Yakuza Series: A Chronological Play Guide

Originally launched as a PlayStation 2 game in 2005, Yakuza (known as Ryu ga Gotoku in Japan) has evolved into a cherished and expansive video game series. Set in the fictional Kamurocho district of Tokyo, the series delves into the intricate conflicts and schemes of yakuza families. In 2022, the series was rebranded to Like a Dragon, reflecting its original Japanese title.

The Yakuza games are renowned for their blend of action, melodrama, cinematic storytelling, and humor. Skipping the side quests means missing out on a significant part of the series' charm. It took years for the franchise to gain international acclaim, but its reputation has grown steadily, bolstered by a consistent stream of localized re-releases, spin-offs, and new titles. The latest addition to the series is the Majima-led spin-off, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.

The Yakuza Games In (Chronological) Order

10 ImagesHow 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 (2016) and Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2017), with a third on the horizon – and 11 spin-offs since the series debuted in 2005. Initially exclusive to PlayStation, the games have since been ported to Xbox and PC, with every new release since Yakuza: Like a Dragon available across multiple platforms, except for the Nintendo Switch. However, Yakuza Kiwami was announced for a Switch port in October 2024 during the Nintendo Direct in August 2024.

In addition to the mainline games, Like a Dragon 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 a new protagonist, Tatsuya Ukyo. Judgment (2018) and Lost Judgment (2021) introduce lawyer-turned-detective Takayuki Yagami, who investigates mysterious murders in Kamurocho, intersecting with the Tojo Clan.

The zombie-themed Yakuza: Dead Souls (2011) brings back the classic characters in a dystopian setting. Yakuza Online (2018) is a free-to-play trading card game available on mobile and PC, introducing Ichiban Kasuga, the protagonist of Yakuza: Like a Dragon. The popular Japanese series Fist of the North Star was adapted into Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise (2018), sharing gameplay elements with Kiryu's adventures.

Two spin-off games, Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! (2008) and Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin! (2014), are set in historical Japan and feature real historical figures. The latter was released in the West as Like a Dragon: Ishin! in 2023.

In 2023, RGG released Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name, which runs parallel to Yakuza: Like a Dragon and explores Kiryu's fate post-Yakuza 6. The most recent spin-off, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, features Goro Majima as an amnesiac protagonist in Honolulu, set six months after Infinite Wealth.

Which Yakuza Game Should You Play First?

For newcomers, starting with Yakuza 0 or jumping straight to Yakuza: Like a Dragon offers a fresh entry point into the series.

Yakuza Kiwami

0Newcomers or those who began with Yakuza 0 will find familiar controls, excellent SEGA localization, and a solid entry point into the Yakuza franchise. See it at AmazonMainline 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 WealthBeware: Mild spoilers for the plots, characters, and some major events of each game follow.

1. Yakuza 0 (2014)

Despite being the sixth game released, Yakuza 0 is the first in the chronological timeline. Set during Japan's economic boom in the late 1980s, it follows two protagonists: Kazuma Kiryu, a young member of the Dojima family framed for murder, and Goro Majima, a former Shimano family member working in a cabaret as punishment. Their stories intertwine around the Empty Lot, a crucial piece of land. By the game's end, Kiryu returns to the Dojima family, Majima spares Makoto, and the Empty Lot is destroyed, making way for the Millennium Tower.

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

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

In the original Yakuza game, Kazuma Kiryu is released from prison after serving a decade for a murder he didn't commit. He's expelled from the Tojo Clan, and a massive sum of money has been stolen. Kiryu's search for the truth leads him to Haruka, whose pendant is key to the mystery. The climax sees Kiryu confronting his best friend, Nishikiyama, and ultimately stepping away from the yakuza to 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 helping the Tojo Clan avoid war with the Omi Alliance. After an ambush, he seeks to appoint Daigo Dojima as the new chairman. Kiryu's path crosses with Ryuji Goda, the Omi chairman's son, and detective Kaoru Sayama, who is searching for her missing parents.

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 has retired to run the Morning Glory Orphanage in Okinawa. However, he's drawn back into the yakuza world by new threats, including assassinations, betrayals, 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 introduces four protagonists, including Kiryu, Shun Akiyama, Taiga Saejima, and Masayoshi Tanimura. Their stories weave together around conflicts between the Tojo Clan and the Ueno Seiwa Clan, culminating in Kiryu uncovering the truth behind the ongoing disputes.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC (The Yakuza Remastered Collection), PS3 | IGN’s Yakuza 4 Review

6. Yakuza 5 (2012)

Yakuza 5 expands the narrative with five protagonists across different settings. Kiryu, now in Fukuoka, learns of Daigo's disappearance and the looming war with the Omi Alliance. Saejima, back in prison, plans an escape, while Haruka pursues her dream of becoming a J-pop idol. Akiyama helps Haruka investigate a suspicious death, and new character Tatsuo Shinada seeks to clear his name after being framed in a baseball scandal.

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 Kazuma Kiryu's saga. After serving three years in prison, he returns to find Haruka in a coma and learns of her son, Haruto. Kiryu's investigation leads him to Onomichi, Hiroshima, where he uncovers the truth about Haruto's father amidst rival gang activities.

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 a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and a turn-based combat system. After serving 18 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, Kasuga returns to find the Tojo Clan defeated by the Omi Alliance. His journey leads him to confront his former patriarch, Masumi Arakawa, and 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 brings together Kiryu and Kasuga in a dual-protagonist story spanning Japan and Hawaii. Set in 2024, Kasuga's search for his mother leads him to Honolulu, where he reunites with Kiryu, who is battling cancer. Their adventure involves international mob groups, a religious cult, and more.

Available on: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, PC | IGN's Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Review

All of the the Yakuza/Like a Dragon Games and Spin-Offs in Release Order

Mainline Yakuza games are marked in bold with an asterisk.

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)

18. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (2023)

19. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024)*

20. 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 concluded its narrative, it left room for future developments. RGG Studio has announced plans for new projects, including the revival of Virtua Fighter and an open-world game called "Project Century." However, details about the next Like a Dragon mainline or spin-off remain under wraps.

For more video game timelines, explore these guides:

Grand Theft Auto Games in OrderGod of War Games in OrderAssassin's Creed Games in OrderResident Evil Games in Order