Best Yakuza Games (2026)

The Yakuza series, now known globally as Like a Dragon, is one of gaming’s great secrets hiding in plain sight — a run of crime dramas that swing from heartbreaking tragedy to gloriously absurd comedy, often within the same hour. You will beat down thugs in the street, then belt out karaoke or race remote-control cars. This guide walks through the best Yakuza games and, crucially, explains where a newcomer should start in this sprawling saga.

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Best Yakuza Games at a Glance

The table below covers the strongest entries in the series, spanning the Kiryu era and the newer Ichiban games. All are available on modern PC and console hardware, and many are on Game Pass.

What Makes the Best Yakuza Games Special

The Yakuza formula is a unique blend. At its core is a gripping crime drama following characters through betrayal, loyalty, and redemption in a lovingly recreated Japanese city. Around that core is a staggering density of side content — hostess clubs, arcade games, a real-estate empire, karaoke minigames, and dozens of quirky substories that provide comic relief. This tonal whiplash, from a tearful reunion to a fight against a man in a diaper, is the series’ signature. Playing through these long, story-rich games rewards immersive audio, and our gaming headset buying guide covers options that bring their soundtracks and voice acting to life.

Where Should Newcomers Start With Yakuza?

The single best entry point is Yakuza 0. Set as a prequel in the bubble-economy Japan of the 1980s, it introduces series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu and fan-favorite Goro Majima before the events of every other game, so you need no prior knowledge. It is also widely regarded as the best in the series, with a tight story, superb combat, and an overwhelming amount of side content. From there, the Kiwami remakes continue Kiryu’s story in order. Because you will sink dozens of hours into your first Yakuza, comfort matters, and our gaming chair buying guide covers the ergonomic support that long sessions demand.

The Kiryu Era: The Classic Yakuza Games

The original saga follows Kazuma Kiryu across numerous games, using a real-time brawler combat system where you switch between fighting styles and unleash devastating Heat Actions. Yakuza Kiwami and Kiwami 2 are modern remakes of the first two games, rebuilt with current visuals. Yakuza 5 is the most ambitious of the older entries, with five playable characters across multiple cities, while Yakuza 6 gives Kiryu an emotional farewell. These action-focused games reward responsive controls, and our game controller buying guide covers options with the precise inputs that Heat Action timing benefits from.

The Ichiban Era: The New Direction

The series took a bold turn with Yakuza: Like a Dragon, introducing a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and swapping the real-time brawler combat for a full turn-based RPG battle system inspired by his love of Dragon Quest. It was a risk that paid off, earning the series its widest acclaim. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth continues Ichiban’s story with two protagonists and the largest scope yet. These RPG entries feature deep job systems and party management, which reward a comfortable setup for long play, and our gaming monitor buying guide covers displays that render their vibrant cities cleanly.

Spin-Offs Worth Playing

Beyond the mainline saga, the series has produced excellent spin-offs. Like a Dragon: Ishin! transplants the familiar cast into feudal-era Japan as samurai, combining sword and gun combat in a fresh setting while keeping the series’ storytelling and side-content density. It is a great pick for players who love the Yakuza style but want a change of scenery. These games are graphically rich, and if you play on PC, our graphics card buying guide explains which GPUs handle their detailed environments smoothly.

Getting the Most From the Yakuza Series

Two tips deepen any Yakuza playthrough. First, embrace the side content rather than rushing the main story; the substories and minigames are where much of the series’ charm and humor live, and skipping them means missing half the experience. Second, do not be intimidated by the numbering, since Yakuza 0 is a true starting point regardless of its title. For players who love sharing the series’ wilder moments, our game capture gear guide covers the hardware for recording clean clips.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Yakuza Games

What is the best Yakuza game overall?

Yakuza 0 is the most acclaimed entry and the best all-around game in the series, combining a tight, emotional story with excellent combat and an enormous amount of side content. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the strongest of the newer RPG-style entries, so the best choice depends on whether you prefer real-time brawling or turn-based combat.

Where should I start with the Yakuza series?

Yakuza 0 is the ideal starting point. As a prequel set before every other game, it requires no prior knowledge and introduces the main characters at the beginning of their stories. It is also one of the best games in the series, making it both the most accessible and one of the most rewarding entries for newcomers.

Do I need to play the Yakuza games in order?

It helps but is not strictly required. Starting with Yakuza 0 and then the Kiwami remakes lets you follow Kiryu’s story chronologically, which enhances the emotional payoffs. However, Yakuza: Like a Dragon begins a new story with a new protagonist, so it can serve as a fresh starting point for players who prefer turn-based RPG combat.

What is the difference between the older and newer Yakuza games?

The older Kiryu-era games use a real-time brawler combat system where you fight enemies directly in the streets. The newer entries, starting with Yakuza: Like a Dragon, switched to turn-based RPG combat with a party and job system. Both styles share the series’ signature blend of serious drama and absurd comedy.