Originally launched as a PlayStation 2 title in 2005, Yakuza, known as Ryu ga Gotoku in Japan, kicked off a long-lasting and cherished series that delves into the intricate conflicts and plots of yakuza families within the fictional Kamurocho district of Tokyo. In 2022, the series rebranded to "Like a Dragon," reflecting its Japanese title.
The Yakuza games are renowned for blending action-packed sequences with melodramatic storytelling and cinematic flair, all while maintaining a playful and humorous tone. Skipping the side quests would mean missing out on some of the series' most entertaining moments. Though it took time for the franchise to gain international acclaim, its reputation has flourished due to a steady stream of localized re-releases, spin-offs, and new entries, including the recent Majima-centric 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?
Since its debut in 2005, Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have produced nine mainline Yakuza/Like a Dragon games, alongside two remakes—Yakuza Kiwami (2016) and Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2017)—with a third on the horizon, and 11 spin-offs. Initially exclusive to PlayStation, these titles have since been ported to Xbox and PC, with newer entries like Yakuza: Like a Dragon released across multiple platforms, excluding Nintendo Switch. However, Yakuza Kiwami became the first Like a Dragon game to hit the Switch in October 2024, following an announcement at the August 2024 Nintendo Direct.
In addition to the mainline games, the Like a Dragon series boasts a variety of unique 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 Takayuki Yagami, a lawyer-turned-detective, whose investigations intersect with the Tojo Clan.
Yakuza: Dead Souls (2011) offers a dystopian twist with zombies, while Yakuza Online (2018) is a free-to-play TCG on mobile and PC, introducing Ichiban Kasuga before his starring role in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise (2018) adapts the popular Japanese series with Yakuza-style gameplay.
Two spin-offs set in historical Japan are Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! (2008) and Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin! (2014), the latter released in the West as Like a Dragon: Ishin! in 2023.
Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name (2023) fills in the gaps between Yakuza: Like a Dragon and Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, focusing on Kiryu. The latest addition, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, features Goro Majima navigating Honolulu six months after Infinite Wealth.
Which Yakuza Game Should You Play First?
Newcomers have two excellent entry points: start with Yakuza 0 to experience the series chronologically, or dive into Yakuza: Like a Dragon for a fresh start with a new protagonist and gameplay style.
Yakuza Kiwami
0Newcomers or those whose Yakuza journey began with Yakuza 0 will appreciate the familiar controls, top-notch localization, and engaging storyline as a perfect entry into the franchise.
Mainline Yakuza/Like a Dragon Games in 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: The following sections contain mild spoilers for the plots, characters, and significant events of each game.
1. Yakuza 0 (2014)
Yakuza 0 sets the stage as the chronological first entry despite being the sixth game released. Set during Japan's economic boom in the late 1980s, it follows two protagonists: a young Kazuma Kiryu, framed for murder at the Empty Lot, and Goro Majima, tasked with an assassination but ultimately protecting the blind Makoto, the true owner of the lot. By the game's end, the Empty Lot is destroyed, paving the way for the iconic Millennium Tower.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC | IGN’s Yakuza 0 Review
2. Yakuza (2005) / Yakuza Kiwami (2016)
The original Yakuza follows Kazuma Kiryu after serving a decade in prison for a murder he didn't commit. Upon release, he's embroiled in a mystery involving stolen clan funds and the disappearance of Yumi Sawamura. He meets Haruka, whose pendant holds clues to the missing money. The game culminates with Kiryu defeating his former friend Nishikiyama and choosing to leave the yakuza to care for 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 assisting Terada to prevent a war between the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance. After Terada's apparent death, Kiryu supports Daigo Dojima as the new chairman while facing off against Ryuji Goda. Alongside, he aids detective Kaoru Sayama in uncovering her parents' fate.
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 attempts a peaceful life running the Morning Glory Orphanage in Okinawa. However, he's soon drawn back into the yakuza world, facing various threats including new 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 expands the narrative with four protagonists: Kiryu, Shun Akiyama, Taiga Saejima, and Masayoshi Tanimura. Their intertwined stories explore themes of family, betrayal, and crime, culminating in Kiryu's efforts to resolve the conflicts.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC (The Yakuza Remastered Collection), PS3 | IGN’s Yakuza 4 Review
6. Yakuza 5 (2012)
Yakuza 5 is the most expansive entry with five protagonists. Kiryu searches for the missing Daigo, Saejima breaks out of prison, Haruka pursues her dream of becoming a J-pop idol, Akiyama aids Haruka in her quest, and new character Tatsuo Shinada seeks the truth behind his baseball career's downfall.
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: The Song of Life marks the end of Kiryu's saga. After serving time for his past actions, he returns to find Haruka in a coma and her son Haruto. His journey takes him to Onomichi, Hiroshima, to unravel the mystery surrounding Haruka's accident and Haruto's father.
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 turn-based combat system. Released from prison after 18 years, Kasuga discovers the Tojo Clan's defeat and confronts his former patriarch, Masumi Arakawa. Left for dead, he's saved by Yu Nanba and forms a new party to uncover the truth behind the clan's downfall.
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 unites Kiryu and Kasuga in a dual-protagonist story spanning Japan and Hawaii. Kasuga seeks his mother, while Kiryu, battling cancer, assists in uncovering a complex web involving international mob groups and a religious cult.
Available on: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, PC | IGN's Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Review
All of the Yakuza/Like a Dragon Games and Spin-Offs in Release Order
Mainline Yakuza games are marked in bold with an asterisk.
- 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)
- 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?
The Like a Dragon saga continues to evolve. While Infinite Wealth wrapped up its narrative, it left room for more stories. With the success of Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, fans eagerly await news on the next mainline game or spin-off.
At the 2024 Game Awards, RGG announced the revival of Virtua Fighter and unveiled "Project Century" at the February 2025 State of Play. However, details on the next Like a Dragon installment remain under wraps.
For more video game timelines, explore 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
