The Yakuza series, now globally recognized as Like a Dragon, stands as one of the most expansive and rewarding franchises in gaming. However, with over two decades of releases, including prequels, remakes, and a major shift in combat genres, figuring out a starting point is notoriously difficult. Whether the goal is to follow the legendary life of Kazuma Kiryu or jump into the modern turn-based era with Ichiban Kasuga, understanding the timeline is essential for a cohesive experience.

As of 2026, the series has further expanded with recent titles like Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii and the technical refresh of Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut. Navigating this massive library requires looking at two primary paths: chronological story order and release date order.

The Chronological Story Order: Following the Narrative Flow

For those who prioritize story continuity above all else, the chronological order is the most popular recommendation. This path allows for witnessing the character arcs in the order they occurred within the game world, starting in the late 1980s and moving through to the mid-2020s.

1. Yakuza 0 (Set in 1988)

Widely regarded as the best starting point for the entire series, Yakuza 0 provides the origin stories for Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima. Set during Japan’s bubble economy era, it establishes the emotional stakes for the rest of the saga. In 2025, the Director’s Cut was released, offering 4K/60fps enhancements and expanded cutscenes that bridge the gap even better between this prequel and the first remake.

2. Yakuza Kiwami (Set in 2005)

This is a full remake of the original 2005 PlayStation 2 game. It utilizes the engine from Yakuza 0, making the transition seamless. The story follows Kiryu as he emerges from a ten-year prison sentence to find 10 billion yen missing from the Tojo Clan’s vaults and his best friend turned into a bitter rival.

3. Yakuza Kiwami 2 (Set in 2006)

A remake of the second game using the modern Dragon Engine. It introduces seamless transitions between exploration and combat. The narrative centers on a looming war between the Tojo Clan of Tokyo and the Omi Alliance of Osaka, featuring one of the series' most iconic antagonists, Ryuji Goda.

4. Yakuza 3 Remastered (Set in 2009)

This entry marks a significant tonal shift. Kiryu moves to Okinawa to run the Morning Glory Orphanage. While the gameplay and graphics feel dated compared to the Kiwami remakes, the story is vital for understanding Kiryu’s motivation as a father figure—a theme that dictates his actions for the remainder of the series.

5. Yakuza 4 Remastered (Set in 2010)

The series began expanding its scope here by introducing multiple playable protagonists. Alongside Kiryu, players take control of Shun Akiyama (a benevolent loan shark), Taiga Saejima (an escaped convict), and Masayoshi Tanimura (a detective). This multi-perspective approach deepens the lore of Kamurocho.

6. Yakuza 5 Remastered (Set in 2012)

The largest of the "classic" entries, featuring five protagonists across five different Japanese cities. It covers everything from taxi driving in Fukuoka to idol performance in Osaka. It is a massive undertaking that sets the stage for the final chapter of Kiryu's solo journey.

7. Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (Set in 2016)

Built from the ground up for the Dragon Engine, this was originally marketed as the end of Kiryu’s story. It focuses on his personal quest to protect his surrogate daughter, Haruka, and her infant son in the sleepy town of Onomichi.

8. Yakuza: Like a Dragon (Set in 2019)

Also known as Yakuza 7, this title introduces a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and switches the combat from real-time brawling to turn-based RPG mechanics. While it’s a fresh start, it still contains major spoilers for the previous six games, as the fate of the Tojo Clan is a central plot point.

9. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (Set in 2019-2020)

This shorter, action-focused title explains what Kiryu was doing during the events of Yakuza 7. It’s a bridge that connects his past to the newer Ichiban-led era. It is best played after Yakuza: Like a Dragon to avoid spoiling the surprises in that game.

10. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Set in 2023-2024)

The eighth mainline entry brings Kiryu and Ichiban together in Hawaii. It is a massive RPG that balances Ichiban’s quest for his mother with Kiryu’s reflection on his life as he faces his greatest personal challenge yet.

11. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (Set in 2024-2025)

The most recent major release as of early 2025, starring Goro Majima. After the events of Infinite Wealth, Majima finds himself washed up on a remote island with amnesia. This spinoff returns to the action-brawler combat and serves as a wild, naval-themed epilogue to the recent Hawaii-based events.

The Release Date Order: Seeing the Evolution

Some purists argue that playing in the order the games were developed is superior because it avoids the "technical shock" of moving from a modern remake (Kiwami 2) to an older remaster (Yakuza 3). Seeing the series evolve from its clunky PS2 roots into the polished Dragon Engine titles provides a unique perspective on Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's growth.

  1. Yakuza (2005) - PS2 Legacy
  2. Yakuza 2 (2006)
  3. Yakuza 3 (2009)
  4. Yakuza 4 (2010)
  5. Yakuza: Dead Souls (2011) - Non-canon zombie spinoff
  6. Yakuza 5 (2012)
  7. Yakuza 0 (2015)
  8. Yakuza Kiwami (2016)
  9. Yakuza 6 (2016)
  10. Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2017)
  11. Judgment (2018)
  12. Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020)
  13. Lost Judgment (2021)
  14. Like a Dragon: Ishin! (2023)
  15. Like a Dragon Gaiden (2023)
  16. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024)
  17. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (2025)

Playing in this order means experiencing Yakuza 0 halfway through the series, which adds a layer of nostalgia but can be confusing for those who want a linear timeline.

Navigating the Spinoffs: Are They Necessary?

One of the most common questions is whether the spinoffs like Judgment or Ishin! are required reading. The answer depends on what a player values.

The Judgment Series

Consisting of Judgment and Lost Judgment, these games take place in the same universe (Kamurocho and Ijincho) but follow Takayuki Yagami, a private detective. They feature the best action combat the studio has ever produced. While they don't involve the Yakuza directly in terms of plot, they show the state of the world following the events of the main games. Judgment is best played after Yakuza 6, and Lost Judgment after Yakuza: Like a Dragon.

Like a Dragon: Ishin!

This is a historical spinoff set in the 1860s. Characters from the mainline series "play" the roles of historical figures like Sakamoto Ryoma. It has no narrative connection to the modern games, but it is a fantastic way to see familiar faces in a different setting. It can be played at any time.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Despite being a spinoff, this game is highly relevant to the modern timeline because it follows Goro Majima immediately after Infinite Wealth. It is highly recommended to finish the Ichiban/Kiryu Hawaii arc before starting this pirate adventure to fully appreciate the context of Majima's situation.

The "Engine Gap" Problem

A major hurdle for new players is the transition from Yakuza Kiwami 2 to Yakuza 3 Remastered. Kiwami 2 is a modern, visually stunning game with physics-based combat. Yakuza 3 is a remaster of a 2009 PS3 title, and the drop in graphical fidelity and animation quality can be jarring.

To mitigate this, some fans suggest playing the original PS2 versions if you have access to them, but for most modern gamers, the best advice is simply to be patient. Yakuza 3 is shorter than the other entries, and once you reach Yakuza 4 and 5, the gameplay systems improve significantly, eventually leading back into the modern feel of Yakuza 6.

Choosing an Entry Point: Which Game Should You Start With?

In 2026, there are three logical places to begin the journey, depending on a player's preferences.

Start with Yakuza 0 if:

  • You want the full, epic story of Kazuma Kiryu from the very beginning.
  • You prefer real-time, beat-'em-up action combat.
  • You want the most emotional payoff when reaching the later games.

Start with Yakuza: Like a Dragon (7) if:

  • You prefer turn-based RPGs (similar to Persona or Dragon Quest).
  • You want a more modern, underdog story with a new cast of characters.
  • You are intimidated by the decade-long history of the Kiryu saga.

Start with Judgment if:

  • You want a standalone detective thriller that doesn't require knowing the history of the Tojo Clan.
  • You want the highest quality action combat without 80+ hours of backstory.

Summary of the Optimal 2026 Play Order

For a player starting today who wants the most cohesive experience, this is the suggested sequence:

  1. Yakuza 0 (Essential prequel)
  2. Yakuza Kiwami 1 & 2 (The foundational years)
  3. Yakuza 3, 4, 5 Remastered (The growth years)
  4. Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (The original finale)
  5. Judgment (Optional but excellent world-building)
  6. Yakuza: Like a Dragon (The new era begins)
  7. Lost Judgment (Optional but excellent)
  8. Like a Dragon Gaiden (The missing link)
  9. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (The current peak)
  10. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (The latest Majima chapter)
  11. Like a Dragon: Ishin! (Anytime for a change of pace)

Regardless of where the journey begins, the Like a Dragon series offers a blend of gritty crime drama and absurd humor that remains unmatched in the industry. The transition from the streets of Kamurocho to the beaches of Honolulu represents one of the most ambitious narrative evolutions in gaming history, making it well worth the time investment to play through in order.