Interested in playing the Yakuza games but unsure of where to start? We’re ready to help you out by giving you the correct chronological Yakuza games in order. More platforms than ever before, including the PS4, PS5, Steam, and Xbox Game Pass for consoles and PCs, are now available for players to play Yakuza. Therefore, it is the best time ever to start playing the well-known action-adventure game.
You can play the main character Kazuma Kiryu in his journey through the dark underworld of Japan in the Yakuza video game series. This entails a lot of bloody combat and money-making, of course, but the Yakuza universe also includes a lot of pleasant things to do too. These include everything from karaoke singing to dining out to playing Sega oldies in arcades. It’s a lot of fun you are missing out on if you have not played all Yakuza games in order.
You might be tempted to play Yakuza 7 right away since it is currently free on PlayStation Plus, and the majority of the Yakuza series will be available with the Extra tier later this month. But given that the series has so many games, it could be challenging to know where to begin. So, learn all the Yakuza games in order here and go enjoy the game later.
In This Article
Yakuza Games In Order Of The Timeline
We are here to assist you in playing and knowing the correct Yakuza games in order! It’s unnecessary to play the Yakuza games in chronological sequence or even in the order in which they were published. The sequence in which you should play Yakuza is listed below.
Let’s learn the Chronological Yakuza games in order –
1. Yakuza 0
Game Timeline: 1988
Storyline:
Yakuza 0 is an excellent series to start from in Yakuza games in order list because it is a prologue to the Yakuza game series. In this Yakuza 0 series Kiryu and Goro Majima, two recurring characters from the series, are both aspiring young Yakuza. After being held accountable for a clan leader’s intended murder, Majima narrowly escaped death. Majima is now confined to managing a cabaret club in the community while juggling his aspirations for advancement.
2. Yakuza Kiwami
Game Timeline: 1995 and 2005
About:
Sega quickly seized the opportunity presented by Yakuza 0’s unexpected popularity and approved a PlayStation 2 remake of the original Yakuza using that game’s engine. Sadly, rather than being a significant upgrade over the shoddy original, the finished result feels more like a half-baked DLC.
Storyline:
In Yakuza Kiwami, the 2nd release in Yakuza games in order; Kiryu takes the fall to defend his pals when his orphaned brother and fellow Yakuza Akira Nishikiyama kill the Dojima Family head for attempting to rape their childhood friend Yumi.Â
Kiryu returns to Kamurocho after serving 10 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Tojo Clan has lost 10 billion yen, and the entire underworld is searching for it. Both Kiwami games are best played after Yakuza 0 because they are filled with references and continuations of plot elements.
Supported Platforms: PS2
3. Yakuza Kiwami 2
Game Timeline: 2006
Storyline:
One of the finest games in the series in the Yakuza games in order list is Kiwami 2. It is the second traditional game in the list of Yakuza games in order which used the new Dragon Engine, and it has significant advancements over Yakuza 6’s use of the engine. In addition to Kiwami 1, which continues the story of Cabaret Manager, Kiwami 2 also includes the complete arcade port of Virtua Fighter 2. The player base has a “love it or hate it” attitude toward both Kiwami games.
Supported Platforms: PS2
4. Yakuza 3: Remastered
Game Timeline: 2009
Storyline:
Compared to the first two games in the Yakuza games in order, Yakuza 3’s narrative is more laid-back and understated. Kiryu establishes an orphanage to care for the children of parents killed by the Yakuza after concluding that he has all but retired from the Yakuza life. As opposed to the usual Yakuza activities, the first half of the game is primarily spent taking care of the children at the orphanage. Naturally, Kiryu is forced to return to his previous life to support his companions.
Supported Platforms: PS3
5. Yakuza 4: Remastered
Game Timeline: 2010
About:
Following the contentious release of Yakuza 3, Yakuza 4 made a strong comeback in the list of Yakuza games in order. There are several playable main characters in it, and each has a distinctive fighting technique. This is the greatest of the three remastered games that were simultaneously released (3, 4 and 5), featuring some of the gameplay and series characters.
Storyline:
The complicated plot that Yakuza 4’s several major characters produce is its drawback. The main story feels unfocused and as though it is simply hitting the traditional Yakuza game story beats for the sake of it, although it makes for some enjoyable character moments throughout. Yakuza 4 is an odd example; it’s a good game with issues.
6. Yakuza 5: Remastered
Game Timeline: 2012
Storyline:
Compared to Yakuza 4’s four playable characters, this series’ most elusive mainstream game offers five characters as it is 5th Yakuza series in Yakuza games in order. Sadly, bigger is not always better in this situation.
The new games in version 5 are much weaker and include contentious minigames like Kiryu’s taxi driving and Haruka’s idol dance and singing segments. As the Tojo clan tries to prevent a full-scale war, Kiryu is once more drawn into clan matters. Kiryu’s biggest worry is that his previous life as a Yakuza will negatively impact his daughter Haruka’s current life as a star.
7. Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
Game Timeline: 2016
About:
Western consumers had a difficult time getting into the first game made with the new Dragon Engine. This is the first series in the list of Yakuza games in order where the entire game could be played through the demo due to a problem in the game’s upload, which allowed players to play the full game months before its official release. The issue was resolved within a few hours, but not before thousands of players had thoroughly enjoyed the game. Despite this, Yakuza 6 managed to become one of the series’ best-selling games in the west.
Storyline:
Kiryu discovers his adopted daughter Haruka had a son and goes on the hunt for the boy’s father after seeing her get hit by a car. Kiryu must be forced into the criminal life he has spent the past ten years attempting to avoid when he becomes involved with the local Yakuza families during his search.
8. Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon
Game Timeline: 2019
About:
If you plan to play through the entire series, I suggest saving Like a Dragon for last as it is the last one in the Yakuza games in order and also because it includes characters from earlier games whose inclusion won’t be as compelling without playing at least one of the other games. Like a Dragon represents a significant shift in the series’ genre from its traditional Action RPG into a fully-fledged JRPG.
Storyline:
Despite earlier Yakuza tale events, the plot is mainly self-contained. In the game, Ichiban Kasuga, a former Yakuza, gets imprisoned to save his boss, who saved his life when he was a teenager. Ichiban is released after serving 19 years but discovers that none of his old family members is there to greet him.
Ichiban becomes caught up in a conflict between the several crime syndicates in Ijincho after losing his home. You will still appreciate this on its terms, except for a few plot points that are observable references to earlier Yakuza games.
Yakuza Games In Order Of Their Release Dates & Platforms
Now that we have all learnt the chronological Yakuza Games In Order. Playing the games in order of release could also be enjoyable. So, let’s take a look at all the Yakuza games in order of their release dates.
1. Yakuza
Release Year: 2006
About:
The Yakuza franchise’s inaugural game, according to the sequence of Yakuza games in order release. It was first released in 2005. But it was only applicable to that part of Japan. In September 2006, this PS2 exclusive was released for the global market. You take on the role of Yakuza member Kazuma Kiryu, who was wrongfully imprisoned for a crime, as you experience the story. As you seek to clear your record, you will be sent to Kamurocho, a copy of Tokyo’s Kabukicho neighborhood. One of the greatest game-related narratives ever.
Supported Platform: PS2
2. Yakuza 2
Release Year: 2008
About:
Yakuza 2 was released in December 2006 and is the second in the Yakuza games in order of release, although Japan was given early access. The same was not available till September 2008 for the global community. You assume the role of Kazuma Kiryu once more after receiving a request from the Tojo Clan, your previous group. As you go through the plot, you’ll face off against the Omi Alliance head-on. Over the original iteration, this game’s mechanics and features were greatly enhanced. a respectable replacement for the game’s initial release.
Supported Platform: PS2
3. Yakuza 3
Release Year: 2010
About:
With a vengeance, Kazuma Kiryu is back in this third release of Yakuza games in order of release list. The following Yakuza game in the series now includes a new setting called Ryuku. The older Kamurocho map reappears as a component of a much larger map. This significantly improved the gaming experience and broadened access to the Yakuza universe. You might just be able to recognise some of the famous Japanese architectural sites if you have a keen eye. As you defend the Morning Glory Orphanage from the Ryudo Family, you will also find yourself in charge of the institution.
Supported Platform: PS3
4. Yakuza 4
Release Year: 2011
About:
Yakuza 4 is the rightful continuation of the previous game in the Yakuza games in order list i.e, Yakuza 3. The game’s events occur exactly one year after those of Yakuza 3. You are returned to Kamurocho once more. However, there are new locales, such as a sizable rooftop area, Rojiura’s back alleys, and Kamuchika’s underground sector. In the shape of Masayoshi Tanimura, Shun Akiyama, and Taiga Saejima, there are now three new protagonists.
Similar to before, Japan received the early regional release of this game on March 5, 2010, allowing them to try it out first. A year later, in March 2011, the international edition was released.
Supported Platform: PS3
5. Yakuza: Dead Souls
Release Year: 2012
About:
A side story from the main Yakuza series, Yakuza: Dead Souls, fits in the middle of the Yakuza games in order. This demonstrates the strength and power of this franchise. Dead Souls serves as a brief non-canonical side tale. Your adversaries this time around were indeed a group of brain-hungry zombies, in keeping with the vogue of the moment. In Kamurocho, there appears to have been an emergency medical situation.
The once-expansive district’s population have been reduced to bloodthirsty corpses by an unknown disease. Controlling the zombies and locating the virus’s origin are your tasks. You won’t be able to get past the horde, though, because of your connections to the Yakuza. So buckle up and prepare for a rocky ride.
Supported Platform: PS3
6. Yakuza 5
Release Year: 2015
About:
Yakuza 5 had the tagline “Like a Dragon 5: Fulfiller of Dreams” when it first came out in 2015 as the sixth release in Yakuza games in order. In December 2012, Japan once more received very early access to the game. The rest of the world had to wait until December 2015, however, a digital edition was also made accessible.
This game included a revolutionary graphics engine, which at the time made the game a visual delight. This time, you gained access to five brand-new locations throughout Japan and five brand-new characters that you could command. You can play the Adventure and Combat modes, just like in all the preceding games.
Supported Platform: PS3 & PS4
7. Yakuza 0
Release Year: 2017
About:
The next in the Yakuza games in order is Yakuza 0 which is the first game in the release order that goes back in time is Yakuza 0. The video game transports you to a 1988 Japanese environment. This occurs 17 years before the very first Yakuza video game.
You can follow Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima’s paths, which provides you with some background information. As you attempt to seize control of a location known as the “Empty Lot,” you will be able to observe how the conflict between the two Yakuza clans gets started. It is also one of the books that greatly boosted the popularity of the series. The developers chose to rebuild the game’s original design as a result of the attention it attracted.
Supported Platform: PS3, PS4, Xbox One and PC.
8. Yakuza Kiwami
Release Year: 2016
About:
The original Yakuza game has been recreated in this Yakuza Kiwami which was released in 2016 as the eighth release in the Yakuza games in order. The original Yakuza game makes its way to the PS4 console with the help of this remaster. The sole alteration is in the updated graphics; the plot remains unchanged. Once it was released, the game received some of the highest ratings. Definitely worth a go if you like the series.
Supported Platform: PS4, Xbox One and PC.
9. Yakuza 6
Release Year: 2018
About:
In the hierarchy of Yakuza games in order series, Yakuza 6 is one of the most significant titles. The brand-new Dragon Game Engine was used for the first time in this game. The Kamurocho locale will be accessible to you from a third-person perspective. However, you will soon have the opportunity to explore an entirely new region thanks to the city of Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Supported Platform: PS4, Xbox One and PC.
10. Yakuza Kiwami 2
Release Year: 2018
About:
The next release in the list of Yakuza games in order is Yakuza 2 which has been revived version of Yakuza Kiwami 2. This is also a remake to adapt the game for the PS4 system. It benefited greatly from the brand-new game engine. This improved its appearance and made it stand out. The Dragon Game Engine allows for significantly greater visuals while maintaining the same fundamental storyline.
Supported Platform: PS4, Xbox One and PC.
11. The Yakuza Remastered Collection
Release Year: 2019
About:
One of the most significant titles in the Yakuza games in order series ranking is the Yakuza Remastered Collection. All of the previous games in the series received an update with this remaster. The new Dragon game engine was used to create games that were optimised for the newer platforms’ superior graphics. Additionally, you get to revisit some of the greatest game franchise tales in history.
Supported Platform: PS4, Xbox One and PC.
12. Yakuza: Like A Dragon
Release Year: 2020
About:
The next in Yakuza games in order is Like a Dragon. You switch to playing the part of Ichiban Kasuga in this game instead of Kiryu. Ichiban, who was also unjustly detained, appears to be following in Kiryu’s footsteps. You will learn after being freed that your previous boss betrays you and abandons you. Follow the plot as you try to be the lone hero searching for forgiveness and, most importantly, retribution.
Supported Platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC
Watch The Rankings Of All The Yakuza Games In Order
Chronological Yakuza games in order are; Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami, Yakuza Kiwami 2, Yakuza 3: Remastered, Yakuza 4: Remastered, Yakuza 5: Remastered, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life and Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon.
Yakuza Games In Order of their Release Dates are; Yakuza, Yakuza 2, Yakuza 3, Yakuza 4, Yakuza: Dead Souls, Yakuza 5, Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami, Yakuza 6, Yakuza Kiwami 2, The Yakuza Remastered Collection 2019 and Yakuza: Like A Dragon.
Wrapping Up
So, this was everything you were looking for about the Yakuza Games In Order, right? I hope all of your doubts and queries are clear. Now that you know both the chronological timeline order and release order of Yakuza Games go and enjoy the Yakuza gameplay series. Don’t forget to visit Path of EX once!
Happy Gaming!