The Best Order To Play All The Yakuza Games (2024)

Sonic is still Sega's most popular series, but outside of that, Yakuza is definitely the runner-up. For years, the series has consistently put out stellar titles, each with a ton of content. Yakuza has primarily been beat-'em-ups, but starting with Yakuza: Like a Dragon, JRPG is the main genre to fit the new lead character.

Since the franchise is quite story driven and there are plenty of mainline entries, it can be hard to get into for a beginner. Similar to Star Wars, the order to play the Yakuza games is divisive with the addition of a prequel and a few remakes. The best order to play these titles isn't necessarily the best starter games but more the best and most satisfying experience when you go through the series.

Updated on Feburary 9, 2024, by Dominic Allen: With the launch of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the Yakuza series has gotten even bigger. We've added two new mainline instalments, and extra touch-ups as well. With no signs of this franchise stopping anytime soon, it likely won't be the last revision here.

1 Yakuza Kiwami

The Best English Start

You should start with the first game in the series, but many versions exist. The original PS2 version is not recommended due to the poor controlling combat and lackluster English voice acting. A great choice is the Japanese-only PS3 remaster that fixed the controls and added some nice quality-of-life improvements. However, the text is all Japanese, so it won't be a great way to play if you don't know the language.

The best option is Yakuza Kiwami. The combat system is a continuation of the one from Yakuza 0, which is the best in the series. There are also a lot of great added details to the story. While there are a few callbacks to Yakuza 0, it's not going to distract you much from your experience. With all its enhancements, Kiwami is the best way to play the first game.

2 Yakuza 2

Still Satisfying All These Years Later

Once again, the second instalment has two main versions. The one you should play, if you can, is the original for the PS2. Yakuza 2 is so much improved from the first entry. It offers a far superior combat system that still holds up today and supports the original Japanese voices, unlike the first.

Yakuza Kiwami 2, on the other hand, while graphically impressive and offers a nice side-campaign with Majima, is just not the same. Kiwami 2's combat is a continuation of the one from Yakuza 6, which is a big downgrade from the PS2 version. If you can, play the original, as it's a total blast and offers a much more fun combat system than the remake.

3 Yakuza 3

Criminally Underrated

While Yakuza 3 doesn't have a remake, it still has plenty of versions. The purest one with all the content is the original Japanese PS3 version, but again, with the Japanese text, it isn't very accessible. The best way to play is the remastered version on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. It looks and runs the best but has some missing content. Mainly three substories were cut.

However, the changes are rather small, and overall it's the best version. Yakuza 3 tends to get a bad rap, but it's actually really good. The Okinawa area is very unique with its nice vacation feel. The substories are great as always, and the core game's pacing isn't nearly as lackluster as people say. Yakuza 3 is another excellent entry in the series.

4 Yakuza 4

The Start Of Multiple Protagonists

Yakuza 4 is a must-play entry in the series and is when the franchise stepped up. There's only one location this time with Kamurocho, but there are four playable characters and added verticality to the city. You can now explore for the first time the roofs and underground areas of Kamurocho.

The combat is also much improved from Yakuza 3 and definitely feels more modern. The remastered version is the best way to play, and thankfully the only real difference is the face of Tanimura. When starting out, that won't be an issue at all.

5 Yakuza 5

The Big Dog

One of the best games in the series has to be Yakuza 5. It has so much content packed in that it'll keep you busy for a while. With five characters and five locations, it's the GTA San Andreas of the Yakuza franchise. This game, along with Yakuza 0 and Kiwami 1, offers the best feeling and most rich combat in the series.

If your first Yakuza game is the fifth one, it just won't have the same feel both story-wise, but also in terms of gameplay. It's nice to see the combat evolution of all the titles, specifically the PS3 entries. You've also grown with all these characters along the way, making it more satisfying. The remastered version is the best choice, and there are actually no changes besides a different translation.

6 Yakuza 0

The Fan Favorite

Yakuza 0 is the game that most state you should start with, but you shouldn't for a few reasons. One is that the title references the future games quite a bit, specifically in the substories. There's one involving a fortune teller that will go right over your head if you play this first.

As well, several key characters in the series appear in Yakuza 0, but you won't know why they matter if you haven't played the further games. Yakuza 0 is most enjoyable when played after the first five titles. With that said, Yakuza 0 is also one of the best games in the series with its story and revamped combat system. The different fighting styles and 80s flair makes this game a standout entry.

7 Yakuza 6: The Song of Life

The Dragon Engine's Debut

The final main instalment with Kazuma Kiryu as the solo lead protagonist, Yakuza 6 is the first entry to use the Dragon Engine. It looks amazing and a large step up from what came before. The new Hiroshima area is a nice addition and unique to this game. The story is also one of the best in the series and, at the time, a satisfying end to Kiryu's saga.

However, Yakuza 6 also has quite a few downsides. A lot of features and aspects common in previous entries are just not included, and Kamurocho is even missing two areas. This game definitely could have used a delay, as it feels somewhat unfinished. The story does make the experience worth it in the end, though, as many will place Yakuza 6 among their favorites due to its quality.

8 Yakuza: Like A Dragon

A Breath Of Fresh Air

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a fresh start in the franchise with a brand new lead character and a new genre to boot. While this game is most enjoyable after going through the rest of the series, you can start with this title just fine. However, take note that since the next mainline title will feature Kiryu returning as a lead, it is better to play in order.

The new JRPG gameplay was exactly what the series needed after several titles that just felt like a step back from Yakuza 5 or 0. The new cast of characters are great, and so is the new Yokohama area. This game is one of the best triple-A RPG experiences out right now, and it still stands out from the rest of the pack.

9 Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name

A Solid Prequel

While Like a Dragon Gaiden's technically a spin-off, it's more akin to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Prologue. The bulk of the story takes place before Yakuza: Like a Dragon but ends after the game. With Kazuma Kiryu as the lead again, you dive into his character more so than many of the prior titles. There's plenty of callbacks, so don't start with this title.

The game's short and sweet, with a good combat system, a great story, and short length even when going for the platinum. That's refreshing because these titles can get really long. The ending is incredible and will have you tearing up, especially if you've played the series since the PS3 days.

10 Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

The Best Entry In Years

The actual finale to Kazuma Kiryu is in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. This game is massive in a way that hasn't been felt since Yakuza 5. You have two huge areas with Yokohama and Honolulu, along with so many side activities you'll get overwhelmed.

The turn-based combat is improved in many ways, from the stricter timing to the importance of character placement in fights. The story's also incredible and an even better finale to Kiryu than Yakuza 6. The Japanese and English voice acting's distracting, though, no matter which side you're on. As this game's a huge finale to Kiryu, don't start the franchise with Infinite Wealth.