What is the best Yakuza / Like a Dragon game of all time?

From the stylish 1980s prequel to the Hawaii-set RPG epic, this franchise has reinvented itself without ever losing its heart. Which entry is the greatest?

1

Yakuza 0

The acclaimed 1980s prequel following young Kiryu and Majima, widely praised as the best entry point and one of the series' finest narratives.

2

Yakuza Kiwami

The full remake of the original 2005 game rebuilt in the Dragon Engine, bringing Kiryu's first story to modern players.

3

Yakuza Kiwami 2

Remake of Yakuza 2 featuring beloved antagonist Ryuji Goda, praised for its story and Dragon Engine combat improvements.

4

Yakuza 3

The story of Kiryu's orphanage life in Okinawa, a fan-favorite for its emotional grounding and heartwarming character moments.

5

Yakuza 4

Expanded the series with four playable protagonists for the first time, weaving together multiple storylines set across Kamurocho.

6

Yakuza 5

The most ambitious entry in the Kiryu era featuring five protagonists, multiple cities, and the series' most dense amount of side content.

7

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life

Kiryu's emotional farewell, a streamlined but poignant finale set between Kamurocho and a small Hiroshima fishing town.

8

Yakuza: Like a Dragon

The bold 2020 reboot introducing Ichiban Kasuga and turn-based RPG combat, earning widespread critical acclaim and new fans.

9

Like a Dragon: Ishin!

A feudal Japan spin-off remake blending samurai action with the series' trademark melodrama and side-activity depth.

10

Like a Dragon Gaiden

A focused, action-packed interquel following Kiryu during the gap between his two eras, with a refined combat system.

11

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

The 2024 sequel combining Kiryu and Ichiban in a Hawaii-set adventure, praised as the series' most polished and expansive entry.