How To Play The Yakuza Games In Order

The best way to play the Yakuza games in order is to start with Yakuza 0, then progress through Yakuza Kiwami, Yakuza Kiwami 2, Yakuza 3 Remastered, Yakuza 4 Remastered, Yakuza 5 Remastered, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, and finally, Yakuza: Like a Dragon.

So, you’re ready to dive into the complex, captivating world of the Yakuza series? It’s an amazing experience, but the sheer number of titles can be daunting. Figuring out how to play the Yakuza games in order is the first step for any new fan.

It’s tempting to jump in anywhere, but you’ll experience the best story if you follow a specific progression. This ensures you understand the characters and their intricate connections, avoiding any potential spoilers or confusion. Let’s get started!

How to Play the Yakuza Games in Order

Alright, so you’re ready to dive into the wild and wonderful world of the Yakuza games! That’s fantastic! But with so many titles, it can feel a bit like stepping into a bustling Tokyo street and not knowing where to go. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide will show you the best way to experience this awesome series, making sure you understand the story and get the most out of every punch, karaoke session, and dramatic moment.

Understanding the Yakuza Timeline

Before we jump into the actual order, let’s talk about how the Yakuza games are structured. The core series follows the life of Kiryu Kazuma, and that’s where most folks start. Think of it like watching a long TV show with several seasons. We’re going to look at them mostly in release order, which also happens to be pretty close to the chronological order, and will make the story easy to follow. Some side games and spin-offs go in different directions, and we’ll talk about those as well.

The Main Yakuza Series: Kiryu’s Saga

This is the heart of the Yakuza experience. The games in this section tell the main story of Kiryu, his friends, and his place in the world of the Japanese mafia. Playing these in order is really important because the stories build on each other. You’ll want to understand Kiryu’s relationships and the history of Kamurocho (the main setting) from the beginning to truly appreciate everything.

Yakuza 0: This is where it all starts! While it came out later, it’s set before all the other main games and shows Kiryu and Majima in their younger days. This is an amazing place to jump in and get to know these beloved characters. It’s often recommended as the best place to start the series, because the gameplay is refined and the story provides great context.
Yakuza Kiwami: This is a remake of the very first Yakuza game. It greatly improves the original’s graphics and gameplay. After playing Yakuza 0, Kiwami will make a lot more sense because you know the backstory. It directly follows the events of zero. You’ll see how everything from the past affects Kiryu and his journey.
Yakuza Kiwami 2: This is a remake of the second Yakuza game, again with enhanced graphics and gameplay and built on the same engine as Kiwami. It continues Kiryu’s story and expands the lore of the Yakuza world. You will also begin to see the importance of the Omi Alliance.
Yakuza 3: This is the first game in the series to be released on the PlayStation 3 and it marks a turning point in the gameplay and graphical fidelity. Kiryu moves away from the Yakuza life and begins caring for orphans. But he still gets pulled back into conflict.
Yakuza 4: This game gives you multiple playable characters, including Kiryu. You will see the story from different viewpoints in this game, giving you a richer view of the story and the world.
Yakuza 5: This is the biggest Yakuza game up to this point, with even more playable characters and a much wider scope. This game is a real treat for the fans of the series with each characters story arc.
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life: This is the last main entry in Kiryu’s saga. It completes his story and is full of heartfelt moments. It’s important to play all of the preceding games to really connect with the ending.

Side Games and Spin-offs

These games might not be vital for understanding Kiryu’s core story, but they offer fun experiences and flesh out the world of Yakuza even further. They often focus on other characters or explore different storylines, but don’t be afraid to try these after finishing Kiryu’s main saga, or even between games in the main series if you’re curious.

Yakuza: Dead Souls: This is a zombie spin-off where Kamurocho is overrun by the undead. It’s a lot of fun and silly, but it’s not connected to the main storyline, so play this whenever you want!
Yakuza Ishin!: This is a historical game set in the late Edo period with many Yakuza characters acting as historical figures. It’s a completely separate story that has very little to do with the main timeline, but it offers an interesting perspective on characters you know and love in a new setting. This was not initially released outside Japan but a remake was recently released under the name of Like a Dragon: Ishin!.
Yakuza Kenzan!: This historical spin-off, set in the early Edo period, is very similar to Ishin! and has similar ideas, but it follows the legendary swordman Miyamoto Musashi, whom Kiryu is based on, in a unique and interesting adventure. This title is exclusive to Japan.
Judgment and Lost Judgment: These are spin-off detective games set in the Yakuza world with new main characters. They have great stories and fun gameplay, and they are perfect if you are interested in a good detective story with Yakuza gameplay. They don’t directly impact the main Yakuza narrative but add more depth to its setting.

Stepping into the New Era: Like a Dragon

After Kiryu’s story ends, the series moves into a new era, with a new main character and a slightly different gameplay style. The Yakuza series was renamed “Like a Dragon” in the west, which the Japanese title always was. This will help you to understand the change of series better and how the games are ordered.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon (Now called Like a Dragon): This is where the series introduces a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga. The gameplay here switches to a turn-based RPG format, marking a major change for the franchise. The story is completely fresh and this is a good entry point for players who might be interested in the series.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name: This is a side story that fills the gaps between Yakuza 6 and Like a Dragon and tells a story centered on Kiryu after he leaves everything behind. Gameplay is more like the classic Yakuza titles with more action focus.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth: The newest game, this continues Ichiban’s journey but also sees Kiryu joining him for a story spanning Japan and Hawaii. It also continues with the Turn based JRPG combat from Like a Dragon.

The Recommended Order for a First-Time Player

Okay, so now that we have all the games listed and explained, here’s the best order to play them for the absolute best story experience, especially if you’re a newcomer:

Yakuza 0: Start here for a great introduction to the characters and the world. This will make the rest of the series much more impactful.
Yakuza Kiwami: The logical next step after Yakuza 0. It follows Kiryu in his early adventure.
Yakuza Kiwami 2: Follows right after Yakuza Kiwami and expands the story even more.
Yakuza 3: Introduces more characters, including Kiryu’s found family at Morning Glory Orphanage, and continues his narrative.
Yakuza 4: A step up with multiple playable characters, expanding the scope of the story.
Yakuza 5: An even more ambitious story that continues to develop the world and the stories of many characters.
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life: The end of Kiryu’s main story; an emotional and satisfying conclusion to the first part of the saga.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon: A brand-new story with a new protagonist, offering a fresh start to the series.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name: Kiryu’s story continues, filling the gaps between the previous games.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth: The newest game which combines both Ichiban and Kiryu as main characters

After playing through all of these, you can explore the spin-off games like Judgment, Lost Judgment, Yakuza Dead Souls, Like a Dragon: Ishin and Yakuza Kenzan to further expand your knowledge of the Yakuza world. These can be played anytime, but it may be good to play them after getting familiar with the core of the series.

Tips for Enjoying the Yakuza Games

Playing these games can sometimes be a big commitment, so here are some things to keep in mind to have the most fun:

Take Your Time: The Yakuza games are packed with side quests, mini-games, and other activities that go way beyond the main story. Don’t rush, explore the cities, and talk to everyone.
Get Involved in the Side Stories: These side quests are some of the most fun and funny parts of the games. You’ll meet memorable characters and get into all kinds of silly situations.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: The combat systems can seem complicated at first, but don’t be afraid to try different fighting styles and abilities. You’ll find what works for you, and it’s half the fun of the game.
Enjoy the Story: The main strength of these games is the deep and complex story. Pay attention to the characters, their motivations, and the emotional themes that run through the saga.
Try the Mini-Games: Karaoke, arcade games, mahjong, and more! These mini-games are not just distractions; they’re a fun and essential part of the Yakuza experience.

Where Can You Play These Games?

The Yakuza series has become pretty accessible in recent years. You can find them on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Many of them are even on subscription services, like Game Pass. This makes it easier than ever to dive into the Yakuza world. The newer titles are available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, while some of the older games are available on older consoles, like PS3 and PS4. Check your preferred platform’s store for the most recent listings.

So, there you have it! Now you’ve got the knowledge to jump in and play the Yakuza series in the right order and understand all the craziness in this series. Remember to start with Yakuza 0, follow Kiryu’s journey through the main series, and then delve into Like a Dragon’s new world with Ichiban. Have fun exploring Kamurocho, battling thugs, singing your heart out at karaoke, and creating a journey you will never forget. The world of the Yakuza awaits you!

How To Play Yakuza Games in The Right Order!

Final Thoughts

To play the Yakuza games correctly, begin with Yakuza 0, which serves as a prequel. Next, proceed chronologically: Yakuza Kiwami, Yakuza Kiwami 2, Yakuza 3 Remastered, Yakuza 4 Remastered, Yakuza 5 Remastered, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life.

After that, play Yakuza: Like a Dragon, a soft reboot. Finally, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth follow. This is precisely how to play the yakuza games in order, ensuring the best experience.