In Yakuza 0, players often come across various crafting materials and items that seem trivial at first glance but become crucial for progression later in the game. One such item is the Lead Ingot, a surprisingly valuable component in weapon crafting and equipment modification. While it may not sound glamorous, the Lead Ingot plays a vital role in both Kiryu and Majima’s combat customization. Understanding how to obtain it, where to use it, and why it’s important can make your gameplay smoother and more efficient. Whether you’re a newcomer or a returning player, knowing the ins and outs of the Yakuza 0 Lead Ingot will help you maximize your crafting potential.
What Is the Lead Ingot in Yakuza 0?
The Lead Ingot is a crafting material used primarily for weapon enhancement at the equipment modding shops in Yakuza 0. It falls under the category of rare metals and is essential for certain mid-tier upgrades. Despite its modest name, it is not easily found in the early game, making it a prized item for players aiming to improve their gear before tackling more difficult combat scenarios.
Primary Functions of the Lead Ingot
- Crafting specific melee weapons
- Modifying weapons to higher levels
- Used in select side quests and business upgrades
Where to Find Lead Ingot in Yakuza 0
There are multiple ways to obtain Lead Ingots in Yakuza 0, but none of them are extremely straightforward. Some methods require a bit of investment, while others depend on luck or grinding through mini-games. Here’s a breakdown of the most reliable sources.
Weapon Dealer (Kamurocho and Sotenbori)
Once you unlock the weapon dealers in Kamurocho (via the Dragon & Tiger) or Sotenbori, you can send agents on item retrieval missions. These missions allow your hired scouts to search for rare crafting materials, including Lead Ingots.
- Access the Dragon & Tiger shop
- Select a region known for metal resources (e.g., Asia or Japan-based missions)
- Equip your agents with tools to increase success rate and speed
- Return after a certain amount of in-game time to claim the rewards
Substories and Side Quests
Certain substories reward players with crafting materials upon completion. While not always guaranteed, some of these will give you a Lead Ingot either directly or as a selectable reward. Pay close attention to side quests involving black market dealers, tech enthusiasts, or crafting themes.
Enemy Drops
Though rare, some thugs and bosses in specific battles may drop a Lead Ingot. You can improve your chances by fighting in areas where enemies scale with your progress in the story, especially in later chapters. Use Heat Actions and specific combat styles to speed up fights and increase your drop rate potential.
Locker Keys and Coin Lockers
In Kamurocho, players can collect locker keys to open coin lockers that contain useful items. Some of these lockers include crafting materials, and with a bit of luck, you may find a Lead Ingot among them.
Purchasing from Specific Vendors
In rare instances, Lead Ingots can be purchased from underground shops or black market vendors. These vendors appear after certain parts of the story unlock or after you’ve reached specific milestones in your real estate or cabaret club businesses. Be sure to check in frequently with shady dealers who offer random rotating inventory.
How to Use Lead Ingot in Crafting
Once you’ve collected enough Lead Ingots, you can use them to craft or modify weapons at the Dragon & Tiger equipment shop. The crafting menu becomes available after progressing through a few missions and investing money into the shop’s expansion.
Steps to Craft or Modify Weapons
- Visit the Dragon & Tiger equipment shop
- Select Modify/Repair Equipment
- Choose the base weapon you want to enhance
- Check the required materials; use your Lead Ingots where applicable
- Confirm the upgrade and pay the associated cost in yen
Note that some weapons require multiple materials, so you may need to farm more than just Lead Ingots. Combining Lead with other items like Steel, Silver, or Secret Wallets often leads to more powerful or specialized gear.
Best Weapons That Require Lead Ingot
While not used in the most high-end legendary weapons, Lead Ingots are part of some very useful gear, especially in mid-game scenarios. These weapons strike a balance between power and affordability, ideal for players who want to deal high damage without blowing through all their yen.
Popular Weapon Choices
- Stun Baton– Requires Lead and contributes to high-speed shock attacks
- Reinforced Brass Knuckles– Great for hand-to-hand fighters like Majima
- Heavy Pipe– A blunt weapon with increased durability and strength
Tips for Farming Lead Ingots Efficiently
Farming Lead Ingots doesn’t have to be a slow grind. With the right strategy, you can accumulate several in a few play sessions and keep your weapon upgrades going without delay.
Use High-Speed Agents
When sending out retrieval missions at the Dragon & Tiger, invest in high-speed agents to reduce waiting time. Equipping them with items like ‘Lucky Cat’ or ‘Gold Plate’ can increase both the quality and quantity of materials returned.
Complete Real Estate/Cabaret Business
Progressing through Kiryu’s real estate empire or Majima’s cabaret club not only earns money but also unlocks useful connections. Some business allies can lower crafting costs or provide special materials, including Lead Ingots, after building trust.
Replay Key Substories
Some substories can be replayed or have follow-up missions that give additional rewards. If you remember earning crafting materials from a specific substory, check back on those characters later in the game for possible new rewards.
Why the Lead Ingot Matters
In the grand scheme of Yakuza 0, the Lead Ingot might not seem like a game-changing item at first. However, it becomes crucial when you’re aiming to stay ahead in combat by upgrading and modifying your arsenal. Investing in crafting and material farming is part of what makes Yakuza 0’s world so immersive. With the right resources like Lead Ingots, players can tailor their gameplay to fit their combat style, whether that means building faster, harder-hitting weapons or simply maintaining durability over time.
The Lead Ingot in Yakuza 0 may not carry the allure of rare jewels or flashy items, but its importance in crafting can’t be overstated. From enhancing your favorite melee weapons to preparing for tougher enemies, this modest material supports your journey in subtle but essential ways. By learning where to find it and how to use it effectively, you’ll have an edge in both combat and character progression. Whether you’re exploring the streets of Kamurocho or Sotenbori, don’t overlook the value of a well-placed Lead Ingot in your inventory.