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 compelling narrative of yakuza families navigating the complexities of Kamurocho, a fictional Tokyo neighborhood. The games blend action-packed gameplay with melodramatic storytelling and surprisingly quirky humor—don't skip the side quests! Initially finding limited success outside Japan, the series has exploded in popularity thanks to consistent localized releases, spin-offs, and new entries, culminating in the recent Majima-led adventure, *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. While initially PlayStation exclusives, the series has expanded to Xbox and PC, with all new 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, 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), introduce Tatsuya Ukyo in PlayStation Portable exclusives. *Judgment* (2018) and *Lost Judgment* (2021) star Takayuki Yagami, a lawyer-turned-detective investigating Kamurocho's underbelly, with intriguing crossovers with the main series characters. *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) cleverly blends the *Fist of the North Star* universe with the gameplay mechanics of the *Yakuza* games. *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*, while *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* (2025) stars the beloved Goro Majima.

Which Yakuza Game Should You Play First?

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

Yakuza Kiwami

Newcomers or those familiar with Yakuza 0 will appreciate the refined controls, excellent localization, and strong entry point provided by Yakuza Kiwami.

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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. Kiryu is framed for murder, while Majima, working in a cabaret, is tasked with killing a woman who holds the key to a valuable piece of land.

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

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

Kiryu is released from prison after taking the fall for a murder committed by his best friend. He must navigate a complex web of betrayal, missing money, and his estranged friend’s revenge.

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 prevents a war between the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance, facing off against Ryuji Goda and uncovering secrets about a detective's past.

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 by yakuza conflicts, assassinations, and even the CIA.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC (The Yakuza Remastered Collection), PS3 | IGN’s Yakuza 3 Review

5. Yakuza 4 (2010)

Four protagonists—Kiryu, Shun Akiyama, Taiga Saejima, and Masayoshi Tanimura—intertwine in a complex story of family, betrayal, and crime.

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

6. Yakuza 5 (2012)

Five protagonists, each with their own storyline, converge in a sprawling narrative set 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, focusing on his daughter Haruka and a new mystery in Hiroshima.

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

8. Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020)

Introducing Ichiban Kasuga, a new protagonist and a turn-based combat system, set in Yokohama.

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 filled with action and intrigue.

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 *Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth* concluded its own arc, the series' future remains bright. A new mainline entry is highly anticipated, especially following the success of *Infinite Wealth* and the release of *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*. While RGG Studio announced *Project Century* at the February 2025 State of Play, details about the next *Like a Dragon* game are yet to be revealed.

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

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