The Yakuza (also known as Like a Dragon) series has captivated audiences since its debut in 2005 with its rich narrative, intricate characters, and the fictional district of Kamurocho, Tokyo, where most of the action takes place.
Originally released as a PlayStation 2 game, the series, known as Ryu ga Gotoku in Japan, has grown into a global phenomenon, blending melodrama, intense action, and an often quirky sense of humor. In 2022, the series rebranded to Like a Dragon, its direct translation from Japanese.
For newcomers, the sprawling timeline can seem daunting, but playing the games in chronological order offers the most cohesive experience.
Starting Your Yakuza Journey: The Chronological Order
1. Yakuza 0 (2015)
Despite being the sixth game released, Yakuza 0 serves as the chronological starting point of the series, set during Japan’s economic boom of the 1980s.
Players take control of two protagonists: a young Kazuma Kiryu, a rising member of the Dojima family, who becomes embroiled in a murder plot surrounding a piece of land known as the Empty Lot, and Goro Majima, exiled from the yakuza and tasked with assassinating a blind woman.
Their parallel stories set the foundation for future events, including the construction of the Millennium Tower, a key location throughout the series.
2. Yakuza (2005) / Yakuza Kiwami (2016)
The original Yakuza (or its remake, Yakuza Kiwami) introduces players to Kiryu after his release from prison. Having taken the fall 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 is missing, and Nishikiyama has become an antagonist. Kiryu’s struggle with loyalty, family, and honor is central to 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 tries 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)
Taking a break from the criminal life, Yakuza 3 sees Kiryu managing an orphanage in Okinawa. However, old ties pull him back into the world of yakuza conflicts when local gangs and corrupt officials threaten his peaceful life. This game shifts between moments of tranquility and intense action as Kiryu struggles to protect his newfound family.
5. Yakuza 4 (2010)
Yakuza 4 expands the narrative by introducing three new playable characters alongside Kiryu. Shun Akiyama, a loan shark, Taiga Saejima, a former assassin, and detective Masayoshi Tanimura bring fresh perspectives to the game’s intertwining stories of betrayal, revenge, and redemption.
6. Yakuza 5 (2012)
With five protagonists, Yakuza 5 takes players across various cities in Japan. Kiryu has left Kamurocho behind, but new threats pull him back. Meanwhile, Haruka, Kiryu’s adopted daughter, embarks on her own journey to become a pop idol. The game’s sprawling narrative 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 arc, as he returns from prison to discover 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 shift in the series, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, introduces a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and a turn-based combat system. Set after the downfall of the Tojo Clan, Kasuga’s journey mirrors Kiryu’s, as he navigates betrayal, loyalty, and criminal empires while building his own team of allies.
The Yakuza/Like a Dragon series offers a sprawling and immersive experience. By following the games in chronological order, players can fully appreciate the rich narrative arcs, complex characters, and ever-evolving gameplay mechanics that have made the series a beloved classic in modern gaming. Whether starting with Yakuza 0 or diving into the latest titles, every game promises a thrilling, cinematic adventure.
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What is the correct chronological order for playing the Yakuza games?
The chronological order starts with Yakuza 0, followed by Yakuza Kiwami, Yakuza Kiwami 2, Yakuza 3, Yakuza 4, Yakuza 5, Yakuza 6, and Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
Is it necessary to play Yakuza 0 before the other games?
Yes, playing Yakuza 0 first is recommended since it serves as a prequel, providing essential backstory and context for the events and characters in the following games.
