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 dramatic, action-packed stories centered around Tokyo's fictional Kamurocho and the conflicts within yakuza families. Known for its blend of intense action, melodrama, cinematic flair, and surprisingly goofy humor (don't skip the side quests!), the series has steadily gained global recognition, fueled by consistent releases of localized games, remakes, and spin-offs, 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 games have expanded to Xbox and PC, with all new entries since Yakuza: Like a Dragon launching simultaneously across platforms (excluding Nintendo Switch until Yakuza Kiwami's October 2024 release, as announced at the August 2024 Nintendo Direct).

Beyond the main series, *Like a Dragon* boasts a diverse range of spin-offs. *Kurohyō: Ryu ga Gotoku Shinsho* (2010) and its sequel *Kurohyō 2: Ryu ga Gotoku Ashura Hen* (2012) feature Tatsuya Ukyo on PlayStation Portable. *Judgment* (2018) and *Lost Judgment* (2021) introduce lawyer-detective Takayuki Yagami, whose investigations intersect with the *Yakuza* world. *Yakuza: Dead Souls* (2011) offers a zombie-infested twist, while *Yakuza Online* (2018) is a mobile/PC free-to-play card game. *Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise* (2018) blends the *Fist of the North Star* universe with *Yakuza*'s gameplay. *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 spin-off, *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*, stars Goro Majima.

Which Yakuza Game Should You Play First?

For newcomers, starting with Yakuza 0 or Yakuza: Like a Dragon provides excellent entry points.

Yakuza Kiwami

For players familiar with Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami offers refined controls and a strong foundation for the franchise. See it at Amazon.

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 land dispute and assassination plot, respectively. The game sets the stage for many key locations and events in the series.

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 and the disappearance of Yumi Sawamura. *Yakuza Kiwami* is a remake.

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. *Yakuza Kiwami 2* is a remake.

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, until various threats, including new yakuza families and the CIA, disrupt his peaceful life.

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 the Tojo Clan and the Ueno Seiwa Clan.

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 across multiple locations in 2012, focusing on the fracturing peace between the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance and the death of Haruka's talent agency president.

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: The Song of Life* serves as Kiryu's final outing, focusing on Haruka's coma and the investigation into her child's parentage.

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, following his release from prison and his quest to uncover the truth behind the Tojo Clan's downfall.

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 two-protagonist story spanning Japan and Hawaii, involving various international criminal organizations, cults, and government agencies.

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 Yakuza 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, its cliffhanger suggests future installments. Announcements regarding *Virtua Fighter* and "Project Century" at the 2024 Game Awards and February 2025 State of Play, respectively, don't reveal the next *Like a Dragon* game, but future announcements are anticipated.

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

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