In Yakuza 4, crafting and weapon customization become an important part of gameplay, especially when players want to prepare for tougher fights or enhance their characters’ effectiveness in combat. One particular item that often causes confusion but plays a critical role in weapon upgrades is the SSS Gunpowder. This rare crafting material is essential for creating some of the strongest firearms and explosive-based equipment in the game. Knowing where to find SSS Gunpowder, how to use it, and how it connects to the broader crafting system will help players who are trying to optimize their loadouts or complete weapon-related side content.
What Is SSS Gunpowder?
SSS Gunpowder is a high-grade crafting material in Yakuza 4 that falls under the weapon upgrade and modification system. As the name implies, it is a special type of gunpowder used to enhance or create certain guns and explosive items. The SSS designation hints at its superior quality compared to regular gunpowder materials, making it more valuable and harder to obtain.
This item is not something you come across often during normal story progression. Instead, it is usually acquired through specific activities like minigames, side missions, or item exchanges. Because of its rarity and usefulness, players interested in maximizing their weapon potential or unlocking completion bonuses should make an effort to secure it.
Uses of SSS Gunpowder
- Required for crafting high-tier firearms
- Needed in specific upgrade trees for ranged weapons
- Essential for some completionist goals, especially in weapon collecting
- Can be sold for a high price, though this is not recommended
Where to Find SSS Gunpowder
Finding SSS Gunpowder in Yakuza 4 requires exploring several in-game systems and knowing where to look. It cannot be purchased from standard shops or easily looted from common enemies. However, there are reliable ways to acquire it if you are willing to invest time in side activities or search hidden locations.
Possible Sources of SSS Gunpowder
- Underground Coliseum: Some victory prizes in the Coliseum can include rare crafting items like SSS Gunpowder, especially in tournaments with high difficulty levels.
- Locker Keys and Coin Lockers: Use locker keys found around Kamurocho to open coin lockers near the Theater Square. Some lockers have rare materials, including SSS Gunpowder.
- Weapon Master Side Missions: Completing tasks for the weapon master may reward you with crafting components, including higher-tier powders and metals.
- Random Drops in Underground Areas: Areas such as the Underground Mall or the sewers occasionally offer loot drops after fights or in hidden corners.
Be aware that availability may vary depending on which character you’re playing. Since Yakuza 4 features four protagonists, not all crafting options or activities are open to everyone at the same time.
Using SSS Gunpowder for Weapon Crafting
To actually use SSS Gunpowder, you’ll need access to a crafting NPC. In Yakuza 4, Kamiyama Works is the primary location where players can craft and upgrade weapons. This workshop allows you to combine raw materials with money to create new gear or improve existing ones.
Some of the strongest guns in the game require SSS Gunpowder as a key material. These weapons usually feature higher damage output, faster fire rates, or special effects such as piercing or knockback. For players aiming to make boss fights easier or complete battle challenges, upgrading firearms with this rare powder can be a game-changer.
Crafting Tips
- Always check the required materials before attempting an upgrade
- Do not waste SSS Gunpowder on low-tier weapons
- Prioritize crafting guns that offer unique abilities or higher stat boosts
- Keep a backup save in case you want to test different upgrades
Managing Crafting Resources
Because SSS Gunpowder is rare, it’s essential to manage your crafting resources carefully. Many items in Yakuza 4 are used in multiple recipes, and wasting materials on unnecessary upgrades may lock you out of better equipment later in the game. It’s also worth noting that some other rare materials like Dragon Fossils, Platinum Alloys, and Tungsten are needed in conjunction with SSS Gunpowder for top-tier items.
If you’re aiming for 100% completion or simply want the strongest arsenal possible, keeping a log of your materials and crafting priorities will save time and frustration.
How to Track Materials
- Use the item list in your inventory to see quantities
- Check Kamiyama’s upgrade tree for future material needs
- Avoid selling rare crafting items unless absolutely necessary
- Store unused items in your item box if inventory is full
Combat Benefits of Upgraded Firearms
Upgraded guns made with SSS Gunpowder provide a noticeable boost in battle. While hand-to-hand combat is the main focus in the Yakuza series, firearms can be incredibly effective in certain scenarios. This is especially true in tight corridors, underground zones, or during ambushes where multiple enemies attack at once.
With an SSS-powered gun, players can often dispatch enemies quickly, reduce risk from armed foes, and clear out groups before they get too close. Some upgraded weapons even include ammo regeneration or higher accuracy, making them more efficient for extended fights.
When to Use These Weapons
- During boss fights with long health bars
- Against enemies who block or dodge frequently
- In missions where time is limited
- During challenge battles and completion objectives
Should You Sell SSS Gunpowder?
Technically, you can sell SSS Gunpowder for a large amount of money at pawn shops or item dealers. However, this is not recommended unless you’re in desperate need of cash and don’t plan to craft any high-end weapons. The value of using the item to enhance your arsenal far outweighs the temporary benefit of a quick yen boost.
If you are struggling with money, consider completing substories, running the Coliseum, or taking part in hostess club management rather than selling rare crafting items like SSS Gunpowder.
SSS Gunpowder in Yakuza 4 is a vital crafting material for players who want to build and enhance powerful firearms. Though not commonly found, it rewards exploration and engagement with the game’s side content. Whether obtained from coin lockers, the Coliseum, or rare drops, this item becomes an important asset in creating top-tier weapons through Kamiyama Works. By using it wisely and understanding where to find it, players can gain a major edge in combat and work toward full completion. As with many elements in Yakuza 4, mastering the details behind crafting makes the overall experience deeper and more rewarding.