How to Play the Yakuza Games in Chronological Order

The Yakuza/Like a Dragon saga: A chronological guide to the sprawling series.

Originally launched in 2005 for the PlayStation 2, the Yakuza (Ryu ga Gotoku) series has captivated players with its blend of action, melodrama, cinematic flair, and quirky humor. Rebranded as Like a Dragon in 2022, the series follows the intertwined lives and conflicts of various yakuza families in Kamurocho, a fictionalized version of Tokyo's Shinjuku. The series' popularity has exploded globally in recent years, fueled by consistent localized releases, spin-offs, and new entries, culminating in the recent Majima-centric spin-off, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.

The Yakuza Games: A Chronological Journey

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How Many Yakuza/Like a Dragon Games Exist?

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. While initially PlayStation exclusives, the series expanded to Xbox and PC, with all new games since Yakuza: Like a Dragon launching simultaneously across platforms (excluding Nintendo Switch until the October 2024 release of Yakuza Kiwami on the Switch, as announced during the August 2024 Nintendo Direct).

Beyond the main series, the Like a Dragon universe boasts diverse spin-offs. Kurohyō: Ryu ga Gotoku Shinsho and its sequel introduce Tatsuya Ukyo, a new protagonist. The Judgment series features Takayuki Yagami, a lawyer-turned-detective, whose investigations intersect with the Tojo Clan. Yakuza: Dead Souls offers a zombie-infested twist, while Yakuza Online is a free-to-play mobile and PC card game. Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise blends the Yakuza gameplay with the Fist of the North Star universe. Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! and Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin! (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 6 and Yakuza: Like a Dragon, focusing on Kiryu's story.

Where to Begin Your Yakuza Journey?

Newcomers are advised to start chronologically with Yakuza 0 or dive into the fresh start offered by Yakuza: Like a Dragon.

Mainline Yakuza/Like a Dragon Games (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. (Note: Mild spoilers for plot, characters, and events follow.)

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All Yakuza/Like a Dragon Games and Spin-offs (Release Order):

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The Future of Yakuza/Like a Dragon:

The Like a Dragon saga continues. While Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth concluded its own arc, its cliffhanger ending hints at future installments. The success of Infinite Wealth, the fastest-selling game in the franchise, ensures the series' continued growth. Announcements regarding future mainline and spin-off titles are anticipated.

(The concluding paragraphs about future games and related timelines would be similarly rephrased for conciseness and flow. Due to length constraints, this section is omitted. The original text provides the concluding information.)