Yagami has enough on his plate as it is, but that won’t prevent the citizens of Lost Judgment from asking for help. As you roam the streets of both Kamurocho and Ijincho, you will encounter townsfolk in need of detective work. There are a total of 42 substories across all 13 chapters of the game, and this guide covers where to find them, how to complete them, and all the answers to Active Searches and Conversations related to them.
(Author’s Note: This list is in progress! We’re adding side cases as we encounter them. You’ll also notice some of the cases are missing in the sequence. We actually progressed too far into the story, so we are going back to finish out any side cases between 5-7 and 17-36.)
Side Cases List – Lost Judgment
1. Skateboard Detective vs. The Reseller
This side case takes place in Ijincho and is unlocked just by progressing through the main storyline in Chapter 1. Tsukumo will ask you to buy a rare figurine for him before a reseller gets it. For this, you’ll have to use your new fancy skateboard.
You can pick any route you want — it’s a straightforward enough path to the store. Once you arrive, head to the sidewalk and Yagami will automatically enter. Then, expect some trouble after making the purchase. After the encounter, enjoy the cutscenes and that will be all. Oh, and say no to scalpers.
2. The Falling Man
This side case takes place in Ijincho and is unlocked just by progressing through the main storyline in Chapter 3 . When you’re given the task to Use Gadgets to Find the Arachnid Man, head to the marked spot and equip your new Noise Amp (it’s in the Investigate mode menu). If you aim at one of the upper floors, you will notice the point of interest right away. Focus on it and The Falling Man will begin.
Once inside the alley, use the foothold on the left wall to start climbing. All you have to do here is jump to the pipes until you are just above the character in distress. Then, brace yourself for a sit-com-like set of cutscenes.
Then, Yagami will wonder what to ask, and three questions will appear:
- Are you a resident of this apartment building?
- Swallows shouldn’t be here this season?
- You didn’t think to get help from residents?
Feel free to pick them in any order. Sadly, the Arachnid Man won’t tell you much. Yagami will suggest observing him, so open up Investigate mode. From here, go around him to find a suspicious pink item on his pants’ back pocket. He won’t take your accusation slightly, so prepare for a rather straightforward fight. Kick his butt and the side case will be closed.
3. The Café Robber
This side case takes place in Kamurocho and is unlocked just by progressing through the main storyline in Chapter 3. After you’re briefed on how Side Cases and Buzzwords work, this will automatically become available. At any point you return to Kamurocho, the icon for this task will appear in the corner of Tenkaichi St. right next to Stardust. A cutscene will play as soon as you’re close. Then, you’ll have two keywords to analyze in the Buzzword Researcher.
First of all, run the search for both keywords — otherwise, you won’t be able to progress. Once that’s settled, head to Café Alps for another cutscene. Something doesn’t add up here. A new objective will task you to head to the back of the venue. For this, you need to enter investigation mode by switching to first person. Then, point at the strange sign on the front door of the café, rotate it and examine the SOS.
Open the backdoor by picking up the lock. It’s a rather simple one, so you won’t have any issues. Approaching the burglar is a different story. There are three options here, but the “proper” one is the box (should have been the suit). You actually need to move during the next sequence, so wait for every chance when the burglar isn’t looking to do so. He will run away afterwards, but don’t worry, as Yagami won’t think twice to chase after him. You will be rewarded with the Extract Recipe: Smoke Bomb Tactic for your trouble.
4. Trying the Patience of a Saint
This side case is unlocked by progressing through the main storyline in Chapter 4. After you’ve used the Detector for the first time and followed the story until Yagami rests in Yokohama 99, head to Seiryo School during the day. Halfway through the hallway of the third floor, you will notice a strange event with a professor. Amasawa will show up and invite you to talk more about it at the MRC.
Turns out the professor has quite the backstory. Ask more about the case in any order. After the briefing, head to the Faculty Room and talk to Ebisu. You’re about to become his personal bodyguard for a day. First off, start by finding the traps set for him by switching to first-person mode and focusing on the following:
- The chalkboard eraser trap that is stuck on the right side of the second door.
- The cushion on the chair.
- The piece of carpet beneath the chair.
Don’t worry about the banana peel — that’s just how it goes. After the test is over, Ebisu will get the urge to go to the bathroom, but something smells. In first-person, focus on the following traps:
- The chalkboard eraser trap in the door.
- The doorplate (from the side of the door).
Then, talk to him and confirm that he is all set to use the correct bathroom. You won’t be done for the day just yet. Ebisu has one final activity in school, and once more the students are trying to temper with it. A fight will ensue, though it isn’t much of a challenge. The second one, however, can be a bit tough. Make sure to give him everything you’ve got. Watch the closure of the story, and the side case will be closed.
5. Where is the Time Capsule?
This side case takes place in Ijincho and is unlocked just by progressing through the main storyline in Chapter 3 . After you’re briefed on how Side Cases and Buzzwords work, this will automatically become available. The task takes place in Seiryo High School. Once you arrive, it won’t trigger itself since it has to be manually discovered. For this, head inside the school and keep going straight by passing the lockers. Go outside to the courtyard and you will meet a group of three NPCs right after you open the courtyard door. Interact with them and choose to help them out.
After a brief chat, they will give you some enigmatic instructions to find their time capsule: “The giant’s wheel, lording over the tree with the most branches, three steps south from the roots. Two more steps east, and there a treasure rests,” You will receive this as the Memo of the Code evidence.
From where you just chatted with the group, head to the opposite side of the courtyard. The “giant’s wheel” is in reference to the ferris wheel that can be seen if you get close to the northwestern gate. Once there, switch to first-person and focus on the first big tree — Yagami will identify it as the one with the most branches. Now, aim at the Ferris Wheel to focus and examine it for a cutscene to play out.
Return to the group to hand over the time capsule. A question will arise with three possible answers:
- It was stolen.
- You’re misremembering.
- Someone else mistakenly took it – this is the correct answer.
A cutscene will play out and you will then have to confirm the time capsule’s contents. Grab some tissues because this is about to get emotional.
During the revelation, three possibilities will come up:
- What about a yearbook?
- Get in touch with old friends?
- Where do they live?
Exhaust all three of them and ask how does she look as the fourth alternative. You will receive the Face Sketch of Goto as evidence. Now, it’s time to look for Goto in Chinatown. You can either go on foot or just take a taxi to S Chinatown. The spot is next to the taxi in there, and once you’re on it, you can begin target search. There is a woman on the opposite side of the taxi (so, towards the direction of Gull St. if you’re looking at the map) that has a white jacket on her. Aim and focus on her to investigate the profile. Yagami won’t be so sure about it, but talk to her anyway.
All that is left to do is to watch the cutscenes to follow (F in the chat) and the side case will be closed.
7. The SRC’s Hunt for the Truth
This side case takes place in Ijincho and is unlocked just by progressing through the main storyline in Chapter 3 . After you’re briefed on how Side Cases and Buzzwords work, this will automatically become available. The task takes place just outside of Seiryo High School during the night. You will find two students chatting about UFOs in the main entrance. They will mention seeing information about them on Chatter, the buzzwords app. Open the app and select UFO from the keywords list. It seems this is only happening at night around the Bar District, so we’re heading there.
You will find the spot next to Survive bar. Upon arrival, you will immediately hear some strange noises; if you look up, there will be a moving object. Switch to first-person and aim at it to inspect it — just bear in mind it won’t stay in one place for long, though it usually stops in the center. A long cutscene will unfold and the investigation will officially begin afterwards.
Continue researching UFOs by heading to Central St. and confronting the SRC. After a brief chat, you’ll have to chat with Yabuki at Wette Kitchen. You can find him on the second floor. Now, Yagami has to find a UFO and take a picture of it. For this, open the Buzz Researcher again and pinpoint the keyword, which took us close to Fukutoku Bridge.
You will see a UFO roaming just above the park. Get on top of the cone-shaped structure in the middle to gain some height. In order to take a picture, you have to switch to first-person and inspect the UFO first. Then, the photo mission will begin. It doesn’t require any intricate angles, but make sure to adjust your focus and zoom to maximum levels.
After a cutscene, Yagami will have to repeat the process. There is apparently another UFO at Seiryo High, so let’s get moving. You need to get inside the school and head to the courtyard to continue the investigation. Once there, ask the students about the UFO. You will then have to find it on the roof. For this, switch to first-person and inspect the one flying around. The side case will then ask you to take a picture of the UFO (it’s the last one!) and then chase it. This one isn’t complicated, but keep an eye for a quick time event. Once the chase is over, enjoy the last batch of cutscenes. The side case will then be closed.
9. The Body Model Walks at Night!!!
This side case takes place in Ijincho and is unlocked just by progressing through the main storyline in Chapter 3. After you’re briefed on how Side Cases and Buzzwords work, this will automatically become available. The task takes place in Seiryo High School. Once you arrive (during the night) Yagami will automatically mention it. Now, you’ll have to find the roaming body model.
The first part of the side case is straightforward enough. Head to the MRC location and a cutscene will trigger, as the mission takes place in that corridor. Then, Yagami will get to the second floor, and you will have to use the Noise Amp to find the body model. After you equip the Noise Amp, you will immediately see a noise coming from the first classroom on the left. Ignore it and keep walking forward. The model is in the second classroom. Aim and focus on them and a chase sequence will begin after a cutscene. Keep an eye out for any glowing objects on the floor, which you can use to throw at them and slow their pace.
Once you’ve caught them, a series of cutscenes will play out, so just enjoy them. Then, you will obtain the task to speak with Naito again later to see how it all went. Afterwards, you will have to wait until daytime to return to the school and catch up with him. Naito can be found in the cafeteria. Head there for a brief cutscene and the case will be closed.
10. Dueling Dojos
This side case takes place in Kamurocho and is unlocked just by progressing through the main storyline in Chapter 3. After you’re briefed on how Side Cases and Buzzwords work, you can grab this from the board at Yagami Detective Agency.
You can kickstart this at M Side Cafe in Taihei Blvd. at any time. Upon entering, Yagami will remember that Ryan is actually hiding. After you take the staircase to the upper floor, turn around to see him grabbed from the wall Spidey-style, just above the aforementioned stairs. Switch to first-person and examine him. He will give you the gist of what’s been happening to his students. Yagami will happily agree to infiltrate the rival dojo, and for this, Ryan will give him the Ninja Outfit. This serves both as evidence and as one of Yagami’s disguises.
Head to the dojo in Senryo Ave. and talk to the ninja at the door. He will ask why you’re not abiding by the dress code, so it’s time to switch to your ninja attire. You can do this from the Disguises tab in the Items app of your phone.
After a rather wild introduction to the class, the trials will begin. First, you need to chase Kalashnikov. There are several obstacles in this sequence, but it’s rather repetitive. He will get tired after a while. Onto the second trial now. Don’t expect too much of a spectacle for this one. You can choose any mode you want to play darts. We went for 01 – 301. Enjoy the game and be sure to pay attention to the song in the background for a cool reference.
Time for the third and final trial. Things will escalate and end up in a fight. A series of cutscenes will unfold. After they wrap up, you will obtain the Training Band, and the case will be closed.
11. The Forbidden Taste
This side case takes place in Ijincho and is unlocked just by progressing through the main storyline in Chapter 3. After you’re briefed on how Side Cases and Buzzwords work, this will automatically become available to grab from Job Requests at Yokohama 99.
The client is waiting for you at Meng Wu, which is located in S Chinatown. After meeting him, the investigation will begin. The ‘phantom ramen stall’ keyword will be added to the Buzzword app, so go ahead and select it to see the results. We started with the target that is only two blocks away from the restaurant. Once you arrive you will see a group of three NPCs talking about the ramen next to the vending machines. Wait until the conversation is over and Yagami will mention his discoveries.
Then, we went to Pier St. for two more conversations. Yagami will reach out to Joe and arrange to meet him again at Meng Wu to explain what he found out. Just pick the available options until the conversation is over (sounds rude, but time is money). After you share findings with Joe, you will have to find some cats nearby. This is marked on your map and around a block away from the restaurant, so head there. Once you interact with the cat, don’t worry about which option you choose, as it’s part of a tutorial about Feline Encounters.
Now, you will have to put those lessons to good use and befriend a cat. We recommend you to pick up some cat food before you try it, which can be found in places like Poppo markets and Deco Rush (the latter has a large variety). For us, the process went like this: we approached the cat group and interacted with them one at a time, offering cat food first. All of them liked that. There is a cooldown of sorts, however, in between each interaction — but going for a short sprint around half a block away from them and coming back reset it every time. We then continued with a pet, and then cat food again. Make sure to remember their names correctly!
Now that you have befriended a cat, it’s time to find that ramen stall. Luckily, all you have to do is head to Yokohama 99 and a series of cutscenes will play out. You will receive the Book of the Ravenous as a reward, which unlocks the Verge of Death: Ravenous Snake skill.
12. Paradise VR Unlocked!
This side case takes place in Ijincho and is unlocked just by progressing through the main storyline in Chapter 3. After you’re briefed on how Side Cases and Buzzwords work, this will automatically become available.
The side case can be kicked off from Hamakita Park Ave., in between Gull St. and Gull Alley. After a brief chat with an old acquaintance of Yagami, you’ll be able to try out Paradise VR for free. It’s a rather straightforward one: just go ahead and enjoy the match. Do keep in mind that it can be quite lengthy, though! Once you’re done, the side case will be closed but you’ll be able to return here at any time.
13. Paradise VR Upgraded!
This side case is unlocked after completing Paradise VR Unlocked! — if you don’t see it right away, roam around the city for a bit for it to appear. You can kick it off from the same spot as before. Tashiro will mention a significant enhancement to Paradise VR (or at least that’s his pitch) and invite you to try it out whenever. After a brief cutscene upon entering, talk to Naisu Daisu and select Short Course. Keep in mind that, unlike the first session, this isn’t a freebie. You will need three Play Pass tickets to play the course.
You can purchase one at Onodera’s Wares in the Commercial District for 1,000 yen. If you have been investing time in the Skateboard minigame, they can be purchased at 18,000 points from the Skateboard Prize Exchange store.
Once that’s settled, talk to Naisu Daisu, select the course and when prompted, and choose one of the special rivals. This is a rather time-consuming side case as you will have to defeat all of them, which means gathering enough tickets to do so. We’ve yet to complete the objective ourselves, but will report back once we do.
14. Let the Drones Fly!
This side case takes place in Ijincho and is unlocked just by progressing through the main storyline in Chapter 3. After you’re briefed on how Side Cases and Buzzwords work, this will automatically become available.
In order to kickstart it, head to the Drone Racing Registration located in the northwestern corner of Ijincho. Head inside the fence and interact with the crowd to learn about the event. Then, register for a drone race. In case you want a refresher, you’re given the option to do a quick tutorial race first. Regardless of what you choose, doing just one race will suffice. Watch the brief cutscene and the side case will be closed.
15. Extracting the Past
This side case takes place in Ijincho and is unlocked just by progressing through the main storyline in Chapter 3. After you’ve encountered Kuwana and the group disperses, this will trigger right afterwards. Yagami will see a familiar face, and after a short sequence, he’ll be handed a Warrior’s Onslaught Extract. This is pretty much a tutorial mission, so just follow the instructions and kick that guy’s ass.
Once you’re at Iyama’s place, go ahead and craft the extract. He will grant you the recipe as well as the Mysterious Gourd so that you can make these on the go. Then, he’s going to request to bring Mugwort, which is a plant material that is most likely in your inventory already. If not, places like Hamakita Park may be a good spot to find it. Interact with him again and choose to deliver the material. He will give you the Extract Recipe: Super Strength as a reward, and the side case will be closed.
16. Extracting the Truth
This side case is unlocked after completing Extracting the Past. In order to start it, head to Iyama’s Extra Shop. After quite an enigmatic talk about ancient languages, you’ll have to bring him a rose. You can find one as a material from ground loot or in Flowers 2 Go, the truck in Hamakita Park. As a reward, you will obtain the Extract Recipe: Willow Snake. Then, Iyama will ask for Garlic. If you haven’t found it as loot yet, you can purchase it at Hero’s Harvest in Hamakita Park. As a reward, you will obtain the Extract Recipe: Rushing Tiger.
Onto more requests! He will now ask for a Four Leaf Clover. Unlike in real life, these are fairly common to find around Hamakita Park as ground loot. You will then receive the Extra Recipe: Dancing Crane as a reward. After a cutscene and some revelations, the side case will be closed.
17. A New Partner?
This side case is unlocked just by following the main story in Chapter 4. Once you return to Yokohama 99 after chatting with Sawa at the school, a (good) dog will greet you at the agency’s entrance.
It’s rather straightforward from here. The detective will track down a case that needs to be solved, followed by another short trip. Then, take care of the Yakuza that are bothering Mikan. It won’t take long until Amasawa ends up being involved with this case, as well. Afterwards, the Detective Dog will be added to your Gadgets app and the case will be closed. Give him a good rub next time you see him, yeah?
36. Big Shame Hunter
This side case becomes available after reaching the first level in your relationship with Miu at Girl’s Bite. This will start with a cutscene regarding a stalker. Afterwards, you’re free to leave and come back whenever to continue progression through your relationship with her. Once you reach the second padlock icon, leave and come back again to continue forward.
The situation is getting worse, but Yagami may have a clue to work with. Use the Detector and aim at her left shoe. You both will think of a plan, and the culprit will take the bait. A chase sequence will take place afterwards. After a few cutscenes, the case will be closed.
37. Random Fandom
This side case becomes available after reaching the first level in your relationship with Ayaha at Girl’s Bite. This will start with a cutscene involving some office men being loud. Afterwards, you’re free to leave and come back whenever to continue progression through your relationship with her. Once you reach the second padlock icon, leave and come back again to continue forward.
Ayaha won’t be there when you do so; instead, you’ll have to talk to her near Jinnai Station. Once you arrive you will see her doing quite the pose — choose to Call Out. Then, a chase sequence will take place. All that’s left to do is return to the club for a rather hilarious scene. Afterwards, the case will be closed.
38. Step By Step
This side case becomes available after completing the Girls’ Bar School Story. You’ll be able to begin a romance with Emily afterwards, which involves a series of unique activities and conversations. You can kickstart things by talking to Emily at Girl’s Bite. There is only one option available, but it will increase the relationship meter quite a bit. Then, feel free to invite her to darts or the batting center until the bar is at maximum level.
Yagami will then mention wanting to get her number, but he’s unsure how. I’d love to know whenever you’re in is the correct answer.
It’s likely that you won’t be able to progress any further for the time being. Spend some time in free roam or doing main story missions until you receive a message from Emily. Yagami wants to invite her to dinner, but once again doubt creeps in. Use food as an excuse to invite her out is the correct answer here. (I mean, you rarely can’t go wrong with food).
Emily will accept to go out — head to Jinnai Station and wait for her. The date will officially begin. Here, just enjoy the walk to Plage. After a brief cutscene, you’ll have to search for topics to talk about by focusing on Emily’s hair, jacket, and nails. In order, the answers are the following:
- Hair: Choose either Where are your parents from? Or it’s beautiful.
- Jacket: Choose I’m sure you get hit on a lot (very classy, Yagami).
- Nails: Choose Your nails are super cute.
Once you’re done, a series of cutscenes will follow. The night will end earlier than expected, and the case will be closed.
