The Yakuza, now known as the Like a Dragon series, has captivated gamers with its unique blend of gritty crime dramas and hilariously absurd side quests. From the stoic Kazuma Kiryu to the charismatic Ichiban Kasuga, these games offer unforgettable characters and deeply engaging stories set against vibrant Japanese backdrops. If you’re looking to dive into this expansive universe but feel overwhelmed by the numerous titles, this guide provides a clear roadmap on how to play the Yakuza games in their narrative order.
Where Should You Start With the Yakuza Games?
Beginning your journey into the world of Like a Dragon offers a few viable entry points, each catering to different preferences. For a complete understanding of the overarching narrative and character arcs, starting with Yakuza 0 is widely recommended. It serves as a compelling prequel, introducing foundational elements and key characters before the events of the first game. Alternatively, if you prefer a quicker introduction to Kiryu’s initial saga with modern gameplay, Yakuza Kiwami (a remake of the original) is a solid choice. For those primarily interested in the latest story arc and a fresh combat system, Yakuza: Like a Dragon features a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and turn-based RPG mechanics, offering a distinct starting point. However, to truly appreciate the depth and evolution of the series, a chronological playthrough from Yakuza 0 offers the most fulfilling experience.
Yakuza Games in Chronological Order
This list outlines the recommended playing order for the Yakuza series, including spin-offs and the latest installments. Each entry builds upon the last, deepening your connection to the characters and their intertwined destinies.
Yakuza 0
Though released much later in the series, Yakuza 0 is the definitive chronological starting point. Set in 1988, it delves into the origins of young Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, exploring their separate struggles within the criminal underworld. The plot centers around a mysterious “Empty Lot” in Kamurocho, which ensnares both protagonists in a dangerous power struggle between rival yakuza factions. This prequel masterfully sets the stage for the entire saga, introducing compelling motivations and relationships.
Yakuza Kiwami (Yakuza 1 Remake)
Following the success of Yakuza 0, the original Yakuza received a comprehensive remake, Yakuza Kiwami. This title directly continues Kiryu’s story, picking up in 1995 when he takes the fall for his best friend, Nishikiyama, and spends a decade in prison. Upon his release, Kiryu finds a dramatically altered world: Nishikiyama is a changed man, and a vast sum of money has gone missing. This game expertly incorporates gameplay mechanics from Yakuza 0 while enhancing the original narrative.
Yakuza Kiwami 2 (Yakuza 2 Remake)
A stunning remake built on the advanced Dragon Engine, Yakuza Kiwami 2 continues Kiryu’s saga just one year after the events of Kiwami. The Tojo Clan faces a new threat from the formidable Omi Alliance, spearheaded by its charismatic leader, Ryuji Goda, known as the Dragon of Kansai. Kiryu is reluctantly pulled back into the fray, endeavoring to avert an all-out gang war and protect the delicate peace he fought for. The game introduces new locations and substantial gameplay improvements.
Yakuza 3 Remastered
Yakuza 3 Remastered shifts the narrative to Okinawa, where Kiryu has left his past behind to run the Morning Glory Orphanage with Haruka. Despite his attempts at a peaceful life, land development disputes and lingering ties to the yakuza world conspire to pull him back into conflict. While only a remaster, not a full remake, its emotionally resonant story, focusing on Kiryu’s role as a father figure, makes it an essential chapter in his journey.
Yakuza 4 Remastered
Breaking new ground for the series, Yakuza 4 Remastered introduces a multi-protagonist structure. Players experience the story through the eyes of four distinct characters: the ever-present Kazuma Kiryu, the charismatic loan shark Shun Akiyama, the stoic ex-convict Taiga Saejima, and the morally complex detective Masayoshi Tanimura. Their individual stories converge around a central murder mystery, revealing deep connections within Kamurocho’s criminal underbelly and offering varied combat styles.
Yakuza 5 Remastered
Expanding even further on its multi-protagonist formula, Yakuza 5 Remastered features five playable characters—Kiryu, Saejima, Akiyama, Tatsuo Shinada, and Haruka Sawamura—across five major Japanese cities. A looming “great clan war” threatens to destabilize the entire criminal world, forcing each character into circumstances that test their resolve and intertwine their fates. This installment boasts an expansive scope, diverse mini-games, and a deeply emotional narrative climax for many characters.
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
Regarded as Kazuma Kiryu’s emotional farewell as a main protagonist, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is a poignant chapter. After a three-year prison sentence, Kiryu discovers Haruka has been involved in a tragic accident and has a baby, Haruto. Driven by a desire to protect his family, Kiryu travels to the seemingly peaceful town of Onomichi, Hiroshima, unraveling a deep conspiracy involving multiple criminal organizations and the mystery surrounding Haruto’s father.
Judgment
While a spin-off, Judgment takes place in the same universe as the Yakuza games and introduces a new protagonist, Takayuki Yagami, a disgraced lawyer turned private detective. This game trades the series’ signature beat-’em-up combat for a more refined detective experience, focusing on investigations, stealth, and parkour. Yagami investigates a series of brutal murders in Kamurocho, slowly uncovering a darker conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of the city’s power structure.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon (Yakuza 7)
A significant departure and a fresh start for the mainline series, Yakuza: Like a Dragon introduces Ichiban Kasuga, a loyal low-level yakuza who is betrayed by his patriarch. The game shifts to turn-based RPG combat, as Ichiban, now a homeless outcast, assembles a quirky party of allies in Ijincho, Yokohama. His quest for truth and justice against his former family propels him towards becoming a “hero,” embracing a new era for the franchise.
Like a Dragon: Gaiden
Like a Dragon: Gaiden serves as a vital bridge, explaining Kiryu’s activities between Yakuza 6 and his significant return in Infinite Wealth. Operating under the alias “Joryu” for a secret organization, Kiryu attempts to live a quiet life, but circumstances inevitably pull him back into the underworld. This shorter, action-focused entry sees the return of classic beat-’em-up gameplay and fills in crucial narrative gaps for fans of the Dragon of Dojima.
Lost Judgment
The direct sequel to Judgment, Lost Judgment continues Takayuki Yagami’s story as a private eye in Kamurocho. Yagami’s latest case begins with a seemingly simple investigation into a bullying incident at a local high school, which quickly spirals into a much larger conspiracy involving murder, corruption, and the yakuza. The game refines its detective mechanics, adds new fighting styles, and tackles darker, more mature themes, expanding Yagami’s investigative repertoire.
Like a Dragon: Ishin!
Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a historical spin-off that transports beloved Yakuza characters to Japan’s turbulent Bakumatsu era (1860s). Kazuma Kiryu takes on the role of historical figure Sakamoto Ryoma, navigating a complex web of political intrigue and personal vendettas in his quest for justice. This standalone title offers unique sword-and-gun combat, a captivating period setting, and a fresh perspective on the series’ familiar faces, making it enjoyable at any point in your playthrough.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
The latest mainline entry, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, brings together both Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu as dual protagonists for an epic adventure. The story takes them to the vibrant shores of Hawaii, where Ichiban searches for his long-lost mother, and Kiryu confronts his past and battles a severe illness. This ambitious title blends Ichiban’s signature turn-based RPG combat with Kiryu’s classic action brawling, set against a vast, new international backdrop.
Final Thoughts
Embarking on the Yakuza/Like a Dragon journey is an incredibly rewarding experience, offering an unparalleled blend of dramatic storytelling, deep character development, and eccentric humor. Following this chronological guide ensures you’ll fully appreciate the intricate narrative threads and the evolution of its iconic characters. Whether you’re drawn to Kiryu’s stoic justice or Ichiban’s boundless optimism, there’s a compelling adventure waiting for you. Dive into this rich, vibrant world and enjoy becoming part of the legend!
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