The Like a Dragon series, originally known as Yakuza outside Japan, is a sprawling saga of yakuza families and their conflicts in the fictional Kamurocho, Tokyo. Known for its blend of action, melodrama, cinematic flair, and humor (especially in its side quests), the series has gained significant international recognition. This success is fueled by consistent releases of localized games, remakes, and spin-offs.
Like a Dragon Games in Chronological Order
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How Many Like a Dragon Games Exist?
The series boasts nine mainline entries, two remakes (Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2, with a third planned), and eleven spin-offs. Initially PlayStation exclusives, the games are now available on Xbox and PC, with newer titles (since Yakuza: Like a Dragon) launching simultaneously across platforms, excluding Nintendo Switch until the October 2024 release of Yakuza Kiwami on the platform.
Beyond the main series, numerous diverse spin-offs exist. Kurohyō: Ryu ga Gotoku Shinsho and its sequel feature a new protagonist, Tatsuya Ukyo. Judgment and Lost Judgment introduce lawyer-detective Takayuki Yagami, whose investigations intersect with the main series' characters. Yakuza: Dead Souls offers a zombie-infested twist, while Yakuza Online is a free-to-play mobile/PC card game. Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise blends the Yakuza gameplay with the Fist of the North Star universe. Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! and Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin! (released in the West as Like a Dragon: Ishin! in 2023) are set in historical Japan. Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name (2023) bridges the gap between Yakuza 6 and Yakuza: Like a Dragon, while Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean (2025) stars Goro Majima.
Where to Begin Your Like a Dragon Journey?
Newcomers are advised to start chronologically with Yakuza 0 or jump into the fresh start offered by Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
Yakuza Kiwami
0Players familiar with Yakuza 0 will find the refined controls and localization of Yakuza Kiwami a solid entry point.See it at Amazon
Mainline Like a Dragon Games (Chronological Order):
Yakuza 0 Yakuza / Yakuza Kiwami Yakuza 2 / Yakuza Kiwami 2 Yakuza 3 Yakuza 4 Yakuza 5 Yakuza 6: The Song of Life Yakuza: Like a Dragon Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
(Note: Mild spoilers for plot, characters, and major events follow.)
Detailed Game Summaries (Abbreviated for brevity):
(Summaries of each game are significantly shortened to fit within the word count. The original provided extensive details for each game.)
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Yakuza 0 (2014): Introduces Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima in the late 1980s, dealing with murder, betrayal, and the Empty Lot.
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Yakuza (2005) / Yakuza Kiwami (2016): Kiryu's release from prison, the ¥10 billion theft, and his confrontation with Nishikiyama.
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Yakuza 2 (2006) / Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2017): Preventing a war between the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance.
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Yakuza 3 (2009): Kiryu runs an orphanage in Okinawa but faces new threats.
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Yakuza 4 (2010): Four protagonists navigate family conflicts and crime in Kamurocho.
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Yakuza 5 (2012): Five protagonists across different locations in 2012, dealing with missing persons and internal conflicts.
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Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (2016): Kiryu's final chapter, involving Haruka's accident and new threats.
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Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020): Introduces Ichiban Kasuga, a new protagonist in Yokohama, with a turn-based combat system.
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Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024): Kiryu and Kasuga team up in Hawaii, facing international crime syndicates and a personal crisis for Kiryu.
Like a Dragon Games and Spin-offs (Release Order):
(List significantly shortened for brevity. The original provided a complete list.)
What's Next for Like a Dragon?
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth's cliffhanger ending hints at future installments. While RGG has announced other projects, the next mainline Like a Dragon game remains unannounced.
