GameTimeline

Release & story order

Yakuza timeline

Yakuza / Like a Dragon game timeline from the 2005 PS2 original through Infinite Wealth and Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (2025)—US release dates, Kazuma Kiryu's chronology vs Ichiban Kasuga's saga, and FAQ for 0-first paths, Judgment after Yakuza 6, and the Like a Dragon rebrand.

Updated August 2026

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Release order Story order

Release order

When Sega and RGG Studio shipped each chapter—PS2 (2006 US) through Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (2025). Modern-store order differs from PS2 history (0 and Kiwami landed years after 3–5). Fist of the North Star, Streets of Kamurocho, and online spin-offs are optional.

  • Story-first newcomers → Yakuza 0 → Kiwami → Kiwami 2—clearest chronology on modern engines
  • Mystery-first path → Kiwami → Kiwami 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → Yakuza 0 → 6—preserves Majima reveals; see FAQ
  • Ichiban-only → Like a Dragon then Infinite Wealth—finish Yakuza 6 (and Gaiden) first for Kiryu payoffs
  • Release historians → PS2/PS3 originals through 2015, then 0, Kiwami remakes, and Like a Dragon rebrand
  • Skip PS2 originals if you play Kiwami 1 & 2—same stories, better combat
Story order tips

Default story-order titles: Kiryu block 0 → Kiwami → Kiwami 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6, then Ichiban block Like a Dragon → Gaiden → Infinite Wealth → Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. Judgment and Ishin are FAQ branches—not numbered story-order steps.

  • Full Kiryu arc: 0 → Kiwami → Kiwami 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6—expect a gameplay step down at Yakuza 3 after Kiwami 2
  • Extended RGG path after 6: Judgment → Like a Dragon → Lost Judgment → Gaiden → Infinite Wealth → Pirate Hawaii
  • Yakuza 0 shipped late in release order but is story-first—do not confuse with the 2006 Yakuza release-order titles
  • Substories and minigames do not change Story order—main entries track Kiryu and Ichiban chapters only

Timeline

When each game was released. Click a game for platforms, dates, and where it fits in your playthrough.

Release order

  1. Yakuza

    Yakuza

    PS2PS3Action-adventureMainlineClassic

    Yakuza — Kiryu’s 10-billion-yen framing debuts Kamurocho’s brawler-RPG template on PS2.

    Overview
    Sega's open-district brawler RPG—heat actions and substories on PS2. Heat-action brawler comedy and substory density define Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio craft.
    In-game setting
    Story year ~1995–2005; remade as Yakuza Kiwami (2017).
    Should you play it?
    Release-order start; Story order after Yakuza 0—prefer Kiwami for gameplay. Release start; Story after 0—buy Kiwami instead of the PS2 disc. Prefer Kiwami remakes over PS2 originals; Judgment entries stay optional detective branches.
    Release date
    US PS2 launch March 14, 2006. Japan December 2005.
  2. Yakuza 2

    Yakuza 2

    PS2PS3Action-adventureMainlineClassic

    Yakuza 2 — Dual cities—Kamurocho and Sotenbori, Ryuji Goda.

    Overview
    Expanded map and boss scale on PS2. Heat-action brawler comedy and substory density define Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio craft.
    In-game setting
    Direct sequel to Yakuza 1; remade as Kiwami 2. Story years matter more than Release—for 0 first, then Kiwami through 6, then Ichiban.
    Should you play it?
    Story order after Kiwami; release order second numbered entry. Prefer Kiwami 2 on Dragon Engine for the same Story slot. Prefer Kiwami remakes over PS2 originals; Judgment entries stay optional detective branches.
    Release date
    US PS2 launch September 9, 2008.
  3. Yakuza 3

    Yakuza 3

    PS3Action-adventureMainline

    Yakuza 3 — Okinawa orphanage arc—Kiryu tries to leave the life. Okinawa orphanage attempt at retirement—first PS3 Kiryu chapter.

    Overview
    First PS3 entry—two-city structure returns with tropical Okinawa.
    In-game setting
    Story year 2009; remastered on PS4/PC (2020 collection).
    Should you play it?
    Play Kiwami 2 first on Story order. Remaster is a 2009 game—expect older combat and visuals after Kiwami 2. Prefer Kiwami remakes over PS2 originals; Judgment entries stay optional detective branches. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US PS3 launch March 9, 2010. Remastered Collection on PS4/PC (2019–2020) is the practical buy.
  4. Yakuza 4

    Yakuza 4

    PS3Action-adventureMainline

    Yakuza 4 — Four playable protagonists—Akiyama, Saejima, Tanimura, and Kiryu.

    Overview
    Multi-hero structure and first-person detective segments. Heat-action brawler comedy and substory density define Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio craft. Series craft here still shapes how fans describe later entries.
    In-game setting
    Story year 2010; remaster in Yakuza Remastered Collection.
    Should you play it?
    Mid-Kiryu saga—Story order after 3. After 3 on Story; Remastered Collection recommended. Prefer Kiwami remakes over PS2 originals; Judgment entries stay optional detective branches. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US PS3 launch March 15, 2011.
  5. Yakuza 5

    Yakuza 5

    PS3Action-adventureMainline

    Yakuza 5 — Five heroes, five cities—pre–Dragon Engine peak scope including playable Haruka.

    Overview
    Largest pre-Like a Dragon sandbox—Haruka playable.
    In-game setting
    Story year 2012; US digital-only PS3 release long after Japan.
    Should you play it?
    Essential before Yakuza 6. Some veterans replay Yakuza 0 after 5 for Majima context—see FAQ. Prefer Kiwami remakes over PS2 originals; Judgment entries stay optional detective branches. Remasters and current storefront editions usually beat original hardware alone. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US PSN launch February 11, 2015. Japan December 2012.
  6. Yakuza 0

    Yakuza 0

    PS4Xbox OnePCAction-adventureMainlinePrequel

    Yakuza 0 opens in 1988 bubble Japan—Kiryu and Majima origins that reframe every later cameo.

    Overview
    Dual protagonists in bubble-era Kamurocho and Sotenbori. Dual campaigns, Cabaret/Real Estate minigames, and peak substory comedy. Series craft here still shapes how fans describe later entries.
    In-game setting
    Story first chapter; shipped sixth in US release order.
    Should you play it?
    Best modern Story entry despite late US Release. Prefer Kiwami remakes over PS2 originals; Judgment stays optional. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US PS4 launch January 24, 2017. Japan March 2015.
  7. Yakuza Kiwami

    Yakuza Kiwami

    PS4Xbox OnePCRemakeMainline

    Yakuza Kiwami — Kiwami engine remake of Yakuza 1—Majima Everywhere.

    Overview
    Same story as 2006 Yakuza with expanded content and combat. Heat-action brawler comedy and substory density define Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio craft.
    In-game setting
    Story slot after Yakuza 0—replaces PS2 original on Story order. Story years matter more than Release—for 0 first, then Kiwami through 6, then Ichiban.
    Should you play it?
    Buy instead of PS2 Yakuza for gameplay. Replaces PS2 Yakuza on Story after 0. Prefer Kiwami remakes over PS2 originals; Judgment entries stay optional detective branches.
    Release date
    US launch August 29, 2017.
  8. Yakuza 6: The Song of Life

    Yakuza 6: The Song of Life

    PS4Xbox OnePCAction-adventureMainline

    Yakuza 6: The Song of Life — Dragon Engine finale for Kiryu's main arc—Onomichi and Haruka.

    Overview
    Concludes Kiryu's numbered run before Like a Dragon handoff.
    In-game setting
    Story year 2016; sets up Gaiden and Infinite Wealth cameos.
    Should you play it?
    Finish Kiryu block before Ichiban saga; Judgment slots after this on the extended RGG path. Finish before Ichiban’s Like a Dragon; Judgment can slot after on extended paths. Prefer Kiwami remakes over PS2 originals; Judgment entries stay optional detective branches. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US launch April 17, 2018.
  9. Yakuza Kiwami 2

    Yakuza Kiwami 2

    PS4PCRemakeMainline

    Yakuza Kiwami 2 — Dragon Engine remake of Yakuza 2—Cabaret Club Criterion DLC.

    Overview
    Rebuilds Yakuza 2 on Yakuza 6 tech. Heat-action brawler comedy and substory density define Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio craft.
    In-game setting
    Story placement after Kiwami—before Yakuza 3. Story years matter more than Release—for 0 first, then Kiwami through 6, then Ichiban.
    Should you play it?
    Preferred over PS2 Yakuza 2 on Story order. Preferred 2 edition; Story after Kiwami, before 3. Prefer Kiwami remakes over PS2 originals; Judgment entries stay optional detective branches. Remasters and current storefront editions usually beat original hardware alone.
    Release date
    US launch August 20, 2018.
  10. Judgment
    Optional

    Judgment

    PS4Xbox Series X|SPCSpin-offOptional

    Judgment — Takayuki Yagami detective spin-off—same Kamurocho timeline. Yagami legal thriller in shared Kamurocho—optional detective branch.

    Overview
    Legal thriller in the Like a Dragon world—not numbered Yakuza.
    In-game setting
    Story placement after Yakuza 6, before Like a Dragon—FAQ extended path.
    Should you play it?
    Optional detective branch; Lost Judgment follows after Like a Dragon on full RGG order. Skip on Kiryu/Ichiban-only; play before Lost Judgment if you commit. Optional Kamurocho detective lane—skip on Kiryu/Ichiban-only runs. Prefer Kiwami remakes over PS2 originals; Judgment entries stay optional detective branches.
    Release date
    US launch June 25, 2019.
  11. Like a Dragon (Yakuza 7)

    Like a Dragon (Yakuza 7)

    PS4PS5Xbox OneXbox Series X|SPCRPGMainlineIchiban era

    Like a Dragon (Yakuza 7) — Ichiban Kasuga takes the lead—turn-based RPG combat in Yokohama.

    Overview
    Series rebrand in the West; new protagonist after Kiryu's arc. Party RPG combat replaces brawler heat for a new protagonist era.
    In-game setting
    Story year 2019—three years after Yakuza 6 events.
    Should you play it?
    Start Ichiban block here after Kiryu 6 on Story order. Ichiban’s turn-based reboot after Kiryu’s 6 finale. Prefer Kiwami remakes over PS2 originals; Judgment entries stay optional detective branches. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US launch November 10, 2020.
  12. Lost Judgment
    Optional

    Lost Judgment

    PS4PS5Xbox Series X|SPCSpin-offOptional

    Lost Judgment — Yagami sequel in Ijincho—school investigation tone, still optional vs main dragons.

    Overview
    Direct Judgment follow-up—shared universe, separate cast focus. Heat-action brawler comedy and substory density define Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio craft.
    In-game setting
    Yagami sequel—play after Like a Dragon on extended RGG order.
    Should you play it?
    Optional; Gaiden vs Lost Judgment order is flexible after Like a Dragon. Prefer Kiwami remakes over PS2 originals; Judgment entries stay optional detective branches. Remasters and current storefront editions usually beat original hardware alone.
    Release date
    US launch September 24, 2021.
  13. Like a Dragon: Ishin!

    Like a Dragon: Ishin!

    PS4PS5Xbox OneXbox Series X|SPCSpin-offAlternate setting

    Like a Dragon: Ishin! — 1860s Bakumatsu retelling—historical alt-fiction with series faces. Bakumatsu look-alike romp—alt-history faces, not main timeline continuity.

    Overview
    Remake of Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin—not main timeline continuity. Heat-action brawler comedy and substory density define Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio craft.
    In-game setting
    Separate branch like Ishin always was—FAQ, not separate must-play titles.
    Should you play it?
    Play after Like a Dragon (Y7) if you want to recognize character look-alikes. Fun after recognizing casts from 7; not a Story-entry requirement. Prefer Kiwami remakes over PS2 originals; Judgment entries stay optional detective branches.
    Release date
    US launch February 21, 2023.
  14. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name

    Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name

    PS4PS5Xbox OneXbox Series X|SPCAction-adventureMainlineSide story

    Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name — Kiryu undercover in Osaka—bridges Yakuza 6 and Infinite Wealth. Kiryu “erased” side story bridging 6 toward Infinite Wealth cameos.

    Overview
    Action return for Kiryu between Ichiban main entries.
    In-game setting
    Story overlaps Like a Dragon timeline—play after LAD and before Infinite Wealth.
    Should you play it?
    Important for Kiryu fans before Infinite Wealth. Play after 7, before Infinite Wealth, on the recommended modern path. Prefer Kiwami remakes over PS2 originals; Judgment entries stay optional detective branches.
    Release date
    US launch November 9, 2023.
  15. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

    Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

    PS4PS5Xbox OneXbox Series X|SPCRPGMainlineIchiban era

    Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth — Ichiban Hawaii/Yokohama dual RPG—Kiryu party member energy without stealing the lead forever.

    Overview
    Largest Like a Dragon to date—tropical open districts. Heat-action brawler comedy and substory density define Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio craft.
    In-game setting
    Direct sequel to Like a Dragon and Gaiden.
    Should you play it?
    After Gaiden for clean Kiryu bridging; peak current Ichiban saga. Prefer Kiwami remakes over PS2 originals; Judgment entries stay optional detective branches. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US launch January 26, 2024.
  16. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

    Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

    PS4PS5Xbox OneXbox Series X|SPCAction-adventureSpin-offMainline-adjacent

    Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii — Majima pirate comedy—set six months after Infinite Wealth. Pirate-tinged Hawaii follow-up energy—treat as latest Ichiban-era Release endpoint.

    Overview
    First Majima-led Like a Dragon—naval combat and Hawaii return. Keeps action-RPG Hawaii playground toys beside mainline turn-based entries.
    In-game setting
    Latest franchise entry as of February 2025 US launch. Latest release-order titles on this page’s Ichiban era—Story placement follows Infinite Wealth.
    Should you play it?
    Play after Infinite Wealth on Story order. After Infinite Wealth on current lists; verify edition contents at buy time.
    Release date
    Check storefront dating for Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii / regional titles on PS5/PC.

FAQ

Yakuza / Like a Dragon timeline—Release vs Story, 0 vs Kiwami, Judgment, remasters, and the Western rebrand.

Release order

Story timeline follows in-fiction years: Yakuza 0 (1988) → Kiwami through Yakuza 6 → Like a Dragon → Gaiden → Infinite Wealth → Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. Release order is US ship dates (2006–2025)—0 and Kiwami landed years after the PS2 originals. There is no single "correct" path—Release shows franchise evolution; Story tracks Kiryu and Ichiban lore; some players delay 0 until after Yakuza 5 for Majima reveals (see FAQ).

Story-first (most recommended): Yakuza 0 → Kiwami → Kiwami 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6, then Ichiban games. Mystery-first: Kiwami → Kiwami 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → Yakuza 0 → 6—preserves Majima and Saejima reveals from the original saga, then 0 feels like a prequel recap. Ichiban-only: Like a Dragon → Gaiden → Infinite Wealth works, but Yakuza 6 and Gaiden payoffs land better with Kiryu context. Avoid PS2 Yakuza unless you want retro history.

Community extended path: Yakuza 0 → Kiwami → Kiwami 2 → Yakuza 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → Judgment → Like a Dragon → Lost Judgment → Gaiden → Infinite Wealth → Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. Judgment is not a numbered Yakuza story-order titles but fits after Yakuza 6 and before Like a Dragon. Playing Judgment before 6 will not ruin either story, but Yagami's arc references the late Kiryu era. Gaiden and Lost Judgment can swap after Like a Dragon—Gaiden bridges more directly to Infinite Wealth.

Story & canon

Chronological (default story-order titles): Yakuza 0 (1988) then Kiwami—clearest timeline; Kiwami 2's Majima Saga expects 0. Mystery-first: Kiwami → … → Yakuza 5 → Yakuza 0 → 6—0 shipped after 5 and spoils Majima if played too early; this path mirrors how veterans experienced reveals. Kiwami without 0: Possible, but you miss Kiwami side references and Kiwami 2's Majima epilogue. PS2/PS3 originals have release-order titles for history; buy Kiwami on modern hardware.

Like a Dragon (2020) is set in 2019—three years after Yakuza 6's fiction. It introduces Ichiban Kasuga and turn-based combat. Core story-order titles: finish Yakuza 6, then Like a Dragon → Gaiden → Infinite Wealth → Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. On the extended RGG path, play Judgment before Like a Dragon and Lost Judgment after. Kiryu still appears in Gaiden and Infinite Wealth.

Yes—one continuum. Japan always used Ryu ga Gotoku (Like a Dragon). The West used Yakuza until Yakuza: Like a Dragon (7). Later games use Like a Dragon branding globally. Searches for "Like a Dragon timeline" and "Yakuza timeline" point to the same Story order on this page—not a reboot universe.

Remasters & collections

Optional & spin-offs

More timelines

Other release-order and story-order guides on this site.