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 thrilling yakuza family conflicts set in the fictional Kamurocho, Tokyo. Known for its action-packed gameplay, dramatic storytelling, cinematic presentation, and surprisingly quirky humor (don't skip the side quests!), the series has steadily gained global recognition thanks to consistent localized releases, spin-offs, and new entries, including the recent *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*.

The franchise's popularity has exploded outside of Japan, fueled by a steady stream of localized re-releases, spin-offs, and new games. The most recent addition, the Majima-led spin-off *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*, is a testament to this continued success.

The Yakuza Games in Chronological Order

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, they've expanded to Xbox and PC, with all games since Yakuza: Like a Dragon launching simultaneously across platforms (excluding Nintendo Switch, until Yakuza Kiwami's October 2024 Switch release, as announced in 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), are PlayStation Portable exclusives featuring Tatsuya Ukyo. *Judgment* (2018) and *Lost Judgment* (2021) introduce lawyer-turned-detective Takayuki Yagami, whose investigations in Kamurocho intersect with the *Yakuza* universe. *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 *Yakuza* gameplay with the popular manga. *Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan!* (2008) and *Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin!* (2014, released in the West as *Like a Dragon: Ishin!* in 2023) explore historical Japanese settings. *Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name* (2023) runs concurrently with *Yakuza: Like a Dragon*, detailing Kiryu's post-*Yakuza 6* story. And finally, *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* (2025) stars 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

For those familiar with Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami offers refined controls, excellent localization, and a solid entry point into the franchise.

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 first, *Yakuza 0* follows Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima in the late 1980s. Kiryu is framed for murder, while Majima is involved in a clandestine assassination. The Empty Lot, a crucial piece of land, becomes a central point of conflict.

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 blame for a murder. He faces stolen funds, the disappearance of Yumi Sawamura, and the betrayal of his friend Akira Nishikiyama.

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 war between the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance, facing Ryuji Goda and investigating the disappearance of Detective Kaoru Sayama's parents.

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 is drawn into conflicts involving yakuza families, assassinations, and 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—navigate interconnected storylines involving families, betrayals, and crime in Kamurocho.

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

6. Yakuza 5 (2012)

Five protagonists—Kiryu, Saejima, Haruka, Akiyama, and Tatsuo Shinada—in different locations, dealing with missing persons, death, and conspiracies.

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, investigating Haruka's coma and the involvement of rival groups in Kamurocho.

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 in Yokohama, with a 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 story spanning Japan and Hawaii, involving international crime syndicates and a mysterious illness.

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 *Infinite Wealth* concluded its arc, it leaves room for future installments. Further announcements regarding mainline or spin-off games are anticipated following the release of *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*.

Further Video Game Timelines:

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