Yakuza Games: Chronological Play Order Guide

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 narratives centered around Tokyo's fictional Kamurocho and the complex lives of yakuza families. Known for its blend of intense action, melodrama, cinematic flair, and surprisingly quirky humor (especially in the side quests!), the series has steadily gained global recognition, fueled by consistent releases of localized versions, spin-offs, and new entries, including the recent *Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean* 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 titles 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, 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 Takayuki Yagami, a lawyer-turned-detective, 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) blends the *Fist of the North Star* universe with the *Yakuza* gameplay style. *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 historical Japan. *Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name* (2023) bridges the gap between *Yakuza: Like a Dragon* and *Yakuza 6*, while the latest spin-off, *Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean* in Hawaii, stars Goro Majima.

Which Yakuza Game Should You Play First?

Newcomers are encouraged to begin chronologically with Yakuza 0 or jump into the fresh start offered by Yakuza: Like a Dragon.

Yakuza Kiwami

Players familiar with Yakuza 0 will find the refined controls and polished 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 the 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)

Kiryu works to prevent 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)

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)

Four protagonists navigate complex conflicts in Kamurocho.

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

6. Yakuza 5 (2012)

Five protagonists' stories intertwine in 2012.

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

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

Kiryu's final chapter as the main protagonist.

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

8. Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020)

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)

Kiryu and Kasuga team up in a globe-trotting 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 of the Caribbean in Hawaii (2025)

What’s Next for Yakuza/Like a Dragon?

While *Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth* concluded its own arc, its ending hints at future installments. Further announcements regarding mainline or spin-off games are anticipated following the release of *Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean* in Hawaii.

Further Game Timelines:

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