Yakuza 0, the critically acclaimed prequel to the long-running Yakuza series, offers a detailed and immersive view of Japan’s underworld during the late 1980s. With its deep storytelling, minigames, and rich character interactions, players often find themselves exploring not just the streets of Kamurocho and Sotenbori but also the tools and systems available in the game. One such system is the pager. While seemingly minor, the pager plays an important role in receiving messages tied to side stories, real estate management, and other interactions. Knowing how to check the pager in Yakuza 0 can enhance your gameplay experience and help you stay on top of various in-game activities.
What Is the Pager in Yakuza 0?
The pager in Yakuza 0 is a small device used to receive short numeric messages. It serves as an important communication tool between characters, particularly in the Real Estate Royale and Cabaret Club Czar business sub-stories. Though pagers might feel like a relic of the past, in the 1988 setting of the game, they are cutting-edge and commonly used for short-range messaging.
When the pager beeps or vibrates, it signals that a new message has arrived. These messages can trigger key gameplay events, such as staff management updates, business earnings, or story-related events. Because they’re easy to miss without knowing how to check them, understanding how to interact with the pager is essential for efficient play.
When Do You Receive Pager Messages?
Pagers are mostly used for background gameplay elements like managing your businesses or receiving messages from certain NPCs. Here are common moments when you’ll get a pager message:
- Real Estate Royale updates (Kiryu’s business)
- Cabaret Club Czar notifications (Majima’s business)
- Story progress or character-specific events
- Recruitment confirmations or income collection signals
Messages usually arrive after enough in-game time has passed or certain requirements are met. The beep indicates that you need to take a moment to check it. Missing the message won’t halt your progress, but you may delay business management or miss time-sensitive opportunities.
How to Check the Pager in Yakuza 0
1. Listen for the Pager Beep
When you receive a pager message, you’ll hear a distinctive beeping sound. This audio cue is your main alert that a message has arrived. Unlike modern games with pop-up notifications, Yakuza 0 keeps it subtle and immersive. Always be alert when moving through the game world, especially after completing a mission or exiting a building.
2. Check the Bottom Left of the Screen
In addition to the beep, a message icon appears briefly on the bottom left of the screen. It’s easy to miss during intense combat or busy exploration, but it confirms that a message has been received. This is your cue to open the game menu.
3. Open the Main Pause Menu
To check your pager, press the appropriate button to bring up the main menu (Start or Options depending on your platform). This menu gives you access to items, gear, abilities, and other gameplay features.
4. Navigate to the Messages Section
Once inside the main menu, look for the Messages or Pager section. Depending on the current progression and character, this section may appear under different tabs, usually tied to business management. You’ll be able to view the numeric message sent to your character.
5. Interpret the Numeric Code
In keeping with the era, the messages are displayed in numeric codes, mimicking the way pagers worked in the late ’80s. These numbers often correspond to Japanese wordplay, and sometimes it takes context or game knowledge to interpret them. However, for gameplay purposes, they are usually linked to specific actions:
- Income is ready to be collected
- New staff are available
- A story-related character wants to meet
If you’re not familiar with Japanese pager code, don’t worry the game often includes helpful dialogue or objective updates after checking your messages.
Pager Use in Kiryu’s Real Estate Royale
Kiryu’s pager becomes most active when running the Real Estate Royale business. You’ll receive messages from your secretary, staff, or partner managers when properties are ready for collection or if there are challenges that require your attention.
For example, after investing money into property or completing a round of collections, the pager will notify you when the income cycle is complete. This lets you head back to the office and collect your earnings or start another cycle. If you ignore the pager, your business will simply remain idle, wasting valuable in-game time.
How to Maximize Efficiency
To make the most of the pager system, always check your messages right after completing main or side missions. Then, visit your office and initiate the next round of investments or assignments. By keeping the business cycle going, you’ll unlock more resources and progress through the side business storylines faster.
Pager Use in Majima’s Cabaret Club Czar
For Majima, the pager works similarly but is tied to his cabaret club operations. You’ll receive notifications when the club is ready to open, when rival clubs make moves, or when customers cause trouble. These alerts are important for keeping your business profitable and defending your territory.
Just like with Kiryu, checking the pager ensures that you’re staying ahead of the game and maximizing profit potential. Majima’s pager will also buzz after recruitment attempts or training sessions with hostesses, signaling that new events or improvements are available.
Other Uses of the Pager
Occasionally, the pager plays a role in side stories or main plot events. Certain characters will page you with codes that lead to optional missions or meetings. These are usually well-marked and tied to ongoing narratives, especially those involving allies or former business contacts.
Some of these messages can trigger secret conversations or rare encounters, so it’s worth checking your pager frequently even when you’re not managing a business. Think of it as part of the immersive ’80s technology environment that defines Yakuza 0’s charm.
Tips for Staying on Top of Pager Notifications
- Keep sound on: The pager beep is subtle but noticeable. Playing with audio helps catch messages quickly.
- Check menu often: After missions or major events, pause and check the Messages section to avoid missing anything.
- Develop a business rhythm: Schedule property collections or club operations between missions to sync with pager updates.
- Don’t ignore the beep: Some messages open up new business opportunities or side content that can be missed if left unchecked.
Checking the pager in Yakuza 0 might seem like a small detail, but it plays a surprisingly central role in managing businesses, progressing through sub-stories, and staying connected to the world around Kiryu and Majima. Learning how and when to check your pager ensures you won’t miss out on essential updates, income opportunities, or new character interactions. As you navigate the lively streets of Kamurocho and Sotenbori, keep one ear open for that familiar beep it might just be the key to your next payday or plot twist.