The Yakuza / Like a Dragon series is a big mix of crime, drama, and humor. There are plenty of games that all sound slightly different, which can make it hard for new players to know where to start. The story takes place in a made-up part of Tokyo called Kamurocho and follows the lives of yakuza . For new players, a popular recommendation is to start with Yakuza 0, which tells the backstory of key characters Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima. However, starting from here means taking a lot of playtime before getting to the modern games.

If you're looking for a quicker way to dive in, you might want to start with Yakuza: Like a Dragon (or Yakuza 7). This game features the new main character, Ichiban Kasuga. It has a turn-based RPG fighting system, making it easier for newcomers since it only has a few references to previous games. After that, you could play Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name to learn what Kiryu is doing now. Unfortunately, this spoils a lot of the older games and how they are connected.

Pros & Cons Of Starting With Yakuza 0

What You Should Consider playing Chronologically

Starting with Yakuza 0 is a great way to enter the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series because it’s a prequel that begins the overall story. One of the best things about it is that you meet key characters like Kiryu and Majima when they are younger, allowing you to see their early experiences and how they develop. This background helps you understand their motivations and relationships in later games.

However, there are some drawbacks to starting with Yakuza 0. While it stands strong on its own, it often includes references to characters and events from later games, which can spoil surprises in those titles. For instance, understanding how certain relationships began might take away from the impact when you first meet those characters in a future game. The high quality of Yakuza 0 may also set expectations for other games that they might not meet, potentially leading to disappointment.

Yakuza 3 is easily one of the worst Yakuza games in the series, so keep in mind not every one will be a winner.

Furthermore, if you start with Yakuza 0, you might feel compelled to play the other games due to their rich backstory and character development, which can seem overwhelming. There's also the issue that not every game has the quality of the Kiwami games, so when you get to Yakuza 3, the first non-remastered game, you see how much worse the older games are compared to newer ones. While Yakuza 0 is an excellent starting point, it’s good to consider these potential issues before diving into the series.

Pros & Cons Of Starting With Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Should You Skip All The Backstory?

Starting with Yakuza: Like a Dragon can be a good way for new players to enter the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, but it has pros and cons. On the plus side, this game features a new main character, Ichiban Kasuga, and uses a turn-based RPG system instead of the traditional action gameplay. This can appeal to those intimidated by the previous games' backstories and fast-paced combat.

Since it’s a fresh start, newcomers may find it easier to get into without feeling overwhelmed by the complex histories of earlier games. Additionally, Like a Dragon has a modern feel, with a full English voiceover and a colorful presentation, making it more accessible for those new to the series. The turn-based combat allows for more strategic gameplay, which can be easier to learn than the brawler mechanics of older titles. This new system also lets the developers create fun and wild battle scenes, introducing players to the series’ humor.

However, there are downsides to starting with Like a Dragon. Even though it aims to be beginner-friendly, it still references events and characters from previous games, which can confuse newcomers. They might miss out on some inside jokes or important details. New players might not want to wait for the more interesting parts of the story to unfold. Additionally, while the new turn-based system is more accessible, some players might be disappointed if they were looking forward to the typical action gameplay the series is known for.

The Best Order To Play The Yakuza/Like A Dragon Series

Where You Should Start The Yakuza/Like A Dragon Series

The Yakuza/Like a Dragon series is a big story about crime, loyalty, and unexpected humor, but it can be tricky for newcomers to figure out where to start. While playing the games in the order they were released might seem sensible, the best way to understand the story is to play them chronologically, starting with Yakuza 0. This way, you get to know the main characters, Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, when they are younger, which helps you see their growth and the experiences that shape their lives later on.

If you jump into the series in the middle, you might miss important backstory and character development, making it harder to appreciate their struggles and relationships. Playing chronologically helps the story unfold naturally, connecting plot points and themes that reward you for sticking with it over time. If you don’t start from the beginning, you could miss these meaningful details that make the series special. It might take some time, but it's worth it to fully understand the complex stories and connections in the Yakuza/Like a Dragon games.