Launched in 2005 for the PlayStation 2, the *Yakuza* series (rebranded as *Like a Dragon* in 2022) has captivated players with its dramatic, action-packed narratives centered around the yakuza in Kamurocho, Tokyo. The games are a unique blend of intense action, melodrama, cinematic flair, and surprisingly goofy humor—don't skip the side quests! Initially finding limited success outside Japan, the series has exploded in popularity thanks to consistent releases of localized remakes, spin-offs, and new entries, culminating in the recent Majima-led spin-off, *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*.
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 released 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. While initially PlayStation exclusives, the series expanded to Xbox and PC, with all new games since Yakuza: Like a Dragon launching across multiple platforms (excluding Nintendo Switch until Yakuza Kiwami's October 2024 release, as announced during the August 2024 Nintendo Direct).
Beyond the main series, the *Like a Dragon* universe boasts a diverse array of spin-offs. *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* blends the *Yakuza* gameplay with the *Fist of the North Star* universe; 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: Like a Dragon* and *Yakuza 6*, while *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* (2025) stars Goro Majima.Which Yakuza Game Should You Play First?
Newcomers are advised to start with Yakuza 0 for a chronological beginning or jump into the fresh start offered by Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
Yakuza Kiwami
New players or those familiar with Yakuza 0 will find the refined controls and excellent localization of Yakuza Kiwami a great entry point. 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: Mild spoilers for plot, characters, and major events follow.
1. Yakuza 0 (2014)
Chronologically first, *Yakuza 0* introduces Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima in the late 1980s, embroiled in a conflict over a crucial piece of land.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC | IGN’s Yakuza 0 Review
2. Yakuza (2005) / Yakuza Kiwami (2016)
Kiryu's story continues after his wrongful imprisonment, involving stolen money, a missing friend, and a new family connection.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC (Yakuza Kiwami), PS2 | IGN’s Yakuza Review | Yakuza Kiwami Review
3. Yakuza 2 (2006) / Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2017)
Kiryu works to prevent a war between the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance, encountering new threats and uncovering personal mysteries.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC (Yakuza Kiwami 2), PS3 | IGN’s Yakuza 2 Review | Yakuza Kiwami 2 Review
4. Yakuza 3 (2009)
Kiryu runs an orphanage in Okinawa, but his peaceful life is disrupted by new yakuza families, assassinations, and international intrigue.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC (The Yakuza Remastered Collection), PS3 | IGN’s Yakuza 3 Review
5. Yakuza 4 (2010)
Four protagonists navigate family conflicts, betrayals, and crime in Kamurocho.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC (The Yakuza Remastered Collection), PS3 | IGN’s Yakuza 4 Review
6. Yakuza 5 (2012)
Five protagonists’ interwoven stories unfold in 2012, exploring various locations and conflicts.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC (The Yakuza Remastered Collection), PS3 | IGN’s Yakuza 5 Review
7. Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (2016)
Kiryu's final chapter, focusing on his past actions and a new family connection.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC | IGN’s Yakuza 6: The Song of Life Review
8. Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020)
Introducing Ichiban Kasuga and a new turn-based combat system in Yokohama.
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)
Kiryu and Kasuga team up 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 \)*
- Yakuza (2005) / Yakuza Kiwami (2016)*
- Yakuza 2 (2006) / Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2017)*
- Ryū ga Gotoku Kenzan! (2008)
- Yakuza 3 (2009)*
- Yakuza 4 (2010)*
- Kurohyō: Ryū ga Gotoku Shinshō (2010)
- Yakuza: Dead Souls (2011)
- Kurohyō 2: Ryū ga Gotoku Ashura Hen (2012)
- Yakuza 5 (2012)*
- Ryū ga Gotoku Ishin! (2014) / Like a Dragon: Ishin! (2023)
- Yakuza 0 (2015)*
- Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (2016)*
- Yakuza Online (2018)
- Judgment (2018)
- Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise (2018)
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020)*
- Lost Judgment (2021)
- Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (2023)
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024)*
- Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (2025)
What’s Next for Yakuza/Like a Dragon?
While *Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth* concluded its own story, its ending hints at future installments. Announcements regarding a new mainline game or spin-off are anticipated following the release of *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*. While RGG Studio revealed a *Virtua Fighter* revival and "Project Century" at recent events, details on the next *Like a Dragon* entry remain to be seen.Looking for more video game timelines? Check out these guides:
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