Yakuza games in order can be confusing for new players. With so many titles and different storylines, it’s hard to know where to begin. Should you start with the first game or follow the story in a different way? Don’t worry! This guide will help you understand the best order to play the Yakuza series.
If you want the full Yakuza experience, playing the games in order is the best choice. You will follow the journey of Kazuma Kiryu, the main character, from his early days to his later adventures. But if you don’t have time to play them all, there are other ways to enjoy the series too. Let’s look at the best order for both new and experienced players!
Why Play Yakuza Games in Order
Yakuza is a popular action-adventure game series with an exciting story. The series follows Kazuma Kiryu, a man involved in the dangerous world of the yakuza. If you play Yakuza games in order, you can fully enjoy the story and understand the characters better.
Each game builds on the events of the previous one. Playing them in order will help you see how the story develops over time. You will also understand the relationships between different characters and how they change.
Some players prefer to play based on the release order, while others follow the story timeline. Both ways have their benefits, but the best way depends on how you want to experience the Yakuza world.
The Best Story Order for Yakuza Games
If you want to follow the story from the beginning, start with Yakuza 0. This game is a prequel that shows the early lives of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima. After that, continue with the rest of the series in story order.
Here is the best way to experience the Yakuza story:
- Yakuza 0 (Prequel)
- Yakuza Kiwami (Remake of Yakuza 1)
- Yakuza Kiwami 2 (Remake of Yakuza 2)
- Yakuza 3
- Yakuza 4
- Yakuza 5
- Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon (New protagonist Ichiban Kasuga)
- Like a Dragon Gaiden (Side story for Kiryu)
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Upcoming game)
Playing in this order helps you enjoy the full Yakuza experience. It keeps the story clear and lets you grow with the characters.
Yakuza Games Release Order vs. Chronological Order
Some players like to play Yakuza games in order of their release. Others prefer to follow the story timeline. Both options are good, but they offer different experiences.
Playing in release order means you experience the games as they were created. This way, you will notice how the gameplay and graphics improve over time. However, the story might feel a little confusing because later games explain earlier events.
Playing in chronological order makes the story easier to understand. You start with Yakuza 0 and then follow the rest in timeline order. This is a great choice for new players who want a smooth story experience.
Starting with Yakuza 0 – The Perfect Beginning
Yakuza 0 is a great way to start the series. It takes place before the first game and introduces Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima. You learn about their past and how they became part of the yakuza world.
The game has fun combat, side missions, and an amazing story. It also shows the 1980s Japan setting, which makes it unique. Many players say Yakuza 0 is one of the best games in the series.
If you are new to the series, playing Yakuza 0 first will help you understand the world better. It is the perfect starting point for beginners.
Yakuza Kiwami and Kiwami 2 – A Fresh Take on the Classics
After finishing Yakuza 0, the next step is Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2. These are remakes of the original Yakuza and Yakuza 2, with better graphics and improved gameplay.
Both games continue Kiryu’s story and introduce new challenges. Yakuza Kiwami follows his journey after leaving prison, while Yakuza Kiwami 2 shows his fight against rival gangs.
If you want the best experience, playing these remakes is better than the original versions. They keep the classic story but with modern gameplay.
The Yakuza Remastered Collection – Continuing the Saga
After Kiwami 2, the next games to play are Yakuza 3, Yakuza 4, and Yakuza 5. These games were remastered for better graphics but still keep their original feel.
In these games, Kiryu faces new enemies, builds friendships, and protects those he loves. The stories are deep and emotional, making them a must-play for any Yakuza fan.
If you want to enjoy the full journey of Kiryu, these games are important. They show how he grows and changes over time.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon – A New Chapter Begins
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is different from the previous games. Instead of Kazuma Kiryu, you play as Ichiban Kasuga, a new main character. The gameplay also changes from action fighting to turn-based combat.
This game starts a new story, but it still connects to past Yakuza events. You will meet old characters while also learning about new ones.
If you prefer classic Yakuza combat, this game might feel different. But it is still a fun and exciting experience.
Like a Dragon Gaiden and Infinite Wealth – What’s Next
The Yakuza series is still growing, with more games coming soon. The latest ones are:
Like a Dragon Gaiden
- Focuses on Kazuma Kiryu’s secret story
- Explains what happened to him after Yakuza 6
- A mix of old and new gameplay
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
- Continues Ichiban Kasuga’s journey
- Set in a new location with fresh adventures
- More exciting battles and deep storytelling
Both games add new chapters to the Yakuza world, keeping the story alive for fans.
What About Spin-Off Games Like Ishin and Judgment?
Besides the main Yakuza games, there are spin-offs like Judgment and Like a Dragon: Ishin! These games have different characters but still keep the Yakuza-style action and story.
Judgment follows a detective solving crimes in the Yakuza world. It has similar combat but a fresh story. Like a Dragon: Ishin! is set in Japan’s past and tells a samurai tale.
If you love Yakuza games, these spin-offs are worth playing. They offer new experiences while keeping the same fun gameplay.
Fast-Track Guide – A Shorter Way to Enjoy Yakuza
Not everyone has time to play all Yakuza games in order. If you want a shorter way to enjoy the series, try playing only the most important games:
- Yakuza 0 – Best starting point
- Yakuza Kiwami – Remake of the first game
- Yakuza Kiwami 2 – The next main story
- Yakuza 6 – The end of Kiryu’s journey
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon – A fresh start
This list will still give you a great experience without playing every game.
Which Yakuza Game Is Best for Beginners
For new players, Yakuza 0 is the best choice. It has a great story, fun combat, and introduces the main characters.
If you want a more modern experience, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is also a good option. It has turn-based combat but still has the classic Yakuza feel.
No matter which game you start with, Yakuza is an amazing series full of action, drama, and fun.
Conclusion
Playing Yakuza games in order is the best way to enjoy the full story. Whether you follow the timeline or the release order, each game offers action, drama, and fun. If you are new, starting with Yakuza 0 is a great choice. It introduces the characters and sets the stage for the rest of the series.
The Yakuza series has many exciting games to explore. Some have classic action combat, while others use turn-based battles. No matter which game you pick, you will have an amazing time. If you love deep stories, fun gameplay, and interesting characters, Yakuza is a series worth playing!
FAQs
Q: What is the best Yakuza game to start with?
A: The best game to start with is Yakuza 0. It is a prequel and shows the early story of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima.
Q: Should I play Yakuza games in order?
A: Yes, playing in order helps you understand the story better. You can follow the timeline or the release order.
Q: Is Yakuza: Like a Dragon part of the main story?
A: Yes, but it has a new main character, Ichiban Kasuga. It also has turn-based combat instead of action fighting.
Q: How long does it take to finish a Yakuza game?
A: Each game takes about 30-50 hours to complete. If you do side missions, it can take even longer.
Q: Do I need to play the spin-off games?
A: No, the spin-offs like Judgment and Ishin! are separate stories. But they are fun if you love the Yakuza series!
