What Order to Play Yakuza Games Reddit: The Ultimate Guide

Figuring out the best way to experience the Yakuza series can be daunting, a question frequently pondered on platforms like Reddit. With so many titles, spin-offs, and remakes, knowing where to begin your journey through Kamurocho and beyond can be confusing. This guide aims to provide a definitive answer to the question: what order to play Yakuza games Reddit users are constantly debating. We’ll explore various play orders, considering release dates, chronological story order, and even recommendations for newcomers to the series.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Yakuza Timeline

The Yakuza series boasts a rich and complex narrative spanning decades. Understanding the chronological order of events can enhance your appreciation of the story’s nuances. However, playing in release order allows you to experience the evolution of the series’ gameplay and graphics. So, which approach is right for you?

Release Order: Experiencing the Evolution

Playing the Yakuza games in release order provides a unique perspective on how the series has grown and evolved. You’ll witness the graphical improvements, gameplay refinements, and the gradual expansion of the Yakuza universe. This order also allows you to experience the story as it was intended, with later entries building upon the foundations laid by their predecessors.

Yakuza (2005) / Yakuza Kiwami (2016): Begin with the origin story of Kazuma Kiryu. Kiwami is a remake of the original, featuring updated graphics and gameplay.
Yakuza 2 (2006) / Yakuza Kiwami 2 (2017): Continue Kiryu’s story as he faces new challenges and rivals. Kiwami 2 is a remake built on the Dragon Engine.
Yakuza 3 (2009) / Yakuza 3 Remastered (2019): Experience Kiryu’s attempt at a peaceful life in Okinawa, which inevitably gets disrupted. The Remastered version offers improved visuals and performance.
Yakuza 4 (2010) / Yakuza 4 Remastered (2019): Control four different protagonists, each with their own unique perspective on the same events.
Yakuza 5 (2012) / Yakuza 5 Remastered (2019): Another multi-protagonist story, expanding the Yakuza world and introducing new characters.
Yakuza 0 (2015): A prequel exploring the origins of Kiryu and Goro Majima. Despite its later release, it provides crucial backstory.
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (2016): The final chapter in Kiryu’s saga.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020): A new era begins with Ichiban Kasuga, a new protagonist with a turn-based RPG combat system.
Judgment (2019) & Lost Judgment (2021): Spin-off titles featuring private detective Takayuki Yagami. While not essential to the main storyline, they offer a fresh perspective on the Yakuza universe.

Yakuza Game Release Order Chart

Chronological Order: Unfolding the Narrative

For those who prioritize narrative coherence, playing the Yakuza games in chronological story order might be preferred. This approach allows you to follow the timeline of events from beginning to end, providing a deeper understanding of character development and plot intricacies.

Yakuza 0: Start with the prequel to understand the origins of key characters and the events that shaped their futures.
Yakuza / Yakuza Kiwami: Experience Kiryu’s initial journey.
Yakuza 2 / Yakuza Kiwami 2: Follow the direct continuation of Kiryu’s story.
Yakuza 3 / Yakuza 3 Remastered: See Kiryu’s attempt at a peaceful life.
Yakuza 4 / Yakuza 4 Remastered: Experience the multi-protagonist storyline.
Yakuza 5 / Yakuza 5 Remastered: Continue with the expanding world and characters.
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life: Conclude Kiryu’s story arc.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon: Embark on a new adventure with Ichiban Kasuga.
Judgment & Lost Judgment: (Optional) Experience the detective stories in Kamurocho.

Yakuza Chronological Order Infographic

“Starting with Yakuza 0 provides essential context for the entire series. It’s a fantastic entry point and a great game in its own right,” says renowned gaming journalist and Yakuza expert, Alex “Kiryu-Chan” Jones.

The Reddit Consensus: A Blend of Both

Reddit discussions often suggest a hybrid approach, blending release and chronological order. This approach combines the best of both worlds, allowing players to experience the series’ evolution while maintaining narrative cohesion. A common recommendation is to start with Yakuza 0, followed by Kiwami, Kiwami 2, and then proceeding with the rest in release order.

For Newcomers: The Ideal Starting Point

For those completely new to the Yakuza series, Yakuza 0 is widely considered the ideal starting point. Its self-contained story, engaging characters, and polished gameplay make it a perfect introduction to the world of Kamurocho. From there, progressing to Kiwami and Kiwami 2 is a natural and recommended path.

Yakuza Beginner's Guide Flowchart

Why Reddit Matters: Community Insights

Reddit serves as a valuable resource for Yakuza fans, providing a platform for discussion, recommendations, and helpful tips. The community’s collective knowledge and diverse perspectives can help you make informed decisions about your Yakuza playthrough.

Beyond the Mainline: Judgment and Other Spin-offs

While the mainline Yakuza games offer a compelling and complete experience, spin-off titles like Judgment and Lost Judgment provide a different perspective on the Yakuza universe. These games feature a new protagonist and a detective-focused narrative, offering a fresh take on the familiar setting of Kamurocho.

“The Judgment games provide a fresh perspective on the Yakuza universe, offering a unique gameplay experience while still capturing the essence of Kamurocho,” adds game designer and industry veteran, Sarah “Majima-Sensei” Lee.

Which Yakuza Game Should You Play First? A Recap

The best order to play Yakuza games depends on your priorities. Release order showcases the series’ evolution, while chronological order prioritizes narrative coherence. A hybrid approach, starting with Yakuza 0, is a popular compromise. For newcomers, Yakuza 0 is the ideal starting point.

Ultimately, the best way to experience the Yakuza series is the way that resonates most with you. Explore the different options, consider your preferences, and embark on your journey through the captivating world of Kamurocho and beyond. Don’t forget to share your preferred play order in the comments below!

FAQs

Can I start with Yakuza: Like a Dragon? While you can technically start with Like a Dragon, it’s recommended to play at least Yakuza 0 first to familiarize yourself with the world and recurring characters.
Are the Judgment games essential to the main story? No, the Judgment games are spin-offs and not essential to understanding the main Yakuza storyline.
What is the best way to play the older Yakuza games? The Kiwami remakes of Yakuza 1 and 2 are the recommended way to experience these games, thanks to their updated graphics and gameplay.
Is there a recommended play order for the Remastered Collection? Play the Remastered Collection in numerical order: Yakuza 3, 4, then 5.
Do I need to play all the games to understand the story? While playing all games provides the most complete experience, the main storyline revolves around Kazuma Kiryu and concludes with Yakuza 6.
Are there any other Yakuza games besides the mainline entries? Yes, there are several spin-offs, including the Judgment series, Dead Souls, and Kenzan! (Japan-only).
Where can I find more information and discussions about the Yakuza series? The Yakuza subreddit is an excellent resource for discussions, recommendations, and community insights.

Conclusion

Whether you follow the release order, chronological order, or a hybrid approach, the Yakuza series offers a captivating and unforgettable gaming experience. By understanding the different play order options and considering your own preferences, you can embark on a journey through the vibrant world of Kamurocho and witness the epic saga of Kazuma Kiryu and Ichiban Kasuga. So, dive in and discover what order to play yakuza games Reddit users are raving about – and decide for yourself which path is right for you.