How to Play the Yakuza Games in Chronological Order

Launched in 2005 for the PlayStation 2, the *Yakuza* series (rebranded as *Like a Dragon* in 2022) has captivated players with its thrilling yakuza tales set in the fictional Kamurocho, Tokyo. Known for its blend of action, melodrama, cinematic flair, and surprising humor (especially in the side quests!), the series steadily gained international recognition through consistent releases of localized versions, spin-offs, and new entries, culminating in the recent *Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean* spin-off starring Majima.

The Yakuza Games in Chronological Order

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How Many Yakuza/Like a Dragon Games Are There?

Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have delivered 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, the series expanded to Xbox and PC, with all games since Yakuza: Like a Dragon launching simultaneously across platforms (excluding Nintendo Switch until Yakuza Kiwami's October 2024 release, announced at the August 2024 Nintendo Direct).

Beyond the main series, *Like a Dragon* boasts diverse spin-offs. *Kurohyō: Ryu ga Gotoku Shinsho* (2010) and its sequel feature Tatsuya Ukyo; *Judgment* (2018) and *Lost Judgment* (2021) introduce Takayuki Yagami; *Yakuza: Dead Souls* (2011) offers a zombie-infested twist; *Yakuza Online* (2018) is a mobile/PC TCG; *Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise* (2018) blends the *Yakuza* gameplay with the *Fist of the North Star* universe; and *Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan!* (2008) and *Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin!* (2014, 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: Like a Dragon* and *Yakuza 6*, while *Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean* (2025) stars Majima.

Which Yakuza Game Should You Play First?

Newcomers are advised to begin chronologically with Yakuza 0 or jump into the fresh start offered by Yakuza: Like a Dragon.

Yakuza Kiwami

0Newcomers or those familiar with Yakuza 0 will find refined controls, excellent localization, and a strong entry point into the franchise.See it at Amazon

Mainline 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 Wealth

Note: Minor spoilers for plot, characters, and major events may follow.

1. Yakuza 0 (2014)

Chronologically first, *Yakuza 0* introduces Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima in the late 1980s, embroiled in a land dispute over the Empty Lot.

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

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

*Yakuza* follows Kiryu's release from prison and his involvement in a ¥10 billion theft.

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 working to prevent a war between the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance.

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

4. Yakuza 3 (2009)

*Yakuza 3* finds Kiryu running an orphanage in Okinawa, facing new threats.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC (The Yakuza Remastered Collection), PS3 | IGN’s Yakuza 3 Review

5. Yakuza 4 (2010)

*Yakuza 4* features four protagonists navigating complex conflicts in Kamurocho.

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

6. Yakuza 5 (2012)

*Yakuza 5* follows five protagonists in different locations, expanding the series' scope.

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

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

*Yakuza 6* serves as Kiryu's final chapter, focusing on Haruka and a new mystery.

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

8. Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020)

*Yakuza: Like a Dragon* introduces Ichiban Kasuga and a new turn-based combat system.

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)

*Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth* reunites Kiryu and Kasuga in a globe-trotting adventure.

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

All Yakuza/Like a Dragon Games and Spin-offs in Release Order:

*(Mainline games marked with **)

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)
17. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (2023)
18. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024)***
19. Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean (2025)

What’s Next for Yakuza/Like a Dragon?

While *Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth* concluded its arc, the future of the series remains open, especially considering the cliffhanger ending and the upcoming release of *Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean*. Further announcements are anticipated following the revival of *Virtua Fighter* and the unveiling of "Project Century" at the February 2025 State of Play.

For other video game timelines, see:

Grand Theft Auto Games in Order God of War Games in Order Assassin's Creed Games in Order Resident Evil Games in Order