Yakuza Game Play Order Recommendation: The Best Way to Enjoy the Series

 

Yakuza Game Play Order Recommendation: The Best Way to Enjoy the Series

The Yakuza series (known as Ryu Ga Gotoku in Japan) is one of Sega’s most iconic franchises, blending crime drama storytelling with open-world exploration, side activities, and heartfelt character arcs. With so many titles released over the years—including remakes and spin-offs—new players often wonder: What is the best play order for the Yakuza series?

In this article, I will provide a clear Yakuza game play order recommendation, explain the difference between release order and chronological order, and suggest the best path for newcomers who want to experience the full story without confusion.

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Why the Play Order Matters

The Yakuza series is famous for its rich narrative continuity. Each mainline entry builds on the events of the previous games, creating a long-running saga centered on Kazuma Kiryu and other major characters.
If you play the titles out of order, you may miss emotional payoffs, character development, and important references. That’s why choosing the right Yakuza series order is essential for new players.

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Chronological Order of the Yakuza Series

If you want to follow the story by in-game timeline, here is the chronological order:

1. Yakuza 0 (1988, prequel story)

2. Yakuza Kiwami (remake of Yakuza 1, set in 2005)

3. Yakuza Kiwami 2 (remake of Yakuza 2, set in 2006)

4. Yakuza 3 (2009, Okinawa & Tokyo)

5. Yakuza 4 (2010, multiple protagonists)

6. Yakuza 5 (2012, multiple cities)

7. Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (2016, Kiryu’s conclusion)

8. Yakuza: Like a Dragon (Yakuza 7) (new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, 2019)

9. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Yakuza 8) (2023, Ichiban & Kiryu together)

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Recommended Play Order for New Players

While chronological order is one option, most fans recommend the following best way to play Yakuza:

1. Start with Yakuza 0

   • As a prequel, it introduces the series’ core themes and characters. Many fans consider it the best entry point.

2. Move to Kiwami and Kiwami 2

   • These remakes modernize the original PlayStation 2 games with improved visuals and mechanics, making them much more accessible.

3. Continue with Yakuza 3–5

   • These games are slightly dated in graphics but essential for the main story. The Yakuza Remastered Collection provides updated versions on modern platforms.

4. Play Yakuza 6

   • Concludes Kiryu’s long journey and sets up the transition to the new protagonist.

5. Shift to Yakuza: Like a Dragon (7)

   • A new RPG-style combat system and fresh storyline make it a great continuation, especially for players who finished Kiryu’s saga.

6. Finish with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (8)

   • The latest entry that combines Ichiban’s story with Kiryu’s return.

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Should You Play Spin-offs?

The Yakuza franchise also includes spin-offs such as:

• Judgment and Lost Judgment – Detective-themed stories in the same universe.

• Like a Dragon: Ishin! – A historical spin-off set in the Bakumatsu era of Japan.

These are not required for the main storyline, but they are highly recommended if you enjoy the gameplay and world-building.

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Final Recommendation

If you are a new player, the ideal Yakuza game play order recommendation is:

Yakuza 0 → Kiwami → Kiwami 2 → Yakuza 3 → Yakuza 4 → Yakuza 5 → Yakuza 6 → Yakuza: Like a Dragon → Infinite Wealth

This order ensures you experience the complete narrative in a logical and emotionally satisfying way.

The Yakuza series is not just about fighting—it’s about friendship, loyalty, family, and redemption. Playing the games in this sequence will let you fully appreciate why this franchise has become one of Japan’s most beloved gaming sagas.

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