(Like a Dragon) Yakuza Series

Yakuza series - why you should try it out?

The Yakuza series is a popular action-adventure game franchise developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by SEGA. The games primarily follow Kazuma Kiryu, a former member of the Tojo Clan, as he navigates the criminal world of Japan, protecting those he loves while clashing with powerful enemies. The series combines intense street fights, deep storytelling, and an open-world experience filled with side activities, mini-games, and unforgettable characters.

The games are known for their gripping crime drama, over-the-top combat, and the contrast between serious storytelling and absurd humor. One of the franchise’s trademarks is its vast open-world cities, like Kamurocho (a fictional version of Tokyo’s Kabukicho), filled with unique side stories and arcade-like diversions.

When did Yakuza (Like a Dragon) come out?

First released in 2005 for PlayStation 2, Yakuza quickly became a cult classic due to its cinematic storytelling and brutal combat. The franchise has since expanded with multiple sequels, spin-offs, and remakes, reintroducing the series to a wider audience. The most recent mainline entry, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024), takes the series in a bold new direction with expanded RPG mechanics and an entirely new setting in Hawaii.

Full Yakuza (Like a Dragon) game series in order:

There are 12 main games in the Yakuza series, along with several spin-offs.

• Yakuza (2005)
• Yakuza 2 (2006)
• Yakuza 3 (2009)
• Yakuza 4 (2010)
• Yakuza 5 (2012)
• Yakuza 0 (2015)
• Yakuza Kiwami (2016) – Remake of Yakuza
• Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2017) – Remake of Yakuza 2
• Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (2016)
• Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020)
• Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024)
• Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (2025)
• Yakuza 0 Director's Cut (2025)

There are also several spin-offs, including Judgment (2018) and Lost Judgment (2021), which focus on detective investigations but maintain the same action-packed gameplay. Other spin-offs, like Like a Dragon: Ishin! (2023), explore historical settings.

What is the best order to play Yakuza games in?

If you’re a newcomer, you should start with Yakuza 0 (2015). As a prequel to the series, it introduces the main characters and provides vital context for the rest of the games. From there, you can follow the release order or play the Kiwami remakes before moving on to later entries.

However, the Yakuza timeline follows a chronological order:

• Yakuza 0 (1988 – Prequel)
• Yakuza Kiwami (2005) – Remake of the first game
• Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2006) – Remake of the second game
• Yakuza 3 (2009)
• Yakuza 4 (2010)
• Yakuza 5 (2012)
• Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (2016) – Conclusion of Kiryu’s story
• Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020) – New protagonist Ichiban Kasuga
• Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024) – Continuation of Ichiban’s story
• Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (2025) - Focuses on Majima

Since some older games are harder to access, the Yakuza Kiwami remakes are the best way to experience the first two entries. Most of the series is available on modern platforms, making it easier for new players to dive in.

The best Yakuza games

Choosing the best Yakuza games is tough, but Yakuza 0 (2015) is often regarded as the best entry, with its gripping story, dual protagonists, and fun mini-games. Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2017) is praised for its deep combat system and cinematic story. Yakuza 5 (2012) expanded the gameplay with multiple playable characters and cities. Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020) introduced a bold turn-based RPG system, making it a fresh experience. Most recently, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024) has been praised for its massive world and character-driven storytelling.

Who are the most iconic Yakuza characters?

The most iconic Yakuza character is Kazuma Kiryu, the Dragon of Dojima. Known for his stoic personality, unwavering sense of justice, and unmatched combat skills, he remains the heart of the franchise for most of its main entries.

Another fan-favorite is Goro Majima, the unpredictable and charismatic Mad Dog of Shimano. While he initially appears as Kiryu’s antagonist, his backstory in Yakuza 0 reveals his tragic past and complex motivations.

Other beloved characters include Ichiban Kasuga, the new protagonist introduced in Like a Dragon, and Daigo Dojima, the reluctant leader of the Tojo Clan. The series is also filled with eccentric side characters, from the feared crime bosses to the hilarious residents of Kamurocho.