Get to know Ryoma Sakamoto, a.k.a. the «eccentric ronin,» in Rise Of The Ronin!
Ryoma Sakamoto is a significant character in Rise Of The Ronin because he's your first acquaintance in the game. Mr. Sakamoto makes an indelible first impression with his lighthearted personality, undeniable charm, and adaptation of Western fashion. His mastery of the Hokushin Itto-ryu combat style makes him an invaluable ally, which you'll quickly discover as you take down bandits together upon meeting.
Bonding with Ryoma is easy if you put in the time. Getting your hands on whatever Western luxuries and hard liquors you can is essential. Taking Ryoma with you on Ronin Missions and assisting him in Bond Missions is equally crucial. Lastly, you can train with him in the Dojo to form a bond worthy of brothers in arms.
Updated April 19, 2024, by Chris Sanfilippo: Our latest update adds new details from Chapter 3: The Dawn Of A New Japan. This chapter includes two new Bond Missions for Ryoma. Plus, we discovered how to romance Ryoma (yes, it is possible)! Other quality-of-life improvements were also made, including a new location table and additions to the longhouse accessory list.
Where Can I Find Ryoma Sakamoto?
Ryoma Sakamoto is a member of the anti-shogunate faction, which means you'll find him at the Sakura Inn in Bashamichi, Yokohama, during Chapter 1. During Chapter 1's conclusion, you'll reside with him and the other anti-shogunate expulsionists at Saihoji Temple in Edo.
There is a brief period at the beginning of Chapter 2 when Ryoma stays at the Choshu Clan Villa in Azabu, Edo. Once he decides to reform the shogunate later in Chapter 2, you'll be able to find him at Kaishu Katsu's Estate in Akasaka, Edo.
Ryoma changes headquarters again in Chapter 3, residing at the Choshu Clan Kyoto Estate in Sanjo, Kyoto, with Shinsaku Takasugi, Kogoro Katsura, and others.
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Chapter |
Location |
Map |
|---|---|---|
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Chapter 1 (Yokohama) |
Sakura Inn — Bashamichi |
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Chapter 2 (Edo) [before Kaishu Katsu alliance] |
Choshu Clan Villa — Azabu |
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Chapter 2 (Edo) [Kaishu Katsu alliance] |
Kaishu Katsu's Estate — Akasaka |
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Chapter 3 (Kyoto) |
Choshu Clan Kyoto Estate — Sanjo |
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How Can I Get Ryoma To Visit My Longhouse?
You can compel Ryoma to visit your longhouse by redecorating via the Remodel menu. Place the following accessories on your display shelf:
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Accessory |
Effect |
|---|---|
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Tea Basket |
Raises the visit frequency for people who like foreign confections |
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Miniature Automobile |
Raises the visit frequency for people who like Western things |
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Spiral Umbrella |
Raises the visit frequency for people who like cosmetics and fashion |
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Snake-Eyed Umbrella (Red) |
Raises the visit frequency for people who like cosmetics and fashion |
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Snake-Eyed Umbrella (Blue) |
Raises the visit frequency for people who like cosmetics and fashion |
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Elegant Jar |
Raises the visit frequency for people who like light alcohol drinks |
What Gifts Does Ryoma Sakamoto Like?
Ryoma Sakamoto is a man of refined taste who embraces foreign culture more than his anti-shogunate peers. His interests include hard liquor, Western confectionaries, and Western fashion. Some great gift ideas for Ryoma include:
- European Dandy's Kit
- Premium Whiskey
- Imported Beer
- Milk Chocolate
- Knot Of Destiny
You can purchase gifts from Traders and Black Marketeers. Additionally, you can receive gift items via enemy drops, mission rewards, cat concierge missions, and pilgrim dog voyages.
How Else Can I Bond With Ryoma Sakamoto?
Like several of Rise Of The Ronin's characters, you can raise your Bond Level with Ryoma Sakamoto through combat, whether alongside him on a mission or against him at the Dojo.
The Training Dojo
The Training Dojo is a facility where you compete in exhibition matches against allies. Successfully defeating your challenger will strengthen your bond and award you notable prizes. Here are the details of Ryoma's challenge:
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Training Dojo: Ryoma Sakamoto Style: Mock Combat Weapon: Katana |
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Novice Rewards |
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Intermediate Rewards |
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Advanced Rewards |
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Master Rewards |
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Ryoma's Bond Missions
Bond Missions are sub-missions with stories focused on your ally. Completing them strengthens your bond with the allied character. You can unlock more Bond Missions by progressing through the main story. Here are Ryoma's Bond Missions that we've found so far:
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Bond Mission Name |
Mission Level |
Mission Rewards |
|---|---|---|
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The Men From Tosa |
Level 10 |
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The Two Apprentices |
Level 20 |
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A House Divided |
Level 21 |
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The Ties That Bind |
Level 36 |
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Crossroads At Dawn |
Level 44 |
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Can I Romance Ryoma Sakamoto?
There are a handful of characters from whom you may not be able to earn Favour early in the game, but their Favour becomes unlockable later. Ryoma Sakamoto is one such character. You'll unlock his Favour following a heart-to-heart the morning after the violent conclusion of The Fire Attack mission.
You can fill Ryoma's Favour gauge and still not gain the ability to form a Veiled Vow with him. There are several story beats you must complete first before a Veiled Vow is possible.
The opportunity to romance Ryoma will finally arrive after you complete The Last Shogun ronin mission. Talk to Ryoma after the mission and choose "It would be nice to go outside for a while" from the dialogue tree.
You'll be delighted with this romance if you've crushed on Ryoma throughout your playthrough. You'll unlock an amusing conversation about his body hair (it's a long story). In addition, you'll also get to watch a steamy cutscene between the two of you.
What Are Ryoma Sakamoto's Bond Bonuses?
You'll receive several rewards from bonding with Ryoma. However, the most significant benefit is learning and mastering the Hokushin Itto-ryu combat style. Ryoma's Bond Bonuses include the following:
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Bond Level |
Bond Bonuses |
|---|---|
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Acquainted |
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Friendly |
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Inseparable |
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Fated |
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