Navigating the neon-soaked streets of Kamurocho, Isezaki Ijincho, and even the tropical shores of Honolulu requires more than just a sharp suit; it requires a clear roadmap. The franchise formerly known as Yakuza, now globally unified under the title Like a Dragon, has grown into a sprawling epic spanning decades of in-game history and over twenty years of real-world development. As of April 2026, with the recent launch of the expanded Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut and the high-seas adventure Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, determining the right order to experience this crime drama is more complex—and more rewarding—than ever.

There are two primary ways to approach this series: the Chronological Order, which follows the life of Kazuma Kiryu and Ichiban Kasuga from the 1980s to the present day, and the Release Order, which tracks how the developers at Ryu Ga Gotoku (RGG) Studio evolved their craft. For most modern players, a hybrid approach focusing on the story’s narrative flow is the gold standard.

The Chronological Order: Following the Dragon’s Footsteps

Playing the games in chronological order allows for a seamless narrative experience. You witness the rise, fall, and eventual legendary status of the series' icons. In 2026, this path is even more accessible thanks to modern hardware and comprehensive remakes.

Yakuza 0 (Set in 1988)

Setting the stage in the peak of Japan's bubble economy, Yakuza 0 is widely considered the best entry point. It serves as an origin story for both Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima. The 2025 Director’s Cut has revitalized this title with enhanced 4K/60fps performance and expanded localization. Starting here provides the necessary emotional context for the rivalries and friendships that define the next six games. You see a younger, more impulsive Kiryu and witness the tragic transformation of Majima into the "Mad Dog of Shimano."

Yakuza Kiwami (Set in 2005)

This is a full remake of the original 2005 PlayStation 2 game. While it retains the story of the first game, it adds cutscenes that directly bridge the gap from Yakuza 0, particularly regarding the downfall of Kiryu’s oath brother, Akira Nishikiyama. The "Majima Everywhere" system introduced here makes sense only if you’ve already met him in the prequel. It’s a somber, focused story about ten years lost in prison and a missing ten billion yen.

Yakuza Kiwami 2 (Set in 2006)

Building on the Dragon Engine, Kiwami 2 remakes the second entry with stunning visuals and seamless transitions between buildings and the street. It introduces Ryuji Goda, the "Dragon of Kansai," who remains one of the series' most formidable antagonists. The addition of the "Majima Saga"—a separate playable chapter—closes the loop on a major plot thread from Yakuza 0, making it essential for those following the chronological path.

Yakuza 3 Remastered (Set in 2009)

This is often where players feel a "technical shock." Unlike the Kiwami remakes, Yakuza 3 is a remaster of a PS3-era title. The gameplay is stiffer, and the pace is slower as Kiryu attempts to run an orphanage in Okinawa. However, the emotional weight of Kiryu’s role as a father figure to the children at Morning Glory is the soul of his character arc. Skipping this entry weakens the impact of the later games.

Yakuza 4 Remastered (Set in 2010)

For the first time, the series shifts from a single protagonist to four. You control Kiryu, the charismatic loan shark Shun Akiyama, the escaped convict Taiga Saejima, and the rookie cop Masayoshi Tanimura. Their storylines intertwine to reveal a massive conspiracy involving the Tojo Clan and the police. This game broadened the scope of the series' world-building significantly.

Yakuza 5 Remastered (Set in 2012)

Yakuza 5 is a massive undertaking, featuring five playable characters across five different Japanese cities. From the taxi-driving Kiryu in Fukuoka to Haruka Sawamura’s idol career in Osaka, the scale is unprecedented. It deals with the themes of dreams and the burden of the past, setting the stage for the dramatic conclusion of Kiryu’s solo era.

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

The final chapter of Kazuma Kiryu’s primary saga. Built entirely in the Dragon Engine, it takes the action to Onomichi, Hiroshima. It is a deeply personal story about family, legacy, and the lengths one will go to protect the next generation. The ending of this game marks a massive shift for the franchise, leading directly into the events of the modern era.

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

This title acts as a crucial bridge. It follows Kiryu’s activities during the events of Yakuza: Like a Dragon (the seventh game). It explains where he was and why he reappeared, while also serving as an emotional preparation for Infinite Wealth. Despite being a shorter title, its combat is some of the most refined in the action-adventure style.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon (Set in 2019)

Known as Yakuza 7 in Japan, this game introduces a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and a drastic shift to turn-based RPG combat. Set primarily in Yokohama, it follows Ichiban’s quest to find the truth behind his betrayal. It’s a story of underdog heroics that revitalized the series for a new audience.

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

A dual-protagonist epic that takes the series outside of Japan for the first time, landing in Honolulu, Hawaii. It concludes many of Kiryu’s long-standing plot threads while solidifying Ichiban’s place as the series' future. The turn-based mechanics are evolved here, offering more tactical freedom.

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

The most recent addition to the timeline. This spin-off stars Goro Majima, who has lost his memory and ended up as a pirate captain. While it leans into the more eccentric side of the series, it takes place shortly after the events of Infinite Wealth and is essential for fans of the "Mad Dog."

The Release Order: Witnessing Technical Evolution

Some purists argue that the release order is superior because it prevents the "technical regression" felt when moving from the modern Kiwami 2 to the older Yakuza 3. In this order, you experience the series exactly as the long-time fans did, seeing the engine improve and the storytelling grow more ambitious over time.

  1. Yakuza (2005) - PS2
  2. Yakuza 2 (2006) - PS2
  3. Yakuza 3 (2009) - PS3
  4. Yakuza 4 (2010) - PS3
  5. Yakuza 5 (2012) - PS3
  6. Yakuza 0 (2015) - PS3/PS4
  7. Yakuza Kiwami (2016) - PS4
  8. Yakuza 6 (2016) - PS4
  9. Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2017) - PS4
  10. Judgment (2018) - PS4
  11. Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020) - PS4/PS5
  12. Lost Judgment (2021) - PS4/PS5
  13. Like a Dragon: Ishin! (2023) - Multi-platform remake
  14. Like a Dragon Gaiden (2023)
  15. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024)
  16. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (2025)
  17. Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut (2025)

Following this path highlights the risks the developers took, such as the initial shift to multiple protagonists in Yakuza 4 and the bold move to an RPG in Yakuza 7.

Where Do the Spin-offs Fit?

The Like a Dragon universe is not limited to the mainline numbered entries. Several spin-offs offer incredible value and deeper insight into the world.

The Judgment Sub-series

Judgment (2018) and Lost Judgment (2021) follow private detective Takayuki Yagami in Kamurocho and Ijincho. These games retain the high-octane real-time combat that the mainline series moved away from after Yakuza 6. While they are mostly standalone, they exist in the same timeline and frequently reference the events of the mainline games (such as the status of the Tojo Clan). If you are playing chronologically, Judgment fits after Yakuza 6, and Lost Judgment fits after Yakuza: Like a Dragon.

The Historical Spin-offs

Like a Dragon: Ishin! and the Japan-only Ryū ga Gotoku Kenzan! are set in the Edo and Bakumatsu periods of Japanese history. The characters use the likenesses of the series' main cast (for example, Sakamoto Ryōma in Ishin! is modeled after Kiryu). These can be played at any time as they do not affect the modern-day plot, though they are best enjoyed after you have a familiarity with the recurring cast members.

The "Non-Canon" Outliers

Yakuza: Dead Souls (2011) is a non-canonical zombie shooter set in Kamurocho. It’s a cult classic but can be safely skipped if you are only interested in the core narrative. Similarly, Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise uses the Yakuza engine and voice cast but is an adaptation of the famous manga/anime.

Navigating the Name Change: Yakuza vs. Like a Dragon

For years, Western audiences knew the series as Yakuza. However, the original Japanese title has always been Ryū ga Gotoku, which translates to Like a Dragon. Starting with the seventh game, Sega began the transition by titling it Yakuza: Like a Dragon. By 2023, the Yakuza branding was dropped entirely.

When looking for the games in order, it is important to realize that Like a Dragon 8 is the same game as Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. The rebranding reflects the series' broader scope; it is no longer just about the organized crime syndicates but about the individuals who live their lives with the strength and spirit of a dragon.

Making the Decision: Best Order for Newcomers in 2026

If you are starting your journey today, the most recommended path is the Modified Chronological Order. This sequence prioritizes the emotional narrative while acknowledging the technical updates of the remakes.

  1. Yakuza 0 (Director’s Cut): Start here. It is the narrative foundation and one of the best games in the series.
  2. Yakuza Kiwami: Experience the beginning of the Kiryu-Haruka bond.
  3. Yakuza Kiwami 2: Witness the clash of the Dragons.
  4. The Remastered Collection (3, 4, 5): This is the "marathon" phase. Take your time here to appreciate the expanding world.
  5. Yakuza 6: The Song of Life: The emotional peak of Kiryu’s early journey.
  6. Judgment: A perfect "palate cleanser" with a new cast and detective mechanics.
  7. Yakuza: Like a Dragon: Meet Ichiban and embrace the RPG shift.
  8. Lost Judgment: Return to the action-style combat and a dark, gripping mystery.
  9. Like a Dragon Gaiden: See what Kiryu was doing in the shadows.
  10. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth: The grand convergence of the two legends.
  11. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii: A fun, high-seas epilogue with Majima.

Technical Considerations and Platforms

By 2026, the entire series is available on modern platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Most titles are also featured on subscription services like PC/Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus Extra.

For those playing on PC, the Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut offers the most optimized experience for modern GPUs, supporting the latest upscaling technologies. On consoles, the Dragon Engine titles (Kiwami 2, 6, Judgment, Like a Dragon, Infinite Wealth) benefit significantly from the faster SSDs, virtually eliminating the loading screens that were present in the original releases.

Why the Order Matters

The Like a Dragon series is essentially a digital soap opera with high-stakes violence. The characters age in real-time. You see Haruka Sawamura grow from a nine-year-old girl in Yakuza Kiwami to a mother in Yakuza 6. You see the district of Kamurocho change from the neon-lit 80s to the modernized, surveillance-heavy city of today.

Playing out of order can lead to confusion regarding the political state of the underworld. The series meticulously tracks the decline of the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance. Events in Yakuza 4 directly influence the state of the world in Like a Dragon. While each game tells a self-contained story, the subtext and emotional payoffs are ten times stronger when you understand the history behind every scar and every tattoo.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to start with the 1980s neon of Yakuza 0 or prefer to jump straight into the modern RPG era of Ichiban Kasuga, there is no wrong way to enjoy one of gaming's most consistent and culturally rich franchises. The series offers a unique blend of gritty crime drama and absurd, hilarious side content—a contrast that has made it a global phenomenon. As the series continues to evolve into 2026 and beyond, the legend of the Dragon remains as potent as ever. Clear your schedule, pick up the controller, and prepare for a journey through the heart of Japan’s underworld.