In Like a Dragon, money plays a critical role in how you progress through the game, whether it’s upgrading your equipment, recruiting allies, or purchasing important items. Among the most valuable resources you can find is the Gold Ingot, a rare and highly prized item that can be sold for a large sum of yen. Players often find themselves asking where to find Gold Ingots, how to use them efficiently, and whether they should sell or save them. Understanding the mechanics around Gold Ingots can help you optimize your gameplay and make smarter economic decisions in the world of Like a Dragon.
What Is a Gold Ingot?
High-Value Trading Item
In Like a Dragon, a Gold Ingot is a special item that represents a significant source of income. Unlike ordinary items or low-tier crafting materials, Gold Ingots are intended to be sold at pawn shops or used in select crafting situations. Each ingot is worth a large amount of yen, making it a quick way to generate money when needed.
While they don’t boost your character’s stats or provide combat bonuses, their value lies in how they can power your economy. Selling just one can instantly fund weapon upgrades or character training sessions. Because of this, many players consider them a kind of in-game currency, especially during the early and mid-game phases.
Where to Find Gold Ingots
Treasure Hunting and Exploration
Gold Ingots can be obtained through several means, and one of the most common is via exploration. Hidden in safes or lying in obscure alleyways, Gold Ingots are usually found in places that reward curiosity. Always keep an eye out for shining objects or hidden loot containers when navigating new areas.
Some locations known to contain Gold Ingots include:
- Locked silver or gold safes scattered around Isezaki Ijincho
- Secret corners near abandoned buildings
- Loot found during sub-stories or random events
Completing Side Quests
Another reliable method to get Gold Ingots is by completing certain sub-stories or optional missions. Some of these side quests, especially those involving helping NPCs with special requests, offer high-end rewards including Gold Ingots. Always read the potential rewards before starting side content it could be more valuable than it appears.
Business Management Minigame
One of the best sources of consistent money in Like a Dragon is the business management minigame. As you rise through the corporate ranks and attend shareholder meetings, your business generates profits and periodic rewards. Sometimes, these rewards include valuable items like Gold Ingots, especially when you reach milestone earnings or shareholder satisfaction goals.
How to Use Gold Ingots
Selling for Quick Cash
The most straightforward use for a Gold Ingot is to sell it at a pawn shop for a large sum of money. In most cases, this is the ideal choice if you’re short on yen and need funds for urgent upgrades or healing items. Just be aware of the value and avoid selling too many at once unless you’re planning a major purchase.
Gold Ingots sell for tens of thousands of yen, making them perfect for financing:
- Weapon and armor upgrades
- Party member equipment
- Special training lessons
- Consumables and healing items
Crafting High-End Gear
Although selling Gold Ingots is tempting, some players prefer to hold onto them for crafting rare and powerful weapons. In later chapters, blacksmiths or crafting vendors may require Gold Ingots as part of their upgrade recipes. This is especially true if you’re aiming to build legendary or EX-tier gear.
Before selling all your Gold Ingots, it’s a good idea to check the crafting menus and plan ahead. Some powerful weapons are only available through crafting chains that begin with base materials like ingots. If you’re building a character-focused loadout or preparing for a boss battle, keeping a few ingots in reserve could pay off.
Should You Sell or Save?
Decision Based on Game Progression
The choice to sell or save Gold Ingots largely depends on your current needs and where you are in the storyline. If you’re early in the game and struggling with money, selling one or two can make a huge difference. On the other hand, players nearing the late game or aiming for completionist goals may benefit more from using Gold Ingots in crafting rather than converting them to yen.
Balance Is Key
A balanced approach is often best. Try to sell just enough to cover your current expenses but keep a couple in your inventory in case you need them for special crafting recipes. You can always find more ingots later through exploration or as rewards, so don’t stress too much if you need to sell some early on.
Tips for Managing Gold Ingots
Inventory Management
Gold Ingots don’t weigh anything or take up valuable inventory space, so there’s no need to rush selling them. Keeping them on hand until you’re sure about your needs is usually the best strategy. They’re not perishable, and vendors will always accept them when you’re ready to cash out.
Check Vendor Prices
Although most pawn shops offer the same rates, it’s worth double-checking prices before selling, especially if you’re near a vendor known for higher payout rates. Sometimes, special vendors may appear during events or sub-stories who offer more for rare items like Gold Ingots.
Use in Emergency Situations
If you find yourself stuck without enough money to continue progressing such as being unable to buy healing items, revive a teammate, or upgrade gear a single Gold Ingot can solve that problem instantly. Keeping one or two in reserve as emergency funding is a smart tactic.
Gold Ingots and Endgame Planning
Stockpile for Completion Goals
In the post-game phase of Like a Dragon, players often turn their attention to achievements, completion percentages, and ultimate gear sets. At this stage, Gold Ingots become more valuable as materials than cash. Crafting the best weapons for each party member can take a lot of resources, and ingots are often part of that process.
For players chasing 100% completion or engaging in the toughest combat trials, it’s wise to keep a stockpile of rare items like Gold Ingots. Doing so ensures that when it’s time to optimize your gear, you have everything you need without having to revisit old areas for grinding.
Legacy Transfer in Future Titles
Although it depends on how future games in the Like a Dragon series are designed, some sequels or spinoffs allow item carryovers or provide bonuses for save data. Holding onto rare items like Gold Ingots could be beneficial if the game’s progression system recognizes previous save files.
Gold Ingots are more than just high-priced trinkets they’re an essential tool in building your economic strategy in Like a Dragon. Whether you choose to sell them for instant money or save them for endgame crafting, they play a vital role in your financial freedom and character progression. By exploring thoroughly, completing sub-stories, and mastering the business minigame, you can collect plenty of ingots without grinding. Managing them wisely will help you unlock the game’s best content and make your journey through Isezaki Ijincho far more rewarding.