How to Play the Yakuza Games in Chronological Order

Launched in 2005 for the PlayStation 2, the *Yakuza* series (renamed *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 quirky humor (don't skip the side quests!), the series has steadily gained global recognition. This is thanks to consistent releases of localized versions, 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

10 Images

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 11 spin-offs since 2005. Initially PlayStation exclusives, they've expanded to Xbox and PC, with new games (except for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth) launching simultaneously across platforms. Notably, Yakuza Kiwami received a Nintendo Switch port in October 2024, as 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, *Kurohyō 2: Ryu ga Gotoku Ashura Hen* (2012), are PlayStation Portable exclusives featuring Tatsuya Ukyo. *Judgment* (2018) and *Lost Judgment* (2021) introduce lawyer-detective Takayuki Yagami, whose investigations in Kamurocho intersect with the main series characters. *Yakuza: Dead Souls* (2011) offers a zombie-infested twist, while *Yakuza Online* (2018) is a free-to-play mobile and PC TCG. *Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise* (2018) blends the *Fist of the North Star* universe with the *Yakuza* gameplay style. *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 6* and *Yakuza: Like a Dragon*, focusing on Kiryu. And finally, *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* (2025) stars Goro Majima in a Honolulu-set adventure.

Which Yakuza Game Should You Play First?

For newcomers, starting with Yakuza 0 or Yakuza: Like a Dragon provides excellent entry points.

Yakuza Kiwami

Newcomers or those familiar with Yakuza 0 will appreciate the refined controls, excellent localization, and strong starting point offered by Yakuza Kiwami. 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* features Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima in the late 1980s. Kiryu is framed for murder, while Majima is tasked with killing a woman who owns crucial land. The game culminates in Kiryu's return to the Dojima family, Majima's decision to let the woman live, and the destruction of the Empty Lot, paving the way for the Millennium Tower.

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

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

*Yakuza* follows Kiryu's release from prison after taking the blame for a murder. He uncovers a missing ¥10 billion and confronts his former friend, Nishikiyama. The game ends with Kiryu becoming the Fourth Chairman of the Tojo Clan, only to step down and raise Haruka.

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 preventing a war between the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance. He encounters Ryuji Goda and works alongside detective Kaoru Sayama.

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

4. Yakuza 3 (2009)

In *Yakuza 3*, Kiryu runs an orphanage in Okinawa, but soon faces threats involving various yakuza families, assassinations, and even the CIA.

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: Kiryu, loan shark Shun Akiyama, escaped convict Taiga Saejima, and detective Masayoshi Tanimura, all entangled in conflicts between various yakuza clans.

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: Kiryu in Fukuoka, Saejima escaping prison, Haruka pursuing her idol career, Akiyama helping Haruka, and former baseball player Tatsuo Shinada investigating a conspiracy.

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* is Kiryu's final outing, focusing on his investigation into Haruka's accident and the threats facing Kamurocho.

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, who, after being released from prison, uncovers a conspiracy involving his former boss and various criminal organizations in Yokohama. The game introduces a 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 story spanning Japan and Hawaii, involving international crime syndicates, cults, and political intrigue.

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 Yakuza in Hawaii (2025)

What’s Next for Yakuza/Like a Dragon?

While *Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth* concluded its own arc, the future of the series remains bright, with anticipation for future mainline entries and spin-offs. While RGG has other projects in development, the *Like a Dragon* franchise is poised for continued growth.

Looking for more video game timelines? Check out these guides:

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