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 gripping tales of yakuza families navigating the treacherous streets of Kamurocho, a fictional Tokyo neighborhood. The games blend action-packed gameplay with melodramatic storytelling and surprisingly quirky humor—don't skip the side quests! Initially gaining traction primarily in Japan, the series has achieved global recognition thanks to consistent localized releases, spin-offs, and new entries, including the recent *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*.

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, the series expanded to Xbox and PC, with all new games since Yakuza: Like a Dragon launching simultaneously across platforms, except for Nintendo Switch. However, Yakuza Kiwami made its Switch debut in October 2024, as announced during 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 lawyer-turned-detective Takayuki Yagami, whose investigations in Kamurocho 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) incorporates the *Yakuza* gameplay into the popular manga franchise. *Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan!* (2008) and *Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin!* (2014, released in the West as *Like a Dragon: Ishin!* in 2023) transport players to older Japanese eras. *Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name* (2023) bridges the gap between *Yakuza: Like a Dragon* and *Yakuza 6*, and the latest spin-off, *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*, stars Goro Majima.

Which Yakuza Game Should You Play First?

Newcomers are encouraged to start with Yakuza 0 for a chronological experience or jump into Yakuza: Like a Dragon for a fresh start with a new protagonist.

Yakuza Kiwami

For those familiar with Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami offers refined controls and a solid entry point.

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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

(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)

*Yakuza* follows Kiryu's release from prison and his involvement in a ¥10 billion theft.

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

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

*Yakuza 2* sees Kiryu preventing a war between the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance.

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

4. Yakuza 3 (2009)

In *Yakuza 3*, Kiryu runs an orphanage in Okinawa, but his peaceful life is disrupted.

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

5. Yakuza 4 (2010)

*Yakuza 4* features four protagonists navigating conflicts between yakuza families.

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

6. Yakuza 5 (2012)

*Yakuza 5* follows five protagonists in different locations, escalating the series' ambition.

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

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

*Yakuza 6* concludes Kiryu's story arc, focusing on his past actions and Haruka's well-being.

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

8. Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020)

*Yakuza: Like a Dragon* introduces Ichiban Kasuga and a new turn-based combat system.

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)

*Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth* reunites Kiryu and Kasuga in a sprawling 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 story, the future of the series remains bright, especially following the success of *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*. Announcements regarding future mainline or spin-off games are anticipated.

Further Game Timelines:

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