Play the Yakuza (Like a Dragon) series in chronological order

The Yakuza series (also known as Like a Dragon) has captivated audiences since its premiere in 2005 with its rich storyline, complex characters, and the fictional Tokyo district of Kamurocho, where most of the action takes place.

Originally released as a PlayStation 2 game, the series, known in Japan as Ryu ga Gotoku, has become a global phenomenon, combining melodrama, intense action, and an often quirky sense of humor. In 2022, the series was rebranded as Like a Dragon, the direct translation from Japanese.

For newcomers, the extensive timeline may seem daunting, but playing the games in chronological order will give you the most cohesive experience.

Table of contents

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The Beginning of Your Yakuza Journey: The Chronological Order

1. Yakuza 0 (2015)

Although Yakuza 0 is the sixth game released, it serves as a chronological starting point for the series, set during Japan’s economic boom of the 1980s.

Players take control of two main characters: the young Kazuma Kiryu, a rising member of the Dojima family who becomes embroiled in an assassination plot surrounding a piece of land known as the Empty Lot, and Goro Majima, who has been exiled from the yakuza and tasked with assassinating a blind woman.

Their parallel stories form the basis for future events, including the construction of the Millennium Tower, a key location in the series.

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

The original Yakuza (or its remake, Yakuza Kiwami) introduces players to Kiryu after his release from prison. After being framed for a crime committed by his best friend, Akira Nishikiyama, Kiryu returns to Kamurocho to find his clan in chaos.

Ten billion yen has gone missing, his childhood friend Yumi has disappeared, and Nishikiyama has become an antagonist. Kiryu’s struggles with loyalty, family, and honor are at the heart of this game as he navigates the dangerous underworld of yakuza politics.

3. Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2017)/ Yakuza 2 (2006)

Yakuza 2 continues Kiryu’s story as he attempts to prevent a war between the Tojo Clan and their rivals, the Omi Alliance. Along the way, he encounters Ryuji Goda, a formidable opponent determined to disrupt the fragile peace. The game also introduces detective Kaoru Sayama, adding a fresh dynamic to Kiryu’s journey as they delve into family secrets.

4. Yakuza 3 (2009)

In Yakuza 3, Kiryu takes a break from the criminal life and runs an orphanage in Okinawa. However, old ties draw him back into the world of yakuza conflict as local gangs and corrupt officials threaten his peaceful existence. The game alternates between moments of calm and intense action as Kiryu struggles to protect his new family.

5. Yakuza 4 (2010)

Yakuza 4 expands the story by introducing three new playable characters in addition to Kiryu. Shun Akiyama, a loan shark, Taiga Saejima, a former assassin, and detective Masayoshi Tanimura bring new perspectives to the game’s intertwined stories of betrayal, revenge, and redemption.

6. Yakuza 5 (2012)

Featuring five protagonists, Yakuza 5 takes players to different cities in Japan. Kiryu has left Kamurocho behind, but new threats are pulling him back. Meanwhile, Haruka, Kiryu’s adopted daughter, begins her own journey to become a pop idol. The game’s expansive story and five distinct characters make it one of the most ambitious entries in the series.

7. Yakuza 6 (2016)

Yakuza 6 marks the end of Kiryu’s story arc, as he returns from prison to find his daughter, Haruka, in a coma. As Kiryu investigates, he uncovers a web of secrets involving rival gangs and his own mysterious past. This emotional finale focuses on themes of family and sacrifice.

8. Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020)

The most recent major overhaul to the series, Yakuza: Like a Dragon introduces a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and a turn-based battle system. Set after the demise of the Tojo Clan, Kasuga’s journey mirrors that of Kiryu as he navigates betrayal, loyalty, and criminal empires while building his own team of allies.

The Yakuza/Like a Dragon series offers a deep and immersive experience. By playing through the games in chronological order, players can fully appreciate the rich storylines, complex characters, and ever-evolving gameplay mechanics that have made the series a beloved classic in modern gaming. Whether you start with Yakuza 0 or dive into the latest titles, each game promises a thrilling, cinematic adventure.

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