and defend yourself from enemy weapons.

Upgrade Position Name Description
1Rush Combo StormIncreases the damage from a charged Finishing Blow.
2Rush Combo ExtensionIncreases the number of attacks in the Rush Combo. The Finishing Blow after four strikes is very strong.
3Swordsman Rank 1Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Swordsman style.
4Rush Combo TempestPerform a stronger Finishing Blow after a combo. Consumes Heat.
5Health Increase 1Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
6Swordplay: Grinning WolfCharge forward and lunge.
7Greater Finishing BlowPerform an additional jumping slash after the four-strike combo Finishing Blow. Can be difficult to land, but powerful.
8Swordplay: Brief SlumberA spinning slash while running. An effective way to engage a group of enemies.
8.1Swordplay: Grim WalkingPerform a stronger slash following Brief Slumber. Consumes Heat.
9Serene HeatRegain your guard after it's broken.
10Essence of Finishing StabMercilessly plunge your sword into a downed enemy. Consumes Heat.
11Essence of Single CutsSet the enemy off-balance, then carve them up with precise slashes. Consumes Heat.
11.1Essence of the Swirling CutsTransition the Essence of Single Cuts into a whirling coup de grace. Consumes Heat.
11.2Essence of the Skewering CutsTransition the Essence of Single Cuts into a gruesome impalement. consumes Heat.
12Swordsman Rank 2Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Swordsman style.
12.1Health Increase 2Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
13Health Increase 3Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
14Heat IncreaseRaises the maximum rank of your Heat Gauge. Use more Heat Actions and special abilities - a crucial upgrade!
15Swordsman Rank 3Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Swordsman style.
15.1Attack Speed BoostIncreases the speed of Rush Combo attacks in Swordsman style, giving your enemies fewer chances to strike back.
16Essence of Pinning SlashShove an enemy into the wall with a jab, then descend on them with a jumping slash. Consumes Heat.
17Heat EnhancementQuickens the rate at which you gain Heat. Remember, the higher the Heat Gauge, the slower it accumulates.
18Splendid Skill Morning MistStrike an enemy after evading. However, by sacrificing poise, this attack does little damage.
19Swordsman Rank 4Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Swordsman style.
20Swordsman Rank 5Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Swordsman style.
20.1Splendid Skill: Fair WeatherPush enemies away from your guard, if they stumble you can counterattack.
21Health Increase 4Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
21.1Essence of Scintillant LeadDeflect bullets back to those who fired it. Consumes Heat.
22Swordsman Rank 6Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Swordsman style.
22.1Splendid Skill: Rustling LeavesTurn the enemy's blade aside. You may even disarm them while using a high grade sword.
23Health Increase 5Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
23.1Ash from Withered BranchesBring an enemy who thinks he's caught you off-guard to an unhappy realisation. Consumes Heat.
24Swordsman Rank 7Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Swordsman style.
24.1Gleaming ScytheAfter using the Splendid Skill: Fair Weather, slice clean through a foe. Consumes Heat.
25Demonic BlessingIncrease the amount of experience you get from defeating enemies with charged attacks.
25.1Swordplay: Ravenous WolfHurl away an enemy pierced by Sworldplay: Grinning Wolf. A powerful technique which cannot be dodged.
26Health Increase 6 Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
26.1Dragonfang BeheadingA spinning finisher that can be performed during the Dragonfang Flash.
27Swordsman Rank 8Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Swordsman style.
28Swordsman Rank 9Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Swordsman style.
28.1Splendid Skill: Lightning's GloryA powerful reversal unleashed the instant before an enemy's attack. The risk is high, but success can move mountains.
29Leaping MaelstromUse the first enemy before you as a stepping stone to slash the next two horrified fools. Consumes Heat.
30Essence of MincemeatDecimate an enemy whose guard has been broken with a hellish series of fine cuts.
The Gunman upgrades screen in Like a Dragon: Ishin
click to enlarge

Gunman style explained

The Gunman style is all about maintaining distance from your enemies, and inflicting damage in a way that makes it difficult for them to counter. You can use special bullet types, such as flame and lightning rounds in order to stun enemies for more damage. Finally, you can forcefully disarm your foes with later Gunman upgrades.

Upgrade Position Name Description
1Gunman Rank 1Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Gunman style.
2Jumping ShotsFire off some shots while approaching an enemy with a leaping knee strike. Switching up your distance is very effective.
3Gunman Rank 2Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Gunman style.
4Heat EnhancementQuickens the rate at which you gain Heat. Remember, the higher the Heat Gauge goes, the slower is accumulates.
5Essence of Finishing ShotsHold an enemy down beneath your heel and unload on them. Consumes Heat.
5.1Essence of Oh-Be-JoyfulRush headlong towards an enemy, knock him into the air and give him a reason to drink. Consumes Heat.
6Gunman Rank 3Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Gunman style.
6.1Bellowing FusilladeFollow up Roaring Fusillade with another, wider spread of shots. Good for when the enemies are spread apart.
6.2Shrieking FusilladeFollow up Bellowing Fusillade with yet another spread of shots.
7Cavity KillPress the barrel into a grabbed enemy's chest and unload. Remember, guns can be weak in close range.
7.1Enhanced Rounds KnowhowCraft Enhanced Rounds at the blacksmith.
7.2Flash Rounds KnowhowCraft Flash Rounds at the blacksmith. Enemies hit by these will be blinded, so follow-up with impunity.
7.3Thunder Rounds KnowhowCraft Thunder Rounds at the blacksmith.
7.4Acid Rounds KnowhowCraft Acid Rounds at the blacksmith. If some peon in fancy armour's on you, these'll do the trick.
7.5Poison Rounds KnowhowCraft Poison Rounds at the blacksmith.
8Gunman Rank 4Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Gunman style.
8.1Dragonfire SalvoIncreases the number of shots in Dragonfire Blaze. Spread out your targets, or peg 'em all onto one sorry soul.
9Essence of Shoving ShotKick away an enemy from your grab, then slug straight into his center. Consumes Heat.
10Gunman Rank 5Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Gunman style.
11Health Increase 1Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
12Greater Rate of FireIncreases your rate of fire with guns during Rush Combo and special abilities.
13Gunman Rank 6Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Gunman style.
14Sudden StrikeCounter an enemy with your offhand. A skill to cherish when an enemy's getting too close.
15Essence of Wall PlasteringGive a nearby wall a brand new crimson paint job, courtesy of an enemy who wandered too close to it. Consumes Heat.
15.1Knowledge of CannonsDeal extreme damage while wielding an actual cannon. Note: You will not gain style experience while using a special weapon.
15.2Mastery of CannonsIncreases the strength of attacks and Heat Actions using a cannon.
15.3Essence of FireworksLoad a cannon with a firework ball and turn your enemies into a spectacle sure to delight. Consumes Heat.
16Health Increase 2Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
17Gunman Rank 7Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Gunman style.
17.1Texas Two-StepHop away from your enemies and fire off a quick shot. You'll dance, but they'll be the ones taking the bow.
18Shooting Star BlessingIncreases the amount of experience you gain from defeating enemies with special ammo. Keep an eye on your stocks.
19Essence of Fanning ShotsTransition the Essence of Shoving Shot into a chamber-emptying, rapid-fire barrage. Consumes Heat.
19.1Essence of Old ScratchSweep a pitiable sinner into the air, then bring him down to the brimstone with the devil's own wrath. Consumes Heat.
19.2Essence of the Three-Legged MareTake aim at a gang ahead of you and send 'em all to the gallows. Consumes Heat.
19.3Dead Man's HandSee how long a man can hold onto his precious steel when you're targeting it.
19.4Essence of HornswogglingIt's a heartless thing to attack a man from behind - best to shoot the heart out of anyone who'd try. Consumes Heat.
20Twister TussleGrab an enemy while evading. Follow up with a throw or Cavity Kill, a great way to manage distance.
21Heat IncreaseRaises the maximum rank of your Heat Gauge. Use more Heat Actions and special abilities - a crucial upgrade!
22Gunman Rank 8Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Gunman style.
23Essence of GravediggingShoot an enemy once in the leg, and then in the chest. Consumes Heat.
24Gunman Rank 9Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Gunman style.
25Health Increase 3Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
26Essence of Lobbing ShotTransition the Essence of Shoving Shot into a bone-rattling group takedown. Consumes Heat.
27Health Increase 4Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
28Health Increase 5Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
29Health Increase 6Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
30Dragonfire VolleyIncreases the aiming speed of Dragonfire Blaze. Clear out the whole room, faster than ever.
31Dragonfire SiegeUse special ammo in Dragonfire Blaze. If you don't have enough, you'll switch to normal bullets for the rest.
The Wild Dancer upgrades screen in Like a Dragon: Ishin
click to enlarge

Wild Dancer style explained

Wild Dancer is where you wield both a sword and pistol, and use them both together in combat. It is the fastest attack out of all the styles, but you cannot defend easily. However, you can use spinning attacks to help with crowd control.

Upgrade Position Name Description
1Wild Dancer Rank 1
2Essence of FinishingTwo ages of warfare coalesce as you stab and shoot a downed enemy. Consumes Heat.
3Health Increase 1Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
3.1Phoenix ClashIncreases the speed of Phoenix Frenzy. With faster attacks, you can keep combos going even longer.
3.2Phoenix BlessingIncreases the amount of experience you gain from defeating enemies with Phoenix Frenzy.
3.3Phoenix BattleFurther increase the speed of Phoenix Frenzy. Narrow your openings, and keep attacking.
3.4Phoenix WarMaximises the speed of Phoenix Frenzy. The third attack leaves you open, so use Remnant Silhouette to transition.
4Wild Strikes ExtensionIncreases the number of sword attacks in Wild Dancer style Rush Combo. After five attacks, be sure to use Remnant Silhouette to stay graceful.
5Wild Shots BoostIncreases the rate of fire with guns in Wild Dancer style. Your guns are less powerful than in Gunman, but they make a good Finishing Blow.
5.1Luxury and SplendorA dazzling series of attacks which can last as long as you find openings. Consumes Heat.
5.2Luxury, Splendor and ZestIncreases the number of possible attacks from Luxury and Splendor. Very effective against strong foes.
5.3Dragon God AscensionIncreases the number of shots from Dragon God Dance. Very useful when surrounded by enemies.
6Essence of StatureParry an oncoming enemy attack with your gun, then cut their spine and end their misery. Consumes Heat.
6.1Knowledge of the SpearDeal extreme damage while wielding a deadly spear. Note: You will not gain style experience when using a special weapon.
6.2Essence of CorneringForce an enemy against the wall with your sword, pin them there, and fire. Consumes Heat.
6.3Mastery of the SpearIncreases the strength of attacks and Heat Actions using a spear.
7Wild Dancer Rank 2
7.1Splendid Skill: Moonlit SakeStrike an enemy after evading. However, by sacrificing poise, this attack does little damage on its own.
7.2Splendid Skill: SakuraShoot an enemy after evading. You'll be at risk of being struck if you're too close, but it's quite effective at long range.
8Health Increase 2Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
8.1Rain of Steel and FireFollow point-blank gunshots up with a terrifying jumping slash. Consumes Heat.
8.2Squall of Steel and FireTransition Rain of Steel and Fire into a gruesome impalement, topped with another kick. Consumes Heat.
8.3Typhoon of Steel and FireTransition Rain of Steel and Fire into a vicious heel kick, with another shot to keep them down for good. Consumes Heat.
9Wild Dancer Rank 3
9.1Sickle of the Dust DevilA swift attack unsheathed from a dash. Able to deal several quick cuts, so it can be useful for swords with special effects.
10Health Increase 3
10.1Splendid Skill: Vain TenguParry even while attacking. With skilled timing, you can instantly handle threats from all sides.
11Heat IncreaseRaises the maximum rank of your Heat Gauge. Use more Heat Actions and special abilities - a crucial upgrade!
11.1Dance of MourningSlip underneath an enemy and fire into his back. Consumes Heat.
12Wild Dancer Rank 4
12.1Evasive ShadowIncreases the number of evades you can perform. Avoid big attacks by evading repeatedly.
13Heat EnhancementQuickens the rate at which you gain Heat. Remember, the higher the Heat Gauge goes, the slower its accumulates.
13.1Greater Wild StrikesIncreases the speed of Rush combo attacks in Wild Dancer style. As long as you stay dexterous, the attacks will come.
14Wild Dancer Rank 5Strengthens the power of basic attacks, Finishing Blows and Heat Actions in Wild Dancer style.
14.1Splendid Skill: Ghostly WinExtends the timing of parries, giving you more freedom. Your foes will lose their footing from this technique. Do not let them regain it.
15Health Increase 4Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
16Wild Dancer Rank 6
17Wild Dancer Rank 7
17.1Majestic DispersalSlash and shoot and spin about - a dynamic and versatile tool for the surrounded dancer. Consumes Heat.
18Health Increase 5Extends your Health Gauge beyond what a level-up would give you.
18.1The Bloody WheelThrow your gun to the sky, cut down your enemy, and see him gasp in awe and fear. Consumes Heat.
19Wild Dancer Rank 8
19.1Mirage of Shimmering HeatYour enemies may come from every angle, but they will find you as easily as one finds a desert oasis. Consumes Heat.
20Wild Dancer Rank 9
20.1Wild Dance: First StepChain the fifth attack of your Rush Combo back to the first. Keep connecting and you will keep surviving.
20.2Wild Dance: Second StepThe higher your combo goes, the stronger every attack becomes. Never miss and you never falter.
20.3Wild Dance: Third StepThe higher your battle rank, the stronger every attack becomes. Dodge, parry, and leave the world a more peaceful place.
21Essence of Winged FlightYou are a dancer, and death is the stage upon which you soar. Consumes Heat.

Those are all the fighting styles in Like a Dragon: Ishin! For more on the game, check out whether it's on Game Pass, as well as our Like a Dragon 8 release date hub.

For more articles like this, take a look at our Guides , Like a Dragon: Ishin , and Yakuza pages.