The Yakuza series, originally known as Ryu ga Gotoku in Japan, debuted on PlayStation 2 in 2005 and has since blossomed into a beloved franchise. The games, renamed Like a Dragon in 2022, follow the dramatic and often humorous exploits of yakuza families in Kamurocho, a fictional Tokyo district. Known for their blend of action, melodrama, cinematic flair, and quirky humor (especially in the side quests!), the series has gained significant international recognition through consistent localized releases, spin-offs, and new entries, including the recent Majima-led spin-off, Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean (sic).
Yakuza Games in Chronological Order
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How Many Yakuza/Like a Dragon Games Exist?
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 new games (except for Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean (sic)) launching simultaneously across platforms, excluding Nintendo Switch until the October 2024 release of Yakuza Kiwami on the platform, as announced at the August 2024 Nintendo Direct.
Beyond the mainline titles, the series boasts diverse spin-offs. Kurohyō: Ryu ga Gotoku Shinsho and its sequel feature Tatsuya Ukyo; Judgment and Lost Judgment introduce Takayuki Yagami; Yakuza: Dead Souls offers a zombie-infested adventure; Yakuza Online is a mobile/PC TCG; Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise blends the Yakuza formula with the Fist of the North Star universe; and Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! and Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin! (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 6 and Yakuza: Like a Dragon, while Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean (sic) features Majima in Hawaii.
Starting Point for New Players
Given the series' breadth, 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 of Yakuza Kiwami.
Mainline Yakuza/Like a Dragon Games (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
(Note: Mild spoilers for plot, characters, and major events follow.)
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