Like a Dragon Gaiden - how to use extreme heat mode

There's a little something for everyone in the Like a Dragon game series, and melee combat fans will feel right at home in Gaiden. A truly impressive display of strength comes when players activate Kiryu's ultimate ability, so this guide will explain how to use extreme heat mode in Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.

Extreme heat mode isn't new to the Yakuza / Like a Dragon series, but fans of the earlier titles may not be familiar with it. It'll quickly become a favourite, however, thanks to its ability to deal with several enemies at once with overwhelming style.

If you're looking to learn more about Like a Dragon Gaiden, you should check out its pre-order bonuses and find out how to unlock the Infinite Wealth demo hidden inside the game.

Credit: SEGA

What is extreme heat mode?

Extreme heat mode is a bombastic if short-lived equivalent to an ultimate ability. When active, you'll hit harder and be trickier to knock down. Depending on the fighting style you're in, you'll have a slightly different (yet equally thrilling) experience.

Players can activate extreme heat mode only when the heat gauge is totally full. You can check on the bar by looking below Kiryu's health in the top left corner of the screen, but you should note that it will go down if you get hit.

When you're in Yakuza fighting style, extreme heat mode will automatically make Kiryu pick up nearby weapons for a huge boost in damage. You can also unleash back-to-back heat actions, so it's a great way to deal with one particularly tough enemy.

In the Agent fighting style, extreme heat mode boosts the destructive potential of Kiryu's gadgets. Kicks become incredibly fast thanks to a boosted Serpent gadget, while bee drones will swarm to perform joint attacks. The Spider watch creates more wires than it usually can otherwise, and firefly bombs become much more powerful. All in all, it's a great way to deal with multiple enemies at once.

How to activate the extreme heat mode

With a full heat gauge, press the button seen in the top-left.

This is the 'R2' button on PS5 and will be your platform's equivalent. As mentioned above, you must have a totally filled heat gauge to activate extreme heat mode. Filling it is as easy as landing hits on enemies, but you can also use Tauriner drinks to fill it even faster.

For the duration of extreme heat mode, Kiryu will be covered in a brightly coloured aura - red in Yakuza style and blue in Agent style. When the aura's gone, extreme heat mode has ended.

That's everything you need to know about pulverising your enemies with extreme heat mode in Like a Dragon Gaiden. While you're here, find out how to equip gear and unlock new abilities. You can also find out if the game has an English dub.