Yakuza Series: A Guide to Playing in Chronological Order

Originally released as a PlayStation 2 game in 2005, Yakuza (known as Ryu ga Gotoku in Japan) sparked a beloved video game series centered around the intrigues and schemes of yakuza families within the fictional Kamurocho neighborhood of Tokyo. The series rebranded to Like a Dragon in 2022, retaining its essence but introducing fresh gameplay mechanics.

These games are renowned for their action-packed narratives, dramatic twists, cinematic flair, and quirky humor. Skipping the side quests often means missing out on key comedic elements that define the series. Over the years, the franchise gained global acclaim through localized releases, re-releases, and spin-offs. The latest addition, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, follows Goro Majima in an amnesiac adventure set in Honolulu.

The Yakuza Games in (Chronological) Order

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), and 11 spin-offs since 2005. Initially exclusive to PlayStation, the series expanded to Xbox and PC, with all games post-Yakuza: Like a Dragon launching simultaneously across platforms except for Nintendo Switch. As of August 2024, Yakuza Kiwami became the first Like a Dragon game to receive a Switch port in October 2024.

In addition to the mainline titles, Like a Dragon boasts several diverse spin-offs. Kurohyō: Ryu ga Gotoku Shinsho (2010) and its sequel Kurohyō 2: Ryu ga Gotoku Ashura Hen (2012) are exclusive to PlayStation Portable, featuring a new protagonist, Tatsuya Ukyo. Judgment (2018) and Lost Judgment (2021) introduce lawyer-turned-detective Takayuki Yagami, who investigates murders in Kamurocho, with crossovers involving other characters like Kiryu.

Zombie-infused spin-off Yakuza: Dead Souls (2011) places the classic cast in a dystopian setting. Yakuza Online (2018) is a free-to-play TCG available on mobile and PC, featuring Ichiban Kasuga from Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise (2018) brings the Yakuza treatment to the popular Japanese series. Two historical spin-offs, Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! (2008) and Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin! (2014), introduce era-specific protagonists.

In 2023, Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name delved into Kiryu’s fate post-Yakuza 6, while Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii introduced Majima in an amnesiac storyline set in Hawaii.

Which Yakuza Game Should You Play First?

With so many games to choose from, where should newcomers begin? Start chronologically with Yakuza 0 or dive into the modern era with Yakuza: Like a Dragon.

Yakuza Kiwami

Newcomers or those starting with Yakuza 0 will appreciate the exacting controls, top-notch localization, and a solid entry point for joining the Yakuza franchise fresh.

Mainline Yakuza/Like a Dragon Games in Chronological Order:

• Yakuza 0
• Yakuza / Yakuza Kiwami
• Yakuza 2 / Yakuza Kiwami 2
• Yakuza 3
• Yakuza 4
• Yakuza 5
• Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
• Yakuza: Like a Dragon
• Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

1. Yakuza 0 (2014)

Set during the economic boom of the late 1980s, Yakuza 0 follows two protagonists: Kazuma Kiryu, framed for a murder, and Goro Majima, working in a cabaret. By the end, Kiryu clears his name, Majima departs peacefully, and the Millennium Tower rises on the contested land.

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

Following Kiryu’s imprisonment for a crime he didn’t commit, he returns to discover chaos in the Tojo Clan. Kiryu eventually becomes chairman but steps down to raise Haruka.

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

Kiryu helps prevent a war between the Tojo Clan and Omi Alliance, facing off against Ryuji Goda and detective Kaoru Sayama.

4. Yakuza 3 (2009)

Kiryu retreats to Kamurocho’s Morning Glory Orphanage, only to face new challenges involving yakuza families, assassinations, and betrayals.

5. Yakuza 4 (2010)

Four protagonists navigate Kamurocho’s complex underworld, including Kiryu, Shun Akiyama, Taiga Saejima, and Detective Masayoshi Tanimura.

6. Yakuza 5 (2012)