In Shenmue III, money is essential for almost everything—from buying food and items to progressing through quests and enjoying the game’s many minigames. While you start with very little, there are several reliable methods to earn and multiply your yuan without spending hours grinding. Whether you prefer manual labor, gambling, or clever trading, this guide covers the best ways to farm money efficiently throughout your journey in Bailu and Niaowu.
Early Game Money Farming – Bailu Village
You’ll begin your adventure in Bailu Village, which offers several simple but effective ways to earn your first steady income.
1. Chop Wood for Tao Get Store
Visit Tao Get Store in Bailu Village to take on the wood-chopping job. Each successful round pays 70 yuan, making it the best early game option for quick, consistent cash. The mini-game requires precise timing—press the button when the axe aligns with the center of the log. The better your rhythm, the faster you’ll earn.
Tip:
- Chop until you’ve saved at least 350 yuan before moving to gambling.
- Use this as your fallback source if you ever run out of funds.
2. Gambling for Profit
Once you’ve built a modest bankroll, it’s time to move into more profitable—though riskier—ventures. Head past Cow Paddock, where several gambling tables are located. Exchange your yuan for gambling tokens, which can later be traded for valuable gems.
Before gambling, visit Zhu Tianwen, the fortune-teller in Sunset Hill, and pay for a Color Fortune Reading. This fortune will suggest a lucky color for the day, corresponding to one of the betting symbols in the Flower, Bird, Wind, and Moon game.
Color Correlation:
- Flower = Red
- Bird = Green
- Wind = Blue
- Moon = Yellow
Once you know your color, head back to the gambling tables and start with small wagers of 1000 tokens. Bet on the color that matches your fortune. While not a guaranteed win, this method improves your odds significantly.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t overbet—keep enough tokens or money to recover if you lose.
- Revisit Zhu Tianwen for a fresh fortune if you’re on a losing streak.
- Gradually increase your bets when you’re on a winning run.
As you build up your token count, you can later trade them for valuable items and gems at the Panda Market.
3. Converting Tokens into Cash
Tokens cannot be exchanged directly for money, but they can be traded for items—especially gems—which can then be sold at nearby shops for high prices. The Panda Market is the most profitable spot for this exchange.
When your inventory fills up with gems, sell them at general stores in the area. The value of these gems is considerably higher than your initial token investment, making this one of the most efficient money-making loops in the game.
Loop Summary:
- Chop wood to earn yuan.
- Exchange yuan for gambling tokens.
- Visit Zhu Tianwen for your fortune color.
- Gamble at Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon tables.
- Win tokens and trade for gems at Panda Market.
- Sell gems for large sums of money.
Advanced Money Farming – Niaowu Village
Once you reach Niaowu Village, the same strategies apply, but with higher potential profits. Gambling opportunities become more diverse, and the value of items increases. You’ll also have access to additional shops and higher-level fortune-tellers, allowing for bigger bets and faster cash returns.
Key Tips:
- The Color Fortune strategy still works and remains one of the most reliable ways to win consistently.
- Niaowu’s markets offer rarer gems, so prioritize exchanging your winnings there.
- Be cautious—losing all your yuan can set you back significantly.
Bonus Earning Methods
Fishing
Once unlocked, fishing can become another steady source of income. Caught fish can be sold to merchants or traded for useful items.
Collectibles and Trading Sets
Scour the world for collectible capsule toys and trading sets. Completing full collections can earn you substantial cash rewards when sold to collectors.
Selling Unused Items
You’ll frequently pick up items and materials you don’t need. Check each town’s vendors—some pay premium prices for specific items that others may undervalue.
Final Advice for Making Money Fast
- Stay patient and disciplined. The gambling system is designed to reward consistency, not luck.
- Avoid betting everything at once. Losing all your yuan means restarting the grind.
- Invest your profits wisely. Use your money to upgrade combat items, replenish food, and participate in higher-level games for better returns.
- Revisit fortune-tellers regularly. Their predictions subtly affect your odds of success, especially in gambling-based strategies.
About Shenmue III
Developed by Ys Net and directed by Yu Suzuki, Shenmue III continues Ryo Hazuki’s quest for revenge and discovery across rural China. The game blends traditional martial arts combat with immersive world-building, daily life simulation, and economic systems that reward exploration and patience.
Shenmue III is available now for PlayStation 4 and PC through the Epic Games Store.
