Yakuza Series: A Chronological Play Guide

Originally released as a PlayStation 2 game in 2005, the Yakuza series (known as Ryu ga Gotoku in Japan) has grown into a beloved franchise that follows the intricate plots and schemes of yakuza families in the fictional Tokyo neighborhood of Kamurocho. Renamed to Like a Dragon in 2022, the series has garnered international acclaim for its unique blend of action, melodrama, cinematic storytelling, and humor. The side quests are particularly noteworthy, adding a layer of goofiness that enhances the overall experience. The franchise's reputation has soared thanks to consistent localization efforts, re-releases, and new titles, including the latest spinoff, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, featuring fan-favorite Goro Majima.

The Yakuza Games In (Chronological) Order

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

Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have released a total of nine mainline Yakuza/Like a Dragon games, along with two remakes, Yakuza Kiwami (2016) and Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2017), with a third on the horizon. Additionally, there have been 11 spin-offs since the series debuted in 2005. Initially exclusive to PlayStation, the games have been ported to Xbox and PC, with every new title since Yakuza: Like a Dragon being released simultaneously across multiple platforms, except for the Nintendo Switch. However, Yakuza Kiwami was announced for a Switch port in October 2024, following the August 2024 Nintendo Direct.

In addition to the mainline games, Like a Dragon boasts a variety of unique spinoffs. Kurohyō: Ryu ga Gotoku Shinsho (2010) and its sequel Kurohyō 2: Ryu ga Gotoku Ashura Hen (2012) are PlayStation Portable exclusives featuring a new character, Tatsuya Ukyo. Judgment (2018) and Lost Judgment (2021) introduce lawyer-turned-detective Takayuki Yagami, who investigates mysterious murders in Kamurocho, with some crossover elements involving the Tojo Clan.

The zombie-themed Yakuza: Dead Souls (2011) brings the classic characters into a dystopian setting, while Yakuza Online (2018) is a free-to-play trading card game on mobile and PC that introduced Ichiban Kasuga, the protagonist of Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise (2018) applies the Yakuza gameplay structure to the popular Japanese series. Two spinoffs set in historical Japan, Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! (2008) and Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin! (2014), feature historical figures as protagonists, with the latter being released in the West as Like a Dragon: Ishin! in 2023.

In 2023, Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name was released, filling in the narrative gap between Yakuza 6 and Yakuza: Like a Dragon, focusing on Kiryu's journey post-Yakuza 6. The most recent spinoff, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, features Goro Majima as an amnesiac protagonist in Honolulu, set six months after the events of Infinite Wealth.

Which Yakuza Game Should You Play First?

For newcomers, we recommend starting with Yakuza 0 for a chronological experience, or jumping into Yakuza: Like a Dragon for a fresh start with a new protagonist.

### Yakuza Kiwami

0Newcomers or those who started with Yakuza 0 will appreciate the familiar controls, top-notch SEGA localization, and a solid entry point into the Yakuza franchise. See it at AmazonMainline 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 WealthBeware: 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 is the first in the series chronologically. Set during Japan's economic boom in the late 1980s, it follows two protagonists: Kazuma Kiryu, a young member of the Dojima family framed for murder, and Goro Majima, a former Shimano family member working in a cabaret. Their stories intertwine around the ownership of the Empty Lot, culminating in the construction of the Millennium Tower.

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

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

In the original Yakuza game, Kazuma Kiryu is released from prison after serving a decade for a murder he didn't commit. He finds himself expelled from the Tojo Clan, embroiled in a mystery involving stolen money and the disappearance of his friend Yumi. Kiryu adopts Haruka and eventually steps down from 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 sees Kiryu assisting the Tojo Clan's new chairman, Terada, in preventing a war with the Omi Alliance. The narrative introduces Ryuji Goda and detective Kaoru Sayama, whose stories intertwine with Kiryu's efforts to maintain peace.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC (Yakuza Kiwami 2), PS3 | IGN’s Yakuza 2 Review | Yakuza Kiwami 2 Review

4. Yakuza 3 (2009)

Set in 2007, Yakuza 3 finds Kiryu running the Morning Glory Orphanage in Okinawa, away from the yakuza life. However, he's soon drawn back into the underworld, dealing with new yakuza families, assassinations, and international conspiracies.

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 expands the narrative through four protagonists: Kazuma Kiryu, loan shark Shun Akiyama, escaped convict Taiga Saejima, and detective Masayoshi Tanimura. Their stories converge around conflicts involving the Tojo Clan and other criminal organizations.

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

6. Yakuza 5 (2012)

With five protagonists, Yakuza 5 is one of the series' most expansive entries. Kiryu, Saejima, Haruka, Akiyama, and new character Tatsuo Shinada navigate various scenarios, from yakuza politics to J-pop stardom and baseball scandals.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC (The Yakuza Remastered Collection), PS3 | IGN’s Yakuza 5 Review

7. Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (2016)

Marking the end of Kazuma Kiryu's story arc, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life follows him as he investigates the aftermath of a car accident involving Haruka, who is now in a coma. The game explores themes of family and legacy amidst yakuza conflicts.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC | IGN’s Yakuza 6: The Song of Life Review

8. Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020)

A pivotal entry, Yakuza: Like a Dragon introduces Ichiban Kasuga and shifts to a turn-based combat system. After serving 18 years in prison, Kasuga returns to a changed underworld and assembles a new crew to uncover the truth behind his family's downfall.

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)

Bringing together Kiryu and Kasuga, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the largest game in the series yet. Set in 2024, the duo travels from Japan to Hawaii, navigating personal crises and international crime syndicates in a sprawling narrative.

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

All of the 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 story continues to evolve. While Infinite Wealth wrapped up its narrative, it left room for future developments. The series' popularity suggests another mainline game is on the horizon, especially after the success of Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. At the 2024 Game Awards, RGG announced the revival of Virtua Fighter and a new open-world game, "Project Century," at the February 2025 State of Play, but details on the next Like a Dragon installment remain under wraps.

Looking for more video game timelines? Check out these guides:

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