I get it. You’re looking for the best Yakuza game to start with or add to your collection. The series has grown massive over the years, and picking where to begin can feel daunting.
Each title brings its own story, combat style, and side activities. Some games hit harder with emotional narratives. Others shine through pure gameplay fun.
I’ve spent hours ranking every major Yakuza title. I looked at story quality, gameplay mechanics, and overall entertainment value.
This blog breaks down which games deserve your time first. You’ll find clear rankings of the top Yakuza games.
I’ll explain what makes each one special and who should play it. By the end, you’ll know exactly which title to download next.
The Yakuza Series – Welcome to Kamurochō
The Yakuza series drops you into the streets of Kamurochō, a fictional district based on Tokyo’s real Kabukichō. This is where the magic happens. You’ll find neon-lit streets, bustling restaurants, and karaoke bars at every corner.
The games follow the Japanese criminal underworld through multiple decades.
You play as various characters, but Kazuma Kiryu remains the heart of the series. He’s a yakuza with a code of honor.
The story blends serious crime drama with absurd humor. One moment, you’re handling a tense gang negotiation. Next, you’re managing a cabaret club or racing toy cars.
Each game offers hours of main story content. But the side activities steal the show. I’ve lost entire evenings just exploring Kamurochō’s hidden gems.
How I Ranked the Best Yakuza Games
I used specific criteria to rank each Yakuza game fairly. Story quality came first. Does the plot grab you? Are the characters memorable? I looked at how well each game balances drama with lighter moments.
Combat mechanics mattered too. Some games feel smoother than others. I checked if the fighting stays fun after 20 hours of play.
Side content got serious consideration. The best entries pack in mini-games and substories that feel meaningful, not filler.
Technical performance also factored in. Load times, graphics, and overall polish count. A great story means nothing if the game crashes constantly.
I played through each title completely. No shortcuts here. Each ranking reflects my actual experience, not just popular opinion or nostalgia.
Best Yakuza Game Ranked – Every Mainline Entry Compared
I’ve played through every mainline Yakuza game multiple times. Here’s my honest Yakuza games ranked, from the ones you can skip to the absolute must-plays.
9. Yakuza 6 – The Song of Life
Kiryu’s farewell deserved better execution. The Dragon Engine’s debut shows promise but stumbles often.
This game marks Kiryu’s final chapter as the main character. The story focuses on family and fatherhood. It’s emotionally charged but feels rushed.
Combat got simplified too much. You lose the depth that made previous entries satisfying.
| What Works | What Doesn’t |
|---|---|
| Emotional story hits hard in key moments | Simplified combat removes strategic depth |
| Graphics look stunning with the new engine | Limited side content compared to other games |
| The Onomichi setting offers fresh scenery | Shorter runtime leaves plot threads hanging |
8. Yakuza 3
This entry shows its age more than any other game in the series. The remaster helped, but core issues remain.
The story takes Kiryu to Okinawa, where he runs an orphanage. It’s a slower pace that some fans love. I found it dragged at times.
The combat feels stiff compared to newer entries. Blocking happens way too often, making fights frustrating.
| What Works | What Doesn’t |
|---|---|
| Kiryu’s character development feels genuine | Combat lacks fluidity |
| The orphanage setting adds emotional weight | Pacing issues hurt the main story |
| Side activities remain fun | Graphics feel dated even after the remaster |
7. Yakuza 5
This game tried to do everything at once. Sometimes that works. Here, it feels bloated.
You play as five different characters across multiple cities. Each character gets their own storyline and gameplay style. Sounds great on paper.
In practice, it drags on for too long. Some sections feel like filler. The taxi driving and hunting segments overstay their welcome.
| What Works | What Doesn’t |
|---|---|
| Multiple playable characters add variety | Runtime exceeds 60 hours with pacing problems |
| Each city feels unique and alive | Some character arcs feel unnecessary |
| Mini-games reach peak quality | Story loses focus across five perspectives |
6. Yakuza 4
Four protagonists share the spotlight here. Each brings something different to the table.
This marks the first time you play as characters other than Kiryu. Akiyama, Saejima, and Tanimura each get their own chapters. The storytelling works better than Yakuza 5’s attempt.
Combat varies between characters, keeping things fresh. The plot weaves together nicely by the end.
| What Works | What Doesn’t |
|---|---|
| Character variety keeps gameplay interesting | Some protagonists feel less developed |
| Story connections pay off satisfyingly | Tanimura’s chapter drags in the middle |
| Rooftop areas expand Kamurochō | Combat balance issues between characters |
5. Yakuza – Like a Dragon
The series reinvents itself completely. Turn-based combat replaces brawling, and Ichiban Kasuga takes center stage.
I was skeptical about this change at first. A Yakuza game with RPG mechanics? It shouldn’t work. But it does.
Ichiban’s optimistic personality contrasts beautifully with Kiryu’s stoic nature. The job system adds depth. Battles require actual strategy now.
| What Works | What Doesn’t |
|---|---|
| A fresh protagonist brings new energy | Combat can feel slow during random encounters |
| RPG mechanics fit surprisingly well | Some grinding is required for boss fights |
| Party dynamics create memorable moments | The early game takes time to open up |
This entry proves the series can evolve without losing its soul. The story tackles homelessness and social issues with heart. If you’ve never played a Yakuza game, this makes an excellent starting point.
4. Yakuza Kiwami 2
The Dragon Engine’s second outing fixes most issues from Yakuza 6. Everything feels polished here.
This remake improves on the original in every way. The story follows Kiryu as he tries to prevent war between yakuza clans.
Ryuji Goda stands out as one of the series’ best antagonists. Combat flows smoothly. The cabaret club management returns, and it’s still addictive.
| What Works | What Doesn’t |
|---|---|
| Ryuji Goda delivers as a compelling villain | The main story feels shorter than it should |
| Combat refinements make fighting enjoyable | Some side content feels recycled |
| Sotenbori location adds great atmosphere | Boss fights lack challenge at times |
3. Yakuza Kiwami
The original game was remade with modern sensibilities. This is where Kiryu’s legend begins.
Starting here makes sense for new players. You get the complete origin story with updated graphics and gameplay. The plot introduces Kiryu, Nishiki, and Yumi.
Their relationships form the emotional core of the entire series. Majima Everywhere system adds chaos and humor throughout.
| What Works | What Doesn’t |
|---|---|
| Origin story sets up the entire series perfectly | Some padding extends the runtime unnecessarily |
| Majima Everywhere keeps things unpredictable | Boss battles can feel unbalanced |
| Modernized combat feels responsive | Certain story beats feel dated |
2. Yakuza 7 – Infinite Wealth
The latest entry in the best Yakuza game takes Ichiban to Hawaii. It’s bigger, bolder, and more confident.
This sequel expands on everything Like a Dragon established. The story is set between Hawaii and Japan.
Both locations feel alive and packed with content. Combat improvements make battles faster and more strategic. The Sujimon collecting system is basically Pokémon, and I’m not complaining.
| What Works | What Doesn’t |
|---|---|
| The Hawaii setting provides a stunning variety | Some side quests feel repetitive |
| Refined RPG mechanics improve battles | The story drags slightly in the middle chapters |
| Kiryu and Ichiban share screen time | An overwhelming amount of mini-games |
1. Yakuza 0
The prequel that hooked a generation. This is where most modern fans started.
Set in 1988 Tokyo, you play as young Kiryu and Majima. Both characters get equal screen time. The bubble economy era provides a perfect backdrop.
Everything feels excessive and flashy. The real estate and cabaret club management mini-games are dangerously addictive.
| What Works | What Doesn’t |
|---|---|
| The dual protagonist structure works perfectly | Some substories feel out of place tonally |
| Combat offers three fighting styles per character | Money becomes meaningless after a few chapters |
| Best soundtrack in the entire series | Difficulty spikes can frustrate |
Best Order to Play the Yakuza Games
The best Yakuza game order depends on what you value more: story chronology or release order.
Chronological Order (Story Timeline):
1. Yakuza 0 – Start here to see Kiryu and Majima’s origins in 1988
2. Yakuza Kiwami – Follows directly after 0’s events
3. Yakuza Kiwami 2 – Continues Kiryu’s story one year later
4. Yakuza 3 Remastered – Picks up after Kiwami 2
5. Yakuza 4 Remastered – Introduces new protagonists
6. Yakuza 5 Remastered – Expands the cast further
7. Yakuza 6: The Song of Life – Kiryu’s final chapter
8. Yakuza: Like a Dragon (Yakuza 7) – New protagonist, fresh start
9. Like a Dragon: Ishin! – Standalone samurai spinoff set in 1860s Japan
10. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name – Bridges 6 and 8
11. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Yakuza 8) – Latest mainline entry
12. Judgment – Detective spinoff in Kamurochō
13. Lost Judgment – Judgment sequel
I recommend chronological order for first-timers. It builds properly and rewards you with callbacks and character growth.
Final Verdict
You’ve now got the complete breakdown of every major Yakuza title. Each game brings something different to the table. Some focus on raw emotion. Others prioritize gameplay variety or technical polish.
Starting with Yakuza 0 gives you the strongest foundation. The series rewards patience and exploration.
Don’t rush through the main stories. Side content often contains the most memorable moments.
Which title speaks to you most? Drop a comment below sharing your favorite Yakuza experience. I’d love to hear what makes the best Yakuza game for you personally.
Now stop reading and start playing!
