From memes to word of mouth, the tale of Kiryu, Majima, and newcomer Ichiban has spread like wildfire in the gaming world. From the stoic guy dramatically singing karaoke to the frizzy-haired guy obsessed with Dragon Quest, it’s not a surprise that they’ve started garnering attention in the West for being a different flavor of kooky.
But behind the zaniness of it all, the Yakuza games are an entertaining set of games with a lively world, interesting characters, and riveting “amped up to 11” plot lines. If you have always been curious about the Yakuza series but are intimidated by how to start it, here’s our recommended list of all Yakuza games in chronological order. Keep checking Steam for Yakuza Steam discounts, or you can try your luck and buy Steam accounts with games to get these games.
Where Should You Start With the Yakuza Games?
Eager to start your Like a Dragon journey? These games are lengthy with lots of dialogue, so starting it will depend on how interested you are.
Starting on Yakuza Kiwami is the quickest or most efficient. It’s relatively shorter and is a good start if you just want a feel of the games to judge if it’s something you want to continue playing. It’ll emotionally hit you more if you play this before 0, too.
If you’re just here for the current story arc, new protagonist, and turn-based combat, start with Yakuza: Like a Dragon. It has Kasuga Ichiban as the main character and follows his story instead of Kiryu’s. You’ll be missing some elements and references from the previous Yakuza games, though.
Ultimately, the most recommended way among fans is starting with Yakuza 0. It occurs before Yakuza 1 or Yakuza Kiwami and focuses on the lives of Kiryu and Majima before the events of the Yakuza games. Starting with it is the best way to play Yakuza games in order.
Yakuza Games in Chronological Order
Here is our recommended order for playing the Yakuza games. We’ll include a short synopsis and reasons why it should be played in this order.
Yakuza 0
Although made way later in the series, this game takes place before the events of the first Yakuza game. It’s generally agreed by fans as a good place to start when playing the series for the first time.
The story focuses on Kiryu and Majima before they became yakuza icons. Their fates get interlinked over a mysterious empty lot in Kamurocho.
Yakuza Kiwami (Yakuza 1 Remake)
After the success of Yakuza 0, the first game got a makeover in the form of Kiwami. To make the original more modern, it incorporated gameplay elements from 0 and made the original plot more cohesive.
The plot is about Kiryu, his best friend Nishikiyama, and the crimes and lies that changed their friendship. Caught in the middle is a mysterious young girl. The eccentric Majima also pops up as a rival occasionally.
Yakuza Kiwami 2 (Yakuza 2 Remake)
This is the direct sequel to Yakuza 1 which also got a remake after the success of Kiwami. Kiryu has to return to Kamurocho to fix a disastrous yakuza mess. A leaderless group is no good, and he is tasked to find a replacement and bring order to everyone, all while fighting a new foe.
Yakuza 3 Remastered
From the dazzling nightlife of Tokyo, Yakuza 3 takes you to the laid-back tropical life of Okinawa. You’ll immediately notice the drop in quality since this is only a remaster and not a remake, but it’s worth it to play for the story and Kiryu being called Uncle Kaz!
Yakuza 4 Remastered
Three new characters join Kiryu as the protagonists of this game. Discover what links a loan shark, an escaped prisoner, and a detective with a penchant for gambling to the Dragon of Dojima. You’ll switch between their perspectives and use different fighting styles while controlling them.
Yakuza 5 Remastered
Kiryu is back to fix some yakuza mess again, but this time he’s with four other characters as the protagonists, including Haruka! A leader on his deathbed threatens the peace and order of different clans, and Kiryu tries to fix things with the power of singing, baseball, and his good ol’ fists.
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
An incident involving Haruka ropes Kiryu into visiting Hiroshima. Different mafia factions get involved, and Kiryu ends up uncovering a big secret that the town has been keeping. Consider this as a “soft ending” to Kiryu’s story.
Judgment
A lawyer-turned-detective investigates mysterious yakuza-related murders. Made by the same developers, the game takes place in the same world and has references and connections to the series.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon (Yakuza 7)
A new main character changes the fighting style of the games and introduces a new story arc. Join Kasuga Ichiban in his quest to save his yakuza family. The game still takes place in the same world and timeline, with old characters making surprise appearances.
Like a Dragon: Gaiden
Kiryu’s story isn’t done, folks! Before his involvement in Infinite Wealth’s plot, Gaiden explains what he’s been up to behind the scenes. It’s a shorter game and is definitely best played before you tackle Infinite Wealth.
Lost Judgment
A direct sequel to Judgment. Takuya’s current case is sort of linked to the events in Yakuza 7, so it’s best to play this after getting through 7’s story.
Like a Dragon: Ishin!
Basically, instead of yakuza guys, Kiryu and friends are samurai fighters! Since this is a spin-off with a standalone story, you can play this anytime.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
The latest addition to the series, this is a direct sequel to Yakuza 7 and focuses on both Kasuga and Kiryu in the tropical setting of Hawaii. Kasuga has to find his mother, while Kiryu battles a health scare.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this list has helped you play Yakuza games in order. All the games are available on Steam, so buy Steam gift card codes via U7BUY and jump right into the action! Happy gaming!
