In Stranger Than Heaven, you control the left and right sides of Makoto’s body separately: block with one hand, hit back straight away with the other. The other half of the game is Showbiz, where you collect the sounds of the city, turn them into songs and build your own show. According to SEGA as of 12 November 2026, the game releases on 15 January 2027, so this guide is based on what SEGA has described and on previews from outlets that played it at events. Whenever something comes from a preview, we say so.
The core idea: left and right sides
SEGA describes the heart of the combat simply: you control the left and right sides of Makoto’s body independently. Each side can attack, defend or break through an opponent’s guard. It’s not just about stringing combos together, but about which hand does what, and when.
According to previews from IGN, Game Informer and TechRadar, the left and right sides of the body map to the left and right bumper and trigger on a controller. The outlets don’t describe the full layout the same way, so we’re not breaking it down here and will add it after launch.
Attacks, grapples and defence per SEGA
The official description lists these moves:
- a jab followed by a crushing blow,
- a charged attack that sends an enemy flying,
- a tackle on a staggering opponent,
- pinning an enemy to the ground and unleashing a flurry of punches,
- blocking with one hand and instantly countering with the other.
SEGA adds that you need to read your opponent’s movements and create your own openings.
Directional parry and dodging (from previews)
Two more things come from outlets that have played the game. According to IGN and Game Informer, combat includes a directional parry: while holding block, you have to time the parry to the correct side, depending on where the attack is coming from. According to IGN and TechRadar, dodging is also part of combat.
Weapons
Besides your fists, you can fight with weapons. SEGA mentions knives, hammers, katanas and more, and says you can master and enhance them. As of 12 November 2026, SEGA hasn’t said how many weapons there are. We’ll cover how individual weapons handle after launch.
Pre-ordering gets you the Dosu: Kagekiri weapon. The Deluxe Edition adds a set of four new weapons and a set of four new skilled performers for your shows. The content unlocks as you progress through the main story. For everything else in the Deluxe Edition and the prices, see our guide to price and editions.
The Kure fight arena and side activities
According to previews from IGN and Game Informer, Kure in 1929 has an arena where you fight for money against increasingly tough opponents. The Gamescom 2026 demo featured fights from three eras: Kokura 1915, Kure 1929 and Minami 1943. SEGA has published a recording of it on YouTube.
According to previews, the cities are packed with other things to do: side quests, minigames, random street fights, shops and restaurants. We’re not listing specific minigames yet and will add them after launch. The game also has photography, and Makoto has a home base.
Showbiz: from street sounds to your own show
Showbiz is the game’s second pillar and ties into the story of Makoto becoming a showman. According to SEGA, it works in several steps:
- Scouting talent. You pick up gossip on the streets and use it to track down singers and performers.
- Collecting sounds. You record whatever you hear around town: the swish of a broom, a neighbour snoring, passing trains, animals, even the grunts of enemies you fight.
- Composing. You turn those sounds into original tracks.
- Building the show. You choose the setlist, the band, the cast and the production, such as lighting colours and staging.
- Touring. You promote the show and take it around the country.
According to previews from TechRadar and IGN, shows are a source of income, and you keep an eye on costs and earnings.
According to TechRadar and IGN, Showbiz replaces the management minigame you may know from the Yakuza / Like a Dragon series, such as running a hostess club. The Deluxe Edition also adds a Record Player that plays the soundtrack from every era at your base, and an Electronic Camera that expands photography. To see which real-life musicians have roles in the game, check our characters and cast guide.
What previews said about combat
IGN, Game Informer and TechRadar agree that combat feels slower and more tactical than in the Like a Dragon games, with a strong focus on timing. That’s their impression from pre-release sessions, not a verdict on the finished game. There are no reviews yet, as the game isn’t out.
For a full overview of the game, from platforms to story, read our game overview.
Join our Discord to talk about upcoming games with other players. Hop into the GamersTogether Discord and tell us whether the fighting or the Showbiz appeals to you more.
FAQ
You control the left and right sides of Makoto’s body independently. You can block with one hand and counter with the other, and there are grapples, charged attacks and weapons too.
Yes. SEGA mentions knives, hammers, katanas and more, and weapons can be enhanced. As of 12 November 2026, SEGA hasn’t given a weapon count.
It’s the part of the game where you scout singers and performers, collect city sounds, compose tracks from them, and build and promote your own shows across Japan.
According to previews from IGN, Game Informer and TechRadar, it’s slower and more tactical, with more emphasis on timing. These are impressions from pre-release sessions; according to SEGA the game releases on 15 January 2027.
No. According to Steam and the Microsoft Store, it’s a single-player game.
Information verified on 12 November 2026. We’ll update this article after the game launches. More guides are waiting in our Stranger Than Heaven hub.