In Yakuza 5, players explore five different cities and experience five separate storylines, each adding depth to the game’s expansive world. One of the lesser-known but memorable substories in this installment is called Local Framer. While it may not be as flashy as some of the high-stakes combat or dramatic twists found elsewhere in the game, the Local Framer substory offers a slice-of-life narrative that ties into the game’s overarching themes of identity, deception, and public perception. It’s a brief yet impactful mission that brings out the complexity of small-town relationships and reflects how easily reputations can be manipulated for personal gain. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what the Local Framer substory is, where to find it, how to complete it, and why it stands out in the broader context of Yakuza 5.
Where to Find the Local Framer Substory
The Local Framer substory is found during the portion of Yakuza 5 where you control Taiga Saejima in Tsukimino, Hokkaido. This snowy northern city serves as the backdrop for Saejima’s storyline, which focuses on themes of survival, redemption, and dealing with past mistakes. Unlike some of the more combat-focused substories, this one takes a quieter, more narrative-driven approach.
You can trigger the Local Framer substory by speaking to an NPC located near the central area of Tsukimino, typically around the shopping or residential zones. Look out for the classic substory marker a speech bubble with three dots to identify available interactions.
Requirements Before Starting
- You must progress far enough in Saejima’s chapter to freely explore Tsukimino.
- It helps to complete other substories or explore nearby areas to unlock this one.
- No special gear or combat requirements are needed this substory is entirely dialogue and investigation-based.
Once you speak to the relevant NPC, the substory will begin automatically, and you’ll be pulled into a small town drama with bigger implications than it first appears.
Summary of the Local Framer Storyline
The Local Framer substory begins with Saejima noticing an argument between two locals. One of them claims the other has been spreading lies and framing them for something they didn’t do. As an outsider, Saejima gets caught in the middle and is asked to help uncover the truth behind a series of rumors and accusations.
What seems like a simple case of neighborhood gossip soon turns into a deeper investigation of motives and manipulation. Saejima must determine who is telling the truth and who is using misinformation to damage someone else’s reputation.
Characters Involved
- Saejima: The protagonist and the one who decides to get involved to help uncover the truth.
- The Accuser: A local man claiming his neighbor has been framing him for vandalism.
- The Accused: A seemingly friendly local who denies all involvement but has a suspicious attitude.
- Bystanders: Additional townspeople who offer clues and opinions, some helpful, others misleading.
Through a series of conversations and clues gathered around town, the player must make a judgment call on who is truly responsible for the accusations. This choice impacts how the substory ends and what reward Saejima receives.
Gameplay Elements of Local Framer
Unlike action-based substories in Yakuza 5, Local Framer is built around dialogue, deduction, and observation. You won’t be brawling in the streets but instead using Saejima’s instincts to determine which local is telling the truth. This slower-paced structure is a refreshing change that adds variety to the gameplay.
Investigation Tips
- Talk to multiple NPCs: Don’t rely on just one perspective. Locals often offer conflicting views that help build a bigger picture.
- Pay attention to details: Clues might be hidden in the way characters speak or inconsistencies in their stories.
- Use the map: Check for marked locations that could contain useful evidence or lead to the next step.
The outcome hinges on whether you correctly identify the true culprit. Choose wisely, as Saejima will confront the suspect based on your decision, which determines whether the conflict resolves peacefully or escalates.
Rewards for Completing the Substory
Depending on your choice and how you approach the confrontation, the substory concludes with different outcomes. If you choose correctly and expose the real framer, Saejima earns respect from the townspeople and receives a useful item or monetary reward. If you choose incorrectly, you may still complete the substory, but the resolution will be less satisfying and the reward reduced.
Possible Rewards Include:
- Stamina item used for healing and boosting stats in combat.
- Cash bonus helpful for buying gear or supplies.
- Completion Points contributes to your overall completion percentage for unlocking upgrades.
Even though the tangible reward isn’t massive, completing this substory adds to Saejima’s development and your total Completion List, which is essential for trophy or achievement hunters aiming for 100%.
Why Local Framer Matters
At first glance, the Local Framer substory may seem like a minor side event. However, it highlights a central theme in Yakuza 5: how truth and perception shape one’s role in a community. Saejima, an outsider and former convict, gains trust not through brute force, but by showing integrity and clear thinking.
This subtle but meaningful narrative shows how the game blends everyday human experiences with its larger-than-life crime stories. It also demonstrates how the series treats even its smallest side missions with care, offering fully fleshed-out scenarios that reflect the game’s larger emotional stakes.
Storytelling Strengths
- Emotional nuance: Reflects real-life issues like gossip, betrayal, and trust.
- Character development: Reinforces Saejima’s calm, reflective nature and willingness to help others.
- Immersion: Makes the player feel like a real part of the town’s daily life.
By taking the time to resolve a neighborly conflict, the game allows players to step away from high-stakes crime drama and connect with characters on a personal level, which is one of Yakuza 5’s narrative strengths.
The Local Framer substory in Yakuza 5 may not involve flashy fights or major plot revelations, but it stands out as a strong example of character-driven storytelling. It takes place during Saejima’s chapter in Tsukimino and emphasizes the importance of observation, deduction, and fairness. By choosing to get involved in a seemingly small conflict, Saejima reinforces his role as more than just a fighter he’s someone striving to do right, no matter how big or small the problem.
For players aiming for full completion or simply looking to enjoy all the depth that Yakuza 5 has to offer, the Local Framer is a worthwhile experience. It serves as a quiet but memorable reminder that every corner of the Yakuza world is filled with people, stories, and choices that matter. Take your time with it you may find that the smaller moments are what truly define the journey.