10 Best Yakuza Games: Punching, Karaoke, and Drama in 2025
The best Yakuza game? Take your pick. The first title launched the entire franchise from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio in 2005. Since then, the series has gained numerous main installments, spin-offs, movies, and TV shows. The most recent Amazon TV show Like a Dragon: Yakuza has resonated with both fans of the game and casual viewers.
Today, we are talking about the top games in the series that you should check out if you’re planning to dive into the world of criminal Japan.
Our Top Picks for Yakuza Games
Among all the available games you can download and play right now, there are a few top options to highlight. Check out the selection of the top 10 games and keep reading to learn more.
- Yakuza 3: Remastered (2019) – Kiryu leaves his Yakuza past behind and runs an orphanage in Okinawa, but finds himself once again caught up in criminal intrigues. The enhanced graphics and fully translated content make the remaster a great opportunity to experience the classic.
- Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2018) – A remake of the cult classic Yakuza 2, built on the Dragon Engine. Kiryu faces Ryuuji Ishioda, an ambitious opponent seeking to unite the Yakuza. The thrilling plot, updated gameplay, and the return of beloved mini-games make this one of the best in the Yakuza series.
- Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (2018) – The final chapter of Kiryu’s story. In an attempt to uncover the mystery behind the attack on Haruka, he ends up in the city of Onomichi. The game is powered by the Dragon Engine, features an updated combat system, and has a very emotional ending.
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024) – A continuation of Ichiban Kasuga’s story, now set in Hawaii. The game combines the RPG mechanics of Like a Dragon with a large game world, improved gameplay, and the unexpected return of familiar characters.
- Yakuza 0 (2017) – A prequel that tells the story of Kiryu and Majima’s early years in the 1980s. The first Yakuza game for new players – simple mechanics, a fantastic story, and a wide variety of side quests.
10 Best Yakuza Games in 2025
Almost every game in the Yakuza series tells the story of members of the Japanese mafia. These are truly wild stories that resonate well with players who enjoy such action-packed genres. You can expect a complex plot, intense fights, and, beneath it all, deep and emotional narratives.
1. Yakuza 3: Remastered (Best for Emotional Storytelling)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| PS4, Xbox One, PC | 2019 (remaster), 2009 (original) | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio |
When I started Yakuza 3: Remastered, it felt like I was returning to the very beginning of Kiryu’s story. This installment stands out from other Yakuza games because it offers not only the usual criminal gang conflicts of the Yakuza but also Kiryu’s personal, emotional journey. Trying to leave his past behind, he runs an orphanage in Okinawa. But escaping from his criminal past is not as easy as it might seem at first.
From a gameplay perspective, the game feels somewhat outdated compared to the newer Dragon series titles, but it’s still quite engaging. The world is filled with side quests, and there are returning characters from other games in the series, making it a solid addition to the greatest open-world games of all time.
If you’re interested in diving into the entire series from a chronological perspective, this remaster is a great choice.
Grab a copy of Yakuza 3: Remastered >
2. Yakuza Kiwami 2 (Best Remake Experience)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| PS4, Xbox One, PC | 2018 | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio |
I personally haven’t played Yakuza Kiwami 2, but I’ve heard a lot about it from friends – based on the information I’ve received and the streams I’ve watched, it seems to be one of the most powerful and captivating remakes in the entire series. On Xbox Series and other modern platforms, the game looks absolutely stunning thanks to the Dragon Engine. Unlike previous games, there’s more cinematic feel here – the cutscenes are smooth, the combat system is more dynamic, and the fights happen without loading screens.
Players say it’s one of the games with the best combat, and that’s true – spectacular finishing moves have been added, and the environment can be destroyed after powerful attacks.
As for the story, it once again focuses on Kiryu, but this time, he faces one of the most charismatic antagonists in the series – Ryuji Ishioda. This conflict makes the story even more interesting. This game is perfect for players who want to experience one of the most action-packed fighting games in the Dragon game universe.
Get your copy of Yakuza Kiwami 2 >
3. Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (Best for a Satisfying Conclusion)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| PS4, Xbox One, PC | 2016 (Japan), 2018 (Worldwide) | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio |
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is one of the most emotionally charged games in the series. Here, Kiryu’s story reaches its climax, and his past collides with the present. It’s a true, gripping, and emotional crime drama. The game can easily be classified as one of the best story games. The plot revolves around his adoptive daughter Haruka, and this time, the stakes are incredibly high.
The gameplay is even smoother thanks to the Dragon Engine, the fights are more spectacular, with improved and realistic physics, and there’s the ability to interact with the environment. Several unexpected mechanics have also been added, such as the option to hire a gang of fighters for large-scale street brawls with rivals. Kamurocho and the new city of Hiroshima are meticulously detailed. If you’re interested in Kiryu’s complete story, skipping this chapter is simply impossible.
Get a copy of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life >
4. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Best for Open-World Exploration)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC | 2024 | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio |
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the newest game in the Dragon series. This part continues the journey of Ichiban Kasuga, who we first met in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, but now the protagonist is facing an even more epic journey. Developers focused on turn-based combat, which is now more tactical and requires careful decision-making before each strike. They also expanded the game world by adding a completely new region for exploration – the sunny Hawaii.
The game feels like a breath of fresh air among all the previous releases. It has everything fans of the series love: a great story, unexpected plot twists, memorable new characters, and plenty of side missions. In addition, fans will be happy to see familiar faces, as Kiryu himself makes an appearance in the game. This is one of the most ambitious parts of the series and could be a great entry point for new players. Despite all the new features, the developer still treats the legacy of the entire series with care.
Grab a copy of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth >
5. Yakuza 0 (Best Entry Point for New Players)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| PS4, Xbox One, PC | 2015 (Japan), 2017 (Worldwide) | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio |
Yakuza 0 is the perfect starting point for newcomers who haven’t played any of the series’ games yet. This game tells the backstory of the events in the earlier parts, showing the young Kiryu and Majima as they start their criminal paths in the Yakuza. It features one of the most gripping stories, full of intrigue, betrayals, and unexpected twists.
The gameplay is also quite diverse, with various fighting styles that you can switch between during battles. There’s also a large world, with numerous side quests and even the chance to manage your own nightclub.
Thanks to a strong storyline, spectacular fights, and an incredible 1980s atmosphere, Yakuza 0 can be considered one of the best games in the series. It’s one of those games where every minute of gameplay is meant to be fully enjoyed, and even the side missions are worth completing.
6. Yakuza Kiwami (Best for Classic Yakuza Fans)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| PS4, Xbox One, PC | 2016 (Japan), 2017 (Worldwide) | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio |
Yakuza Kiwami is a remake of the original game, where the developers updated the graphics, worked on the gameplay, and added some additional scenes to provide a better story immersion. Relive the events of the first game, but with a more modern treatment. Discover all the moments of Kiryu’s legendary story.
One of the key features is the introduction of the Majima Everywhere system, which allows Majima to attack Kiryu at any moment. This keeps players on their toes, always having to watch for combat and adapt to what’s happening on screen.
If you love powerful stories, charismatic characters, and spectacular fights, Yakuza Kiwami is a great choice.
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7. Yakuza 5 Remastered (Best for Large-Scale Storytelling)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| PC, PS4, Xbox One | 2020 | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio |
One of the most ambitious parts of the series that I had played. The main feature is the journey across five Japanese cities, each with its own cultural characteristics and atmosphere. The game also has a storyline that is told from the perspective of several characters, each with their own story and motivation for their actions. The characters also differ in their combat mechanics – each hero has a unique style that players need to adapt to.
The game is a true quintessence between the spin-offs and the main series entries. It offers powerful gameplay with free roam elements, lots of mini-games, unique fighting styles for each character, and an insane amount of content. It’s not just a game, but a whole world worth exploring.
Grab a copy of Yakuza 5 Remastered >
8. Yakuza: Like a Dragon (Best for Turn-Based Combat)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC | 2020 | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio |
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is not just another game in the series, but a true revolution. Unlike other games that used a real-time combat system, here you’re offered a turn-based combat style. Ichiban Kasuga, the new main character, attracts attention with his charisma and complex backstory, which hooks you from the first moments.
Like a Dragon also boasts many new characters, as well as a completely unique mechanic – instead of the usual fighting styles, each character can use special “classes,” just like in role-playing games, which adds a strategic element to the gameplay.
The city of Isezuki, where all the events take place, is full of mini-games and side activities. If you’re looking for a game with a deep story, this is the one for you.
Get a copy of Yakuza: Like a Dragon >
9. Yakuza 4 Remastered (Best for Multiple Playable Characters)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| PC, PS4, Xbox One | 2019 | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio |
Yakuza 4 is one of the most interesting games in the series, both in my opinion and according to others who’ve already had the chance to play it. Unlike earlier releases, here you’re offered the chance to control 4 completely different characters for the first time. There are other new features as well – a completely revamped storytelling system, a new combat system. The developers successfully managed to unite 4 unique stories into one whole plot with its twists and nuances.
If you want to see how the story of the Japanese mafia unfolds from different points of view and dive into a crime drama with several main characters, Yakuza 4 will be an excellent choice.
Get your copy of Yakuza 4 Remastered today >
10. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (Best for Classic Action Combat)
| Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC | 2023 | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio |
This title is an interesting addition to the Yakuza universe, focusing on the return of a character from previous games – Kazuma Kiryu. Unlike the main Like a Dragon, this game brings us back to the traditional combat style using a real-time system. In the end, we have a classic game but with modern graphics.
One of the features of this game is its unique combination of old and new elements. Fighting styles are also present here, but now they are adapted to the new story and challenges.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon Gaiden perfectly recreates the old atmosphere of the series, combining it with new characters and an exciting plot. Fans of the series will definitely enjoy this part as well.
Grab your copy of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name >
In What Order Should You Play Yakuza Games?
It depends on whether you want to go through the parts in the chronological order of the storyline events or in the order of release.
| Chronological Order | Sorted By Release Date |
|---|---|
| Yakuza 0 | Yakuza 3 (2009) |
| Yakuza Kiwami (remake of the first game) | Yakuza 4 (2010) |
| Yakuza Kiwami 2 (remake of the second game) | Yakuza 5 (2012) |
| Yakuza 3 | Yakuza 0 (2015) |
| Yakuza 4 | Yakuza Kiwami (2016) |
| Yakuza 5 | Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (2016) |
| Yakuza 6: The Song of Life | Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2017) |
| Yakuza: Like a Dragon | Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020) |
| Like a Dragon Gaiden | Like a Dragon Gaiden (2023) |
| Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth | Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024) |
FAQ
Which Yakuza game is best to start with?
The best option for newcomers is Yakuza 0. It’s a prequel to the entire series, where you can get familiar with the story, characters, and key mechanics of the franchise. Additionally, the game offers one of the most engaging storylines, diverse fighting styles, and a rich crime drama gameplay experience.
Which Yakuza game is the longest?
The longest game in the series is Yakuza 5. Due to having five main protagonists and multiple cities, the story campaign can take over 50 hours to complete, and doing all the side activities can take more than 100 hours.
Which Yakuza game is the weakest?
The most controversial game in the series is Yakuza: Dead Souls. It’s a zombie spin-off that radically differs from the main series and received mixed reviews due to weak shooting mechanics, a mediocre storyline, and the absence of traditional combat mechanics.
Which Yakuza game has the largest map?
Yakuza 5 offers the largest in-game area. Unlike other parts, it features five cities, including Kamurocho, Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka. This makes it the most expansive game in the series in terms of open-world size.
