The Yakuza series, known as Like a Dragon in the West since 2022, began its life in 2005 on the PlayStation 2. This sprawling saga follows the intertwined lives and conflicts of various yakuza families within the fictional Kamurocho district of Tokyo. The games are known for their blend of action, melodrama, cinematic presentation, and surprisingly quirky humor (often found in the side quests). While initially popular in Japan, the series has gained significant international recognition through consistent localized releases, spin-offs, and new entries, culminating in the recent Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean (a Majima-led spin-off).

Yakuza Games in Chronological Order

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How Many Yakuza/Like a Dragon Games Exist?

The Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has 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. Initially PlayStation exclusives, the series expanded to Xbox and PC, with all new games since Yakuza: Like a Dragon launching simultaneously across platforms (excluding Nintendo Switch until Yakuza Kiwami's October 2024 Switch release).

Beyond the main series, numerous diverse spin-offs exist. Kurohyō: Ryu ga Gotoku Shinsho and its sequel feature a new protagonist, Tatsuya Ukyo. The Judgment series introduces lawyer-detective Takayuki Yagami, whose investigations intersect with the Yakuza world. Yakuza: Dead Souls offers a zombie-infested twist, while Yakuza Online is a free-to-play mobile/PC card game. Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise adopts the Yakuza gameplay style. Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! and Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin! (released in the West as Like a Dragon: Ishin! in 2023) are set in historical Japan. Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name (2023) bridges the gap between Yakuza 6 and Yakuza: Like a Dragon. The latest spin-off, Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean, stars Goro Majima in Hawaii.

Which Yakuza Game Should You Play First?

For newcomers, starting with Yakuza 0 or Yakuza: Like a Dragon is recommended. Yakuza 0 offers a strong entry point chronologically, while Yakuza: Like a Dragon provides a fresh start with a new protagonist and gameplay mechanics.

Yakuza Kiwami

Mainline Yakuza/Like a Dragon Games (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: Mild spoilers for plot, characters, and major events follow.)

1. Yakuza 0 (2014)

This prequel introduces Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima in the late 1980s. Kiryu is framed for murder, while Majima is involved in a clandestine assassination plot. The game culminates in the destruction of the Empty Lot and the construction of the Millennium Tower.

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

Kiryu is released from prison after taking the fall for his boss's murder. He unravels a conspiracy involving stolen money and his former best friend, Nishikiyama. He ultimately becomes the Fourth Chairman of the Tojo Clan before resigning to raise Haruka.

3. Yakuza 2 (2006) / Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2017)

Kiryu prevents a war between the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance, dealing with Ryuji Goda and Detective Kaoru Sayama along the way.

4. Yakuza 3 (2009)

Kiryu runs an orphanage in Okinawa, but his peaceful life is disrupted by various threats, including new yakuza families, assassinations, and an arms smuggling operation.

5. Yakuza 4 (2010)

Four protagonists—Kiryu, Shun Akiyama, Taiga Saejima, and Masayoshi Tanimura—are involved in interwoven storylines involving family, betrayal, and crime.

6. Yakuza 5 (2012)

Five protagonists navigate separate but interconnected narratives in 2012, focusing on Kiryu, Saejima, Haruka, Akiyama, and Tatsuo Shinada.

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

Kiryu's final outing focuses on Haruka's accident and the search for her child's father, while dealing with rival yakuza groups.

8. Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020)

Ichiban Kasuga, a new protagonist, is released from prison to find his yakuza family betrayed. He teams up with new allies to uncover a larger conspiracy in Yokohama and Kamurocho.

9. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024)

Kiryu and Kasuga team up in a story spanning Japan and Hawaii, involving international crime syndicates, a religious cult, and more.

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

(Mainline games are 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 own arc, it left room for future installments. Further mainline entries and spin-offs are likely. While RGG Studio has announced other projects, details on the next Like a Dragon game remain unannounced.