How to Play the Yakuza Games in Chronological Order

Launched in 2005 for the PlayStation 2, the *Yakuza* series (rebranded as *Like a Dragon* in 2022) has captivated players with its thrilling yakuza family conflicts set in the fictional Kamurocho, Tokyo. Known for its blend of action, melodrama, cinematic flair, and quirky humor (don't skip the side quests!), the series has steadily gained global recognition thanks to consistent localized releases, spin-offs, and new entries, culminating in the recent *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*.

The franchise's success stems from its unique blend of high-octane action and surprisingly comedic moments. Years after its Japanese debut, the series has finally achieved widespread international acclaim, fueled by a steady stream of localized re-releases, spin-offs, and new main series entries.

The *Yakuza* Games in Chronological Order

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How Many *Yakuza*/ *Like a Dragon* Games Are There?

Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have released nine mainline Yakuza/ Like a Dragon games, two remakes (Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2), with a third planned, and eleven spin-offs since 2005. Initially PlayStation exclusives, they've expanded to Xbox and PC, with every new game since Yakuza: Like a Dragon launching simultaneously across platforms (except Nintendo Switch, until Yakuza Kiwami's October 2024 release, as announced at the August 2024 Nintendo Direct).

Beyond the main series, the *Like a Dragon* universe boasts a diverse range of spin-offs. *Kurohyō: Ryu ga Gotoku Shinsho* (2010) and its sequel, *Kurohyō 2: Ryu ga Gotoku Ashura Hen* (2012), are PlayStation Portable exclusives featuring Tatsuya Ukyo. *Judgment* (2018) and *Lost Judgment* (2021) introduce Takayuki Yagami, a lawyer-turned-detective, whose investigations intersect with the *Yakuza* world. *Yakuza: Dead Souls* (2011) offers a zombie-infested twist, while *Yakuza Online* (2018) is a free-to-play mobile and PC TCG. *Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise* (2018) blends the *Fist of the North Star* universe with the *Yakuza* gameplay style. *Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan!* (2008) and *Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin!* (2014, released in the West as *Like a Dragon: Ishin!* in 2023) delve into historical Japanese settings. *Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name* (2023) bridges the gap between *Yakuza: Like a Dragon* and *Yakuza 6*, and the latest, *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*, stars Goro Majima.

Which *Yakuza* Game Should You Play First?

Given the series' scope, newcomers are advised to start chronologically with Yakuza 0 or jump into the fresh start offered by Yakuza: Like a Dragon.

*Yakuza Kiwami*

For those familiar with Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami provides a refined experience with updated controls and Sega's excellent localization.

Mainline *Yakuza*/ *Like a Dragon* Games in Chronological Order:

Yakuza 0Yakuza / Yakuza KiwamiYakuza 2 / Yakuza Kiwami 2Yakuza 3Yakuza 4Yakuza 5Yakuza 6: The Song of LifeYakuza: Like a DragonLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

(Note: Mild spoilers for plot, characters, and major events follow.)

1. *Yakuza 0* (2014)

Chronologically first, *Yakuza 0* introduces Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima in the late 1980s, embroiled in a conflict over a crucial piece of land.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC | IGN’s Yakuza 0 Review

2. *Yakuza* (2005) / *Yakuza Kiwami* (2016)

Kiryu's story continues after his wrongful imprisonment, involving stolen money and a complex web of betrayals.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC (Yakuza Kiwami), PS2 | IGN’s Yakuza Review | Yakuza Kiwami Review

3. *Yakuza 2* (2006) / *Yakuza Kiwami 2* (2017)

Kiryu works to prevent war between the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance, facing new challenges and uncovering secrets.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC (Yakuza Kiwami 2), PS3 | IGN’s Yakuza 2 Review | Yakuza Kiwami 2 Review

4. *Yakuza 3* (2009)

Kiryu runs an orphanage in Okinawa, but his peaceful life is disrupted by various threats.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC (The Yakuza Remastered Collection), PS3 | IGN’s Yakuza 3 Review

5. *Yakuza 4* (2010)

Four protagonists navigate complex family conflicts, betrayals, and crime in Kamurocho.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC (The Yakuza Remastered Collection), PS3 | IGN’s Yakuza 4 Review

6. *Yakuza 5* (2012)

Five protagonists' interwoven stories unfold in 2012, creating a large-scale narrative.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC (The Yakuza Remastered Collection), PS3 | IGN’s Yakuza 5 Review

7. *Yakuza 6: The Song of Life* (2016)

Kiryu's final chapter in the *Yakuza* series, focusing on Haruka and a new mystery.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC | IGN’s Yakuza 6: The Song of Life Review

8. *Yakuza: Like a Dragon* (2020)

Introduces Ichiban Kasuga and a new turn-based combat system, shifting the series' focus.

Available on: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series S|X, Xbox One, PC | IGN’s Yakuza: Like a Dragon Review

9. *Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth* (2024)

Kiryu and Kasuga team up in a globe-trotting adventure.

Available on: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, PC | IGN's Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Review

All *Yakuza*/ *Like a Dragon* Games and Spin-offs in Release Order:

(Mainline games marked with **)

1. Yakuza (2005) / Yakuza Kiwami (2016)
2. Yakuza 2 (2006) / Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2017)
3. Ryū ga Gotoku Kenzan! (2008)
4. Yakuza 3 (2009)
5. Yakuza 4 (2010)
6. Kurohyō: Ryū ga Gotoku Shinshō (2010)
7. Yakuza: Dead Souls (2011)
8. Kurohyō 2: Ryū ga Gotoku Ashura Hen (2012)
9. Yakuza 5 (2012)
10. Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin! (2014) / Like a Dragon: Ishin! (2023)
11. Yakuza 0 (2015)
12. Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (2016)
13. Yakuza Online (2018)
14. Judgment (2018)
15. Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise (2018)
16. Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020)
17. Lost Judgment (2021)
18. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (2023)
19. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024)
20. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (2025)

What’s Next for *Yakuza*/ *Like a Dragon*?

While *Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth* concluded its own arc, the cliffhanger ending suggests future installments. Announcements regarding the next mainline or spin-off entry are eagerly awaited following the release of *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*. RGG's other projects, such as the revived *Virtua Fighter* and "Project Century," currently overshadow news of the next *Like a Dragon* game.

Further Reading:

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