Home News How to Play the Yakuza Games in Chronological Order

How to Play the Yakuza Games in Chronological Order

by Violet Feb 28,2025

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

Image: Collage of Yakuza game coversImage: Collage of Yakuza game covers10 ImagesImage: Collage of Yakuza game coversImage: Collage of Yakuza game coversImage: Collage of Yakuza game coversImage: Collage of Yakuza game covers

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.

PlayBeyond 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.

Image: Yakuza Kiwami promotional image

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.)

(The remainder of the text detailing each game's plot would be rewritten similarly, maintaining the core information while altering sentence structure, word choice, and phrasing for a more paraphrased effect. The image URLs would remain unchanged.)

Latest Articles More+
  • 09 2025-07
    Mario & Luigi: Brothership Gameplay and Combat Shown on Japanese Site

    With the release of *Mario & Luigi: Brothership* quickly approaching, Nintendo Japan has released fresh gameplay footage, character artwork, and new details that give fans an exciting preview into this highly anticipated turn-based RPG adventure.How to Defeat Enemies in Mario & Luigi: BrothershipExp

  • 09 2025-07
    "M3GAN 2.0's 4K Steelbook Now Open for Preorders"

    She may have just made her triumphant return to movie theaters, but if you’re eager to bring M3GAN’s sinister charm into your home collection, good news: *M3GAN 2.0* is now available to preorder in a sleek 4K Steelbook edition. Both Amazon and Walmart are offering the Steelbook version, and Amazon a

  • 09 2025-07
    Prince of Persia: Lost Crown is out now on iOS and Android

    Prince of Persia fans, get ready to dive into a brand-new adventure! Ubisoft has officially launched *Prince of Persia: Lost Crown* on iOS and Android devices, bringing the legendary action-platformer experience straight to your mobile screen. The game is not only available as a free-to-try title bu