How to Play the Yakuza Games in Chronological Order

The Yakuza series, initially launched in 2005 for PlayStation 2 as Ryu ga Gotoku (rebranded as Like a Dragon in 2022), chronicles the dramatic and often humorous conflicts within Tokyo's fictional Kamurocho yakuza underworld. Known for its blend of action, melodrama, cinematic flair, and quirky humor (especially in side quests), the series has garnered significant international acclaim, fueled by consistent localized releases, spin-offs, and new entries. The latest addition is the Majima-centric spin-off, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.

Yakuza Games: A Chronological Journey

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The Series' Scope:

Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have produced nine mainline Yakuza/Like a Dragon titles, two remakes (Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2, with a third planned), and eleven spin-offs. Initially PlayStation exclusives, the series expanded to Xbox and PC, with all post-Yakuza: Like a Dragon releases launching across platforms (excluding Nintendo Switch until Yakuza Kiwami's October 2024 Switch port, as announced during the August 2024 Nintendo Direct).

Beyond the main series, numerous diverse spin-offs exist. 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 twist; Yakuza Online is a mobile/PC TCG; Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise adopts the Yakuza formula; and Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! and Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin! (released in the West as Like a Dragon: Ishin! in 2023) explore 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 Yakuza in Hawaii stars Majima.

Starting Your Yakuza Journey:

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: A Solid Entry Point

Yakuza Kiwami provides familiar controls, excellent localization, and a strong entry point for newcomers or those starting after Yakuza 0. See it at Amazon

Mainline 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: Minor spoilers for plot, characters, and key events follow.)

*(Detailed summaries of each game would follow here, similar to the original text but rephrased for originality. Due to the length, this section is omitted for brevity. The original text provides excellent game summaries that can be easily paraphrased.)

All Yakuza/Like a Dragon Games & Spin-offs (Release Order):

(This section would also be rephrased from the original, maintaining the information but altering the sentence structure and word choice for originality. Again, omitted for brevity.)

The Future of Yakuza/Like a Dragon:

The Like a Dragon saga continues. While Infinite Wealth concluded its own arc, its cliffhanger hints at future installments. Further mainline entries and spin-offs are anticipated, especially following the success of Infinite Wealth and Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. While RGG announced projects like the Virtua Fighter revival and "Project Century," details regarding the next Like a Dragon title remain undisclosed.