Where do I begin with this series?

[Bullett00th]

Always knew about Yakuza but always thought it's just a weird Japanese GTA-like.

Judging by footage iv'e seen from Infinite Wealth and subsequently looking at others, I was WRONG.

As a potential newcomer, would you suggest getting into the series starting with the newest one, or one of the older ones? Which one? Are any worth skipping?

From what I understand not all of them feature turn-based combat as well

[Kiryu Kazuma]

Start with yakuza 0, I myself prefer the normal combat over this turn based thing.

[Ignosius]

This game and the last one (Yakuza: Like a Dragon) are both turn based RPGs, whereas all the other games in the series are real time brawlers.

Like a Dragon is sort of a soft reboot with a new main character, and doesn't have too much to do with all the previous games outside of references. If you're interested in RPGs, I would recommend starting with that one before continuing on to this game. This game is a direct sequel to the last game, so it would be a confusing place to start.

For the prior brawler games, I would probably start with Yakuza 0.

[neko and co]

0-6 use a real-time brawler system; only Infinite Wealth and Like a Dragon (7) are turn-based. IW is a direct sequel to Like a Dragon, so at the very least start with Like A Dragon. It features a new protagonist and acts as a starting point for a new storyline.

Personally, I'd recommend starting with 0, then either continuing in chronological order if you want, or just skipping over to 7 if you'd like. There are still some important characters from previous games that are relevant in 7 and 8, and they'll be introduced to you in 0. 0 is also just absolutely fantastic, a high point for the series.

[Jade]

If you like brawler combat - Yakuza 0 is usually the entry point people go with. It's usually really cheap on sale and is still on game pass if that's your thing.

The game is a prequel though and most people say it was SEGA's best writing so you may be bothered by the downgrade that is the first game and so on.

Yakuza Kiwami and Kiwami 2 are remakes of the first 2 games - you're definitely safe starting with Kiwami or the original PS2 version.

If you prefer turn-based you *can* start with Yakuza: Like A Dragon but you'll certainly be missing out on the effect from the cameos and likely a lot of Kiryu's part in Infinite Wealth.

The games I'd say that are the most important are Yakuza 1/Kiwami, Yakuza 3, and Yakuza 6 - but I would personally recommend playing all of them if you can handle the jank of the older titles (3 - 5 especially if you play the remakes) and have the time on your hands.


List of games in chronological order: Yakuza 0, Kiwami, Kiwami 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Yakuza: Like A Dragon, Like A Dragon Gaiden, Infinite Wealth

List of games in release order: Yakuza 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 0, Kiwami, 6, Kiwami 2, Yakuza: Like A Dragon, Like A Dragon Gaiden, Infinite Wealth

Just note that these games are very very long and only a few have English dubs.

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[Mixedbeats18]

Well you could try the judgement series too, just two good games instead 7, a bit of a f2p move thats all

[Grok]

Not only is Yakuza 0 the best Yakuza game, it's the one you should start with. Why? Because it's two origin stories wrapped up in a 1980s Kamurocho that overflows with the mightiest minigames, and easily the series' most iconic characters: Mr. Libido, Mr. Shakedown, Pocket Circuit Fighter, the list goes on.

[Bullett00th]

Thanks everyone, useful tips there! I'll consider 0 but probably will dive straight into Like a Dragon since I dig turn-based combat.

Where does The Man Who Erased His Name figure in all this?

[Jade]

Origineel geplaatst door Bullett00th:

Thanks everyone, useful tips there! I'll consider 0 but probably will dive straight into Like a Dragon since I dig turn-based combat.

Where does The Man Who Erased His Name figure in all this?

I'd say it primarily serves as fan-service for fans of the Kiryu games (0 - 6) but it also provides some extra context as to why Kiryu is in Infinite Wealth.

When 0 goes on sale its usually ~$5 iirc so if you're not too eager to get into the series maybe try that out next sale and worst case just refund.

[Mixedbeats18]

Between LAD1 and Like a Dragon 2 think of spiderman mile moraes

[Ignosius]

You can always go back to 0 later if you decide you want to know more about this Kiryu guy and just why he's such a big deal.

[wildcardbitches]

The only game that directly ties into this one is Like a dragon. The other Yakuza games all feature a different main character, who is a character in this game, and are action based games. If you do want to try the other games I'd get gamepass on PC. It has every Yakuza game on it including Like a Dragon.

[Mixer]

Yakuzo 0 > Yakuza Kiwami > Yakuza Kiwami 2 > Yakuza 3> Yakuza 4 > Yakuza 5 > Yakuza 6
Kinda like that if you want to start from the beginning

[Solar_S]

You won't believe it. From the very beginning.

[some guy]

i would start with yakuza 0, judgement 1 or the last like a dragon... or you know, just with this one? youre gonna miss a lot of backstory but its a refined version of the first turn based game.