Exploring the Yakuza Series: A Comprehensive Guide to Every Game

The Yakuza series, a beloved franchise known for its unique blend of Japanese mafia culture and zany storytelling, has been around for over a decade. With a recent rebranding to Like a Dragon, the series has undergone a transformation while maintaining its core identity. Despite its complexity, we believe that new players can easily jump into the series with our comprehensive guide to every game in the Yakuza series.

Understanding the Yakuza Series

The Yakuza series is often seen as dense and challenging to get into, with a rich backstory spanning multiple games and spin-offs. However, this shouldn't deter new players from experiencing the series. Our guide will help you navigate the different games in the series, highlighting key storylines, gameplay mechanics, and notable features.

Every Game in the Yakuza Series in Release Order

Below, we've listed every game in the Yakuza series in release order, from the first game to the latest titles. This guide will allow you to play through each game in chronological order, following the story and characters as they evolve throughout the series.

Yakuza (2006)

The original Yakuza game was released for the PS2 in 2006 and introduced players to the series' protagonist, Kazuma Kiryu. This game set the tone for the series, blending action-packed gameplay with engaging storytelling and quirky side quests.

Yakuza 2 (2008)

Yakuza 2 built upon the success of the original, adding more romance, improved combat mechanics, and the introduction of English dubs. The game continues the story of Kazuma Kiryu, delving deeper into Japan's underworld.

Like a Dragon Arrives! (2008)

Released in 2008, Like a Dragon Arrives is a spin-off title set in Japan's Edo period. This game explores the life of Miyamoto Musashi, offering a unique take on the series' combat mechanics and storytelling.

Yakuza 3 (2010)

Yakuza 3 marked a significant milestone for the series, with an international release on the PS3. The game introduces Kazuma Kiryu in a new light, showcasing improved graphics and gameplay mechanics.

Black Panther: Like a Dragon New Chapter (2010)

This PSP exclusive spin-off, Black Panther: Like a Dragon New Chapter, offers a more stripped-back combat experience, focusing on one-on-one battles. The game follows the story of Tatsuya Ukyo, set within the larger Yakuza universe.

Yakuza 4 (2011)

Yakuza 4 introduces new protagonists, expanding the series' character roster. Players control Kazuma Kiryu, Masayoshi Tanimura, Shun Akiyama, and Taiga Saejima as they navigate Japan's underworld.

Yakuza: Dead Souls (2012)

Yakuza: Dead Souls is a non-canonical spin-off, blending survival horror elements with the series' signature combat. Players must navigate the zombie-infested Kamurocho district as one of four main characters.

Black Panther 2: Like a Dragon Ashura Chapter (2012)

The sequel to Black Panther: Like a Dragon New Chapter, Black Panther 2 offers more of the same stripped-back combat experience, continuing the story of Tatsuya Ukyo on the PSP.

Like a Dragon: Ishin! (2014)

This historical drama spin-off, Like a Dragon: Ishin!, takes players back to the era of samurai in Japan. The game was re-released on Steam in 2023, providing a unique combat experience for fans of the series.

Yakuza 5 (2015)

Yakuza 5 continues the series' main story, featuring five main protagonists. The game showcases more gameplay and side content than ever before, solidifying the series' reputation for depth and variety.

Yakuza 0 (2017)

This prequel, Yakuza 0, explores the early days of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima. Set 17 years before the events of the original Yakuza, the game offers a fresh take on the series' combat mechanics.

Yakuza Kiwami (2017)

A remake of the original Yakuza, Yakuza Kiwami updates the classic gameplay and graphics for modern audiences. The game maintains the original story, while introducing new plot details and enhancing the overall experience.

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (2018)

This anticipated game marks the final entry to feature Kazuma Kiryu as the main protagonist. Players control Kiryu as he navigates a more personal story, concluding his journey in the series.

Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2018)

A remake of Yakuza 2, Yakuza Kiwami 2 updates the classic gameplay and graphics. The game provides new story details, refined mechanics, and an enhanced overall experience.

Judgment (2019)

This spin-off series, Judgment, puts players in the shoes of Takayuki Yagami, a private detective investigating crimes in Kamuocho. The game focuses on investigation mechanics, offering a unique take on the series' gameplay.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020)

A significant departure from the main series, Yakuza: Like a Dragon introduces a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and a turn-based combat system. This entry is an excellent starting point for new players, blending humor and storytelling with engaging gameplay.

Lost Judgment (2021)

The sequel to Judgment, Lost Judgment, builds upon the original's investigation mechanics and storytelling. Players control Takayuki Yagami once more, exploring the darker side of Kamuocho.

The Yakuza Remastered Collection (2021)

This collection includes remastered versions of Yakuza 3, 4, and 5, offering updated visuals and gameplay on new platforms. Long-time fans will appreciate this opportunity to replay classic titles in a modern form.

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

This spin-off entry, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, stars Kazuma Kiryu once more. Players experience Kiryu's life after faking his own death, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved character.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024)

The latest installment in the series, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, introduces island management mechanics, combining Animal Crossing elements with the series' signature combat and storytelling. Players will delve into a new storyline with Ichiban Kasuga, exploring the new gameplay mechanics.