Okay let's be real. Walking into the Yakuza series feels like showing up late to a decade-long family drama. Miss one game and suddenly you're wondering why that guy in the Hawaiian shirt keeps feeding stray cats. I learned this the hard way when I played Yakuza 4 before 3 and spent three hours confused about a random kid calling Kiryu "dad." Seriously, don't be like me.
Getting the yakuza games in order right matters because this isn't some random shooter series. These games have more plot threads than a soap opera factory. We're talking 20 years of interconnected stories, recurring characters, and callbacks that'll fly over your head if you jump around. Plus, the gameplay evolves dramatically from PS2 clunkiness to buttery-smooth Dragon Engine goodness in later titles.
The Official Release Order (The Way Most Fans Did It)
Play them like they came out. That's how us old-timers experienced Kazuma Kiryu's saga. You'll feel the tech improvements naturally and avoid spoilers. Simple, right? Here's the complete roadmap:
| Game Title | Release Year | Platforms Now | Key Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yakuza 0 (Prequel) | 2015 | PS4, Xbox, PC | Origin story for Kiryu & Majima |
| Yakuza Kiwami (Remake of 1) | 2016 | PS4, Xbox, PC | Modernized combat, expanded Nishiki story |
| Yakuza Kiwami 2 (Remake of 2) | 2017 | PS4, Xbox, PC | First Dragon Engine game, cabaret club minigame |
| Yakuza 3 Remastered | 2009/2019 | PS4, Xbox, PC | Orphanage focus, dated combat (prepare yourself) |
| Yakuza 4 Remastered | 2010/2019 | PS4, Xbox, PC | Four playable characters |
| Yakuza 5 Remastered | 2012/2020 | PS4, Xbox, PC | Five characters, taxi driving minigame |
| Yakuza 6: Song of Life | 2016 | PS4, Xbox, PC | Kiryu's final chapter, RPG elements simplified |
| Yakuza: Like a Dragon | 2020 | PS4/5, Xbox, PC | Turn-based combat, new protagonist Ichiban |
| Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth | 2024 | PS5, Xbox, PC | Hawaii setting, Kiryu/Ichiban dual story |
Notice how Kiwami remakes replace the original PS2 games? Smart move by Sega. Playing the 2005 Yakuza 1 now feels like wrestling a brick. Kiwami keeps the story but adds quality-of-life upgrades and extra scenes that actually connect to Yakuza 0.
Pro Tip: Buy the "Like a Dragon Gaiden" DLC if you jump between 6 and 7. It explains what Kiryu was doing during Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Costs about $20 and saves major headaches.
Chronological Story Order (For Lore Purists)
Some fans swear by timeline order starting with the 1980s prequel. It's immersive but weirdly spoiler-heavy. Imagine watching Star Wars chronologically and knowing Vader's Luke's dad before the "I am your father" scene. Yeah. Still, here's how it flows:
- Yakuza 0 (1988): Where it all begins. Kiryu's a rookie thug, Majima runs a cabaret. Best combat in series (fight me).
- Yakuza Kiwami (2005): Kiryu takes fall for murder, loses everything. That childhood friend betrayal hits harder after 0.
- Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2006): Kansai vs. Kanto gang war. Play Majima's bonus chapters after finishing main story.
- Yakuza 3 (2009): Kiryu runs orphanage in Okinawa. Warning: enemy blocking will make you rage-quit.
- Yakuza 4 (2010): Four protagonists collide. Akiyama the loan shark steals every scene he's in.
- Yakuza 5 (2012): Kiryu's a taxi driver? Saejima's a hunter? Just roll with it.
- Yakuza 6 (2016): Kiryu's "final" game. Emotional gut-punch if you've played since 0.
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2019): Ichiban's turn-based RPG adventure. Fresh start for newcomers.
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024): Latest entry. Kiryu and Ichiban share spotlight.
See the problem? Kiwami games have flashbacks and dialogue assuming you played later releases. That "secret of Onomichi" reference in Kiwami 2? Means nothing until Yakuza 6. Chronological works if you're replaying, but for first-timers? Release order saves you from awkward "wait, why should I care?" moments.
Hot Take: Skip the PS3 original Yakuza Dead Souls (2012). Zombie spin-off with janky controls. Even hardcore fans debate its canonicity. Your backlog thanks you.
Spin-Offs and Where They Fit
These aren't optional extras. Some spin-offs have major lore implications. Play Judgment after Yakuza 6 to avoid Kamurocho fatigue:
Judgment Series (Standalone But Connected)
- Judgment (2019): Detective Takayuki Yagami in Kamurocho. Play after Yakuza 6. Brawler combat.
- Lost Judgment (2021): Yagami goes to Yokohama. Play after Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
Other Branching Paths
- Like a Dragon: Ishin! (2023): Samurai reskin of characters. Play anytime after Kiwami 2.
- Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise (2018): Yakuza gameplay with Kenshiro. Non-canon fun.
That one friend who insists you play Kenzan? It's Japan-only and requires a translation guide. Unless you're fluent or hardcore, stick with localized titles.
Platform Guide: Where to Play Without Jailbreaking Your PS3
Sega's remasters saved us from hunting down old consoles. Everything's modern now. Here's the breakdown:
| Game | PS5 | Xbox | PC | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y0-Y6 + LaD | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Game Pass has entire series |
| Judgment | ✅ | ❌ (Stadia exclusive) | ✅ | Xbox players need cloud version |
| Lost Judgment | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Often on sale for $20 |
| Infinite Wealth | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Needs SSD for smooth load |
Xbox Game Pass is the wallet-friendly move. $10/month gets you every mainline entry except Judgment. PC players? Steam sales drop bundles to $30 for 5 games regularly.
Common Mistakes That Screw Up Your Experience
Watched a YouTube recap instead of playing Yakuza 3? Prepare for confusion later. Key continuity traps:
- Kiwami's Majima Everywhere: Only makes sense if you played 0 first. Otherwise he's just a creepy stalker.
- Skipping to Like a Dragon: Ichiban's story stands alone, but 50% of emotional moments reference past games.
- Playing 6 Before 5: Haruka's entire character arc gets destroyed. Don't do this.
My worst moment? Playing Yakuza 4 without finishing 3. When that kid showed up calling Kiryu "dad," I spent an hour googling if I missed a wedding DLC. Embarrassing.
FAQs: Real Player Questions (Not Bot Stuff)
Do I need to play every single game to understand the story?
Nah. If time's tight: 0 → Kiwami 1 → Kiwami 2 → 6 → Like a Dragon. You'll miss nuances but get the big beats.
Why does everyone say start with Yakuza 0?
Because it's cheap ($5 on sale), modern, and explains why Kiryu and Majima become legends. Also has disco minigame. Glorious.
Can I play Like a Dragon first?
Technically yes. Ichiban's story is designed for newcomers. But Kiryu's cameos lose impact, and you'll miss kamurocho nostalgia.
Are the remasters worse than originals?
Yakuza 3 Remastered cut some content, but we're talking hostess minigames and trivia. Main story's intact. Worth it for 60fps.
How long to beat the whole series?
350+ hours if you do substories. Main stories only? About 150 hours. Yes, it's a commitment. No, you can't speedrun emotional damage.
Why does combat feel clunky in older games?
Yakuza 3-5 still use PS3-era tech. Enemies block constantly. Upgrade Komaki skills early or suffer.
Final Recommendation: The Smart Path
After replaying this series three times? Start with Yakuza 0. If you love it, go Kiwami → Kiwami 2. Burned out? Jump to Yakuza: Like a Dragon for a fresh start. Treat 3-5 like a TV season marathon when you're invested. The entire yakuza games in order journey is about appreciating Kiryu's legacy. Messy, chaotic, and full of karaoke. Just like real life.
Still debating? Ask yourself: do you want to cry when Nishiki says "we were brothers" in Kiwami? Then play 0 first. That scene hits different when you remember them as dumb kids sharing one brain cell in bubblegum pink suits. Trust me.
Whatever path you choose, avoid spoilers like Tiger Drop to the face. This saga's full of "holy crap" moments that lose magic if spoiled. Now go punch some bicycles.