Yakuza Series: Chronological Gameplay Guide

Originally released as a PlayStation 2 game in 2005, Yakuza (known as Ryu ga Gotoku in Japan) launched a highly acclaimed series that delves into the intricate world of yakuza families within the fictional Tokyo district of Kamurocho. The series was rebranded to Like a Dragon in 2022, reflecting its original Japanese title.

The Yakuza games are renowned for their blend of intense action, melodramatic storytelling, cinematic flair, and humorous side quests, which are essential for experiencing the full charm and depth of the series. While the franchise initially struggled to gain international recognition, its consistent release of localized re-releases, spin-offs, and new entries has steadily increased its global popularity. The latest addition, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, showcases fan-favorite character Goro Majima in a unique setting.

The Yakuza Games In (Chronological) Order

10 ImagesHow Many Yakuza/Like a Dragon Games Are There?

Since its inception in 2005, Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have released nine mainline Yakuza/Like a Dragon games, accompanied by two remakes—Yakuza Kiwami (2016) and Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2017)—and a promise of a third remake on the horizon. Additionally, there are 11 spin-offs. Initially exclusive to PlayStation, the series has since expanded to Xbox and PC platforms. New releases post-Yakuza: Like a Dragon have been multi-platform, excluding the Nintendo Switch until Yakuza Kiwami's Switch port in October 2024, announced during the August 2024 Nintendo Direct.

Aside from the mainline games, the Like a Dragon series features diverse spin-offs. **Kurohyō: Ryu ga Gotoku Shinsho** (2010) and its sequel **Kurohyō 2: Ryu ga Gotoku Ashura Hen** (2012) are PlayStation Portable exclusives centered around a new character, Tatsuya Ukyo. **Judgment** (2018) and **Lost Judgment** (2021) introduce lawyer-turned-detective Takayuki Yagami, whose investigations intersect with the yakuza world. **Yakuza: Dead Souls** (2011) brings a zombie apocalypse to Kamurocho, while **Yakuza Online** (2018) is a free-to-play mobile and PC TCG that introduced protagonist Ichiban Kasuga. **Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise** (2018) adapts the popular Japanese series into the Yakuza gameplay style.

Historical spin-offs include Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! (2008) and Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin! (2014), the latter released in the West as Like a Dragon: Ishin! in 2023. Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name (2023) explores Kiryu's story following Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, and Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (2025) features Majima in a new narrative.

Which Yakuza Game Should You Play First?

For those new to the series, starting with Yakuza 0 provides a chronological entry point, or you might jump to Yakuza: Like a Dragon for a fresh narrative start.

### Yakuza Kiwami

0Newcomers or fans who began with Yakuza 0 will appreciate the familiar controls, excellent SEGA localization, and a strong starting point for diving into the Yakuza universe. See it at AmazonMainline 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

Beware: Mild spoilers for the plots, characters, and some major events of each game follow.

1. Yakuza 0 (2014)

Despite being the sixth game released, Yakuza 0 serves as the first chronological entry. Set during Japan's economic boom of the late 1980s, players control two protagonists: a young Kazuma Kiryu, framed for a murder related to the Empty Lot, and Goro Majima, working in a cabaret club after a failed assassination. By the game's end, Kiryu clears his name, Majima spares a blind woman, and the Empty Lot is replaced by the Millennium Tower.

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

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

Yakuza follows Kiryu post-prison, where he served time for a murder he didn't commit. Upon release, he's expelled from the Tojo Clan, tasked with finding missing funds and a missing friend, Yumi. Amidst this, he adopts Haruka and confronts his former friend turned enemy, Nishikiyama. Kiryu briefly becomes the Fourth Chairman before appointing Yukio Terada and leaving the yakuza life.

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 begins with Kiryu assisting Terada to prevent a war between the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance. After Terada's apparent death, Kiryu supports Daigo Dojima as the new chairman, facing opposition from Ryuji Goda and exploring his relationship with detective Kaoru Sayama.

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 sees Kiryu managing the Morning Glory Orphanage in Okinawa, but his peaceful life is disrupted by yakuza conflicts, assassinations, and international intrigue.

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

5. Yakuza 4 (2010)

Yakuza 4 expands the narrative through four protagonists: Kiryu, loan shark Shun Akiyama, escaped convict Taiga Saejima, and detective Masayoshi Tanimura. Their interconnected stories delve into clan disputes and personal vendettas.

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

6. Yakuza 5 (2012)

Yakuza 5 introduces five protagonists, including Kiryu, Saejima, Haruka, Akiyama, and new character Tatsuo Shinada. The game spans various cities and tackles themes from idol culture to organized crime.

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 marks Kiryu's final chapter. Released after serving time, he seeks answers about Haruka's accident and the identity of Haruto's father, navigating through rivalries and personal loss.

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 transitions the series to a new combat system and protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga. Released after 18 years in prison, Kasuga uncovers betrayal and forms a new team to navigate the evolving criminal landscape.

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 brings together Kiryu and Kasuga on a journey from Japan to Hawaii. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Kiryu's health struggles and Kasuga's quest to find his mother, involving international crime syndicates and personal revelations.

Available on: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, PC | IGN's Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Review

All of the Yakuza/Like a Dragon Games and Spin-Offs in Release Order

Mainline Yakuza games are marked in bold with an asterisk.

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. Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020)*

16. 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?

The Like a Dragon saga continues to evolve. **Infinite Wealth** marked a significant milestone as the fastest-selling game in the franchise, yet ended on a cliffhanger, setting the stage for future entries. While RGG Studio has announced projects like the revival of **Virtua Fighter** and the new open-world game **Project Century**, fans eagerly await news on the next Like a Dragon installment or spin-off.

For enthusiasts of video game timelines, explore these guides:

• Grand Theft Auto Games in Order
• God of War Games in Order
• Assassin's Creed Games in Order
• Resident Evil Games in Order