The Yakuza series has become one of the most iconic and beloved franchises in gaming history, especially among fans of rich storytelling and open-world adventure. Spanning nearly two decades, the series follows Kazuma Kiryu and other key characters as they navigate Japan’s criminal underworld. The Yakuza games are known for their gripping crime dramas, memorable side stories, beat-’em-up combat, and detailed urban settings. However, for newcomers, figuring out the correct order to play the games can be confusing due to remakes, spin-offs, and non-linear release timelines. This guide offers a clear breakdown of the Yakuza games in order both by release date and chronological story timeline so players can experience the full narrative in the most meaningful way.
Yakuza Games in Release Order
Here is a list of the mainline Yakuza games in the order they were originally released, starting from the PlayStation 2 era to the current generation:
- Yakuza (2005) PlayStation 2
- Yakuza 2 (2006) PlayStation 2
- Yakuza 3 (2009) PlayStation 3
- Yakuza 4 (2010) PlayStation 3
- Yakuza: Dead Souls (2011) PlayStation 3 (non-canon spin-off)
- Yakuza 5 (2012) PlayStation 3
- Yakuza 0 (2015) PlayStation 3/4
- Yakuza Kiwami (2016) PlayStation 4 (remake of Yakuza 1)
- Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2017) PlayStation 4 (remake of Yakuza 2)
- Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (2016) PlayStation 4
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020) PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
- Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (2023) All platforms
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024) All platforms
These games form the core of the series, although there are additional titles such as Judgment and Lost Judgment, which are spin-offs set in the same universe but featuring different protagonists.
Yakuza Games in Chronological Order
For those who want to experience the storyline as it unfolds in the game’s internal timeline, the chronological order is a bit different from the release order. This structure gives players a better sense of character development and narrative evolution:
- Yakuza 0(set in 1988)
- Yakuza Kiwami(remake of Yakuza 1, set in 2005)
- Yakuza Kiwami 2(remake of Yakuza 2, set in 2006)
- Yakuza 3(set in 2009)
- Yakuza 4(set in 2010)
- Yakuza 5(set in 2012)
- Yakuza 6: The Song of Life(set in 2016)
- Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name(bridges Yakuza 6 and 7)
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon(set in 2019)
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth(set in 2022)
Playing in chronological order allows for a more immersive story experience, especially in terms of understanding Kazuma Kiryu’s growth and the evolution of the Tojo Clan and Omi Alliance dynamics across the series.
Main Characters and Their Story Arcs
The heart of the Yakuza franchise lies in its characters. While Kazuma Kiryu is the iconic lead for most of the games, other protagonists like Goro Majima, Shun Akiyama, Taiga Saejima, and Ichiban Kasuga also play key roles in various entries.
Kazuma Kiryu’s Arc
Kiryu is the central character in:
- Yakuza 0
- Yakuza Kiwami
- Yakuza Kiwami 2
- Yakuza 3
- Yakuza 4 (shared)
- Yakuza 5 (shared)
- Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
- Like a Dragon Gaiden
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
His journey is about duty, sacrifice, and protecting those he loves even at the cost of his own happiness. His arc concludes in Yakuza 6, but he later returns in Gaiden and Infinite Wealth, which serve to bridge his story with the newer generation.
Ichiban Kasuga’s Arc
Ichiban takes center stage starting in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. His personality contrasts with Kiryu’s stoic nature Ichiban is more emotional, idealistic, and chaotic, making for a refreshing new lead.
His main story covers:
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Ichiban’s rise from a low-level yakuza to a hero of the people sets the foundation for the series’ future. His adventures also mark the shift in gameplay from real-time brawler to turn-based RPG.
Spin-Offs and Remakes
Several entries in the Yakuza series are either remakes or spin-offs. Understanding how they fit in is helpful when planning your playthrough.
Remakes
- Yakuza Kiwami Remake of the original Yakuza game with added scenes and new combat mechanics.
- Yakuza Kiwami 2 Remake of Yakuza 2 built on the Dragon Engine used in Yakuza 6.
Spin-Offs
- Yakuza: Dead Souls A zombie-themed non-canon side story set in Kamurocho.
- Judgment Series Follows a detective named Takayuki Yagami in the same world, offering a fresh narrative with similar gameplay.
- Like a Dragon Gaiden A bridge game revealing what happened to Kiryu after Yakuza 6, filling gaps before Infinite Wealth.
While spin-offs can be enjoyed on their own, they enrich the experience for players familiar with the main series lore.
Gameplay Evolution Across the Series
The gameplay of Yakuza has changed significantly over the years. The early games use a real-time beat-’em-up system that emphasizes combos, heat actions, and crowd control. Later games introduced multiple fighting styles and refined combat flow.
With Yakuza: Like a Dragon, the franchise made a bold move into turn-based RPG mechanics, complete with jobs, abilities, and party management. This new direction proved successful and continues in Infinite Wealth.
Combat Styles
- Classic Brawler Used from Yakuza 1 to Yakuza 6
- Multi-Style Yakuza 0, Kiwami, and Kiwami 2 allow switching between fighting styles
- Turn-Based Like a Dragon and Infinite Wealth feature turn-based systems inspired by JRPGs
Where to Start for New Players
Newcomers often ask whether to play Yakuza 0 or Kiwami first. Both are valid starting points, but Yakuza 0 is widely recommended because it sets up the background for major characters and events that follow. It also has refined mechanics and engaging dual protagonists Kiryu and Majima.
For players who prefer more modern visuals and mechanics, starting with Yakuza: Like a Dragon is another option. It begins a new narrative arc with a new hero and doesn’t require deep knowledge of past games to enjoy.
The Yakuza series, now branded globally as Like a Dragon, offers a rich tapestry of crime drama, heartfelt storytelling, and urban adventure. Whether you’re interested in following Kazuma Kiryu’s legendary journey or diving into Ichiban Kasuga’s hopeful rise, knowing the right order to play the games enhances the experience. With remakes, spin-offs, and new gameplay innovations, the series has something for everyone be it fans of old-school action or turn-based strategy. Whichever path you take, you’ll find that every chapter in the Yakuza saga delivers unforgettable characters, gripping stories, and moments that stay with you long after the credits roll.