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 fictional Kamurocho, Tokyo. The games blend action, melodrama, cinematic flair, and a surprising amount of humor—don't skip the side quests! Initially a Japanese phenomenon, the series has gained global recognition through consistent localized releases, spin-offs, and new installments, culminating in 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 games since Yakuza: Like a Dragon launching across multiple platforms (excluding Nintendo Switch until Yakuza Kiwami's October 2024 release, as announced during the August 2024 Nintendo Direct).

Beyond the main series, *Like a Dragon* boasts diverse spin-offs. *Kurohyō: Ryu ga Gotoku Shinsho* (2010) and its sequel feature Tatsuya Ukyo, while *Judgment* (2018) and *Lost Judgment* (2021) introduce lawyer-detective Takayuki Yagami, tangentially intersecting with the main cast. *Yakuza: Dead Souls* (2011) offers a zombie-infested twist, *Yakuza Online* (2018) is a mobile/PC TCG, and *Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise* (2018) shares the gameplay of Kiryu's adventures. *Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan!* (2008) and *Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin!* (2014, released in the West as *Like a Dragon: Ishin!* in 2023) explore historical Japanese settings. *Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name* (2023) bridges the gap between *Yakuza 6* and *Yakuza: Like a Dragon*, and the latest, *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*, stars Goro Majima.

Which Yakuza Game Should You Play First?

For newcomers, we suggest starting with Yakuza 0 for a chronological approach or Yakuza: Like a Dragon for a fresh start with the new generation.

Yakuza Kiwami

Newcomers or those familiar with Yakuza 0 will find the refined controls and excellent localization of Yakuza Kiwami a satisfying entry point.

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 land dispute centered around the Empty Lot.

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

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

*Yakuza* follows Kiryu's release from prison, dealing with stolen funds and a betrayal by his best friend.

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)

*Yakuza 3* finds Kiryu running an orphanage in Okinawa, facing new threats.

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 various locations, dealing with complex interwoven plots.

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, focusing on his daughter and new conflicts.

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 *Infinite Wealth* concluded its arc, the future of *Like a Dragon* remains exciting, especially following the success of *Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*. While RGG Studio announced *Project Century* and the *Virtua Fighter* revival, details on the next mainline or spin-off *Like a Dragon* title are still awaited.

Looking for more video game timelines? Check out these guides:

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