Yakuza Series: A Chronological Play Guide

Originally launched on the PlayStation 2 in 2005, the Yakuza series, known as Ryu ga Gotoku in Japan, has evolved into a cherished and expansive franchise. Set in the fictional Kamurocho district of Tokyo, the series delves into the intricate conflicts and schemes of yakuza families. In 2022, the series was rebranded to "Like a Dragon," reflecting its original Japanese title's English translation.

These games are celebrated for their action-packed gameplay, melodramatic storytelling, cinematic flair, and humor, particularly in their side quests. It took years for the franchise to gain international acclaim, but its reputation has grown with consistent releases, including remakes, spinoffs, and new titles. The latest addition to the series is the Majima-led spinoff, 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?

Since its inception in 2005, Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have released nine mainline Yakuza/Like a Dragon games, two remakes – Yakuza Kiwami (2016) and Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2017), with a third promised, and 11 spin-offs. Initially exclusive to PlayStation, the series has expanded to Xbox and PC, with every new release since Yakuza: Like a Dragon being available on multiple platforms, except for the Nintendo Switch until Yakuza Kiwami's port in October 2024.

In addition to the mainline games, Like a Dragon features a variety of spinoffs. Kurohyō: Ryu ga Gotoku Shinsho (2010) and its sequel Kurohyō 2: Ryu ga Gotoku Ashura Hen (2012) are PSP exclusives introducing Tatsuya Ukyo. Judgment (2018) and Lost Judgment (2021) follow lawyer-turned-detective Takayuki Yagami, who investigates murders in Kamurocho, with some crossover with the main series characters.

Other notable spinoffs include the zombie-themed Yakuza: Dead Souls (2011), the free-to-play TCG Yakuza Online (2018), and the Fist of the North Star-inspired Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise (2018). Two historical spinoffs, Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! (2008) and Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin! (2014, released as Like a Dragon: Ishin! in the West in 2023), feature historical settings and figures.

Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name (2023) explores Kiryu's life post-Yakuza 6, while the most recent spinoff, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, follows Goro Majima in Honolulu.

Which Yakuza Game Should You Play First?

For newcomers, we recommend starting with Yakuza 0, which is the chronological beginning, or jumping into Yakuza: Like a Dragon for a fresh start with a new protagonist and gameplay style.

Yakuza Kiwami

0Newcomers or those who started with Yakuza 0 will appreciate the familiar controls, excellent SEGA localization, and a solid entry point into the Yakuza franchise. See it at Amazon

Mainline 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)

Set in the late 1980s during Japan's economic boom, Yakuza 0 introduces us to two protagonists: Kazuma Kiryu, a young member of the Dojima family framed for murder over the Empty Lot, and Goro Majima, a former Shimano family member working in a cabaret. By the game's end, Kiryu clears his name, Majima helps the blind woman Makoto escape, and the Empty Lot is destroyed, leading to the construction of the Millennium Tower.

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

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

The original Yakuza game follows Kazuma Kiryu after he serves a 10-year sentence for a murder he didn't commit. Upon release, he's expelled from the Tojo Clan, and a massive sum of money is stolen. Kiryu's search leads him to Haruka, who holds a key to the lost funds. After a series of events, Kiryu becomes the Fourth Chairman of the Tojo Clan but quickly steps down to raise Haruka as his adopted daughter.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC (Yakuza Kiwami), PS2 | IGN's Yakuza Review | Yakuza Kiwami Review

3. Yakuza 2 (2006) / Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2017)

In Yakuza 2, Kiryu is called upon by the Fifth Chairman of the Tojo Clan to prevent a war with the Omi Alliance. After surviving an ambush, Kiryu seeks to appoint Daigo Dojima as the new chairman. His journey also intertwines with Ryuji Goda of the Omi Alliance and detective Kaoru Sayama, whose parents' disappearance is central to the plot.

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 the Morning Glory Orphanage in Okinawa, away from the yakuza life. His peaceful existence is disrupted by new threats, including yakuza families, assassinations, and even the CIA, pulling him back into the fray.

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

5. Yakuza 4 (2010)

Set a year after Yakuza 3, Yakuza 4 introduces four protagonists: Kiryu, loan shark Shun Akiyama, escaped convict Taiga Saejima, and detective Masayoshi Tanimura. Their stories intertwine as they navigate the conflicts between the Tojo Clan and the Ueno Seiwa Clan, uncovering deep-seated betrayals and secrets.

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

6. Yakuza 5 (2012)

Yakuza 5 ups the ante with five protagonists, each with their own story. Kiryu, now in Fukuoka, gets drawn back into yakuza affairs when Daigo goes missing. Saejima, back in prison, plans another escape, while Haruka pursues her dream of becoming a J-pop idol. Newcomer Tatsuo Shinada, a disgraced baseball player, seeks to clear his name.

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 marks the end of Kazuma Kiryu's story. After serving three years for past crimes, Kiryu returns to find Haruka in a coma and with a son, Haruto. His investigation leads him to Onomichi, Hiroshima, and involves him with rival groups vying for power in Kamurocho.

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 marks a significant shift, introducing a turn-based combat system and new protagonist Ichiban Kasuga. After serving 18 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, Kasuga returns to find the Tojo Clan defeated by the Omi Alliance. His quest for truth leads him to form a new team in Yokohama and uncover a vast conspiracy.

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 in a sprawling adventure from Japan to Hawaii. Kasuga, now living a peaceful life, is drawn back into chaos when he learns his mother is alive. Kiryu, battling cancer, joins him in Hawaii to unravel a complex web involving international mob groups, a religious cult, and more.

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. While Infinite Wealth wrapped up its narrative, it left room for future stories. The franchise's success, particularly with the fastest-selling game in the series, suggests more is on the horizon. RGG Studio has announced new projects, including a Virtua Fighter revival and "Project Century," but details on the next Like a Dragon installment remain under wraps.