Newcomer here

[NiatBoy]

is this good for newbie? I've never played any other yakuza series before so I dont know the story, but this one looks good for me

[Wehzy]

You're fine. This game is perfect for newcomers. Hopefully you'll enjoy your first Yakuza game, because there is more where this came from :)

[BeefoTheBold]

Yakuza 0 remains the consensus best entry point for the series. It was specifically made to create a new entry point for the long running franchise to enable new players to get onboard.

This game is kind of intended to be a spinoff not really effect the main series all that much so you'll probably be fine, but I do think it is likely there are going to be story and character beats that aren't going to really hit home with you if you haven't at least played Yakuza 0.

You'll probably be "fine" but it likely wouldn't be the OPTIMAL starting spot to dive in.

[Shirakani]

This game will be good coz it has absolutely no relation to any previous game at all outside of Majima... and Majima is a character that you can literally throw into any situation, or any other IP even as a cameo and he would fit right in.

So, it's good to just 'have fun' and forget canon or whatever.

[mrpurple]

hmm...many better Yakuza games to be had for a lot less money...

this is Yakuza at the end

[Leinad]

no

[tookie]

id grab yakuza 0 and kawaii 1+2 if you feel spicy just to get an idea of the madness of the MC but yes you can jump right in but 0 will give you his back story

[Tu_Madre_La_Gorda]

This is probably one of the worst games in the franchise you can grab being a newcomer

[Pass_the _M]

if this is the one that peaked your interested go ahead and start here. besides most of the people saying start at 0, don't even realize that 0 is like the 7th mainline game, 10th if you count spinoffs (2 samurai games and a zombie shooter). og fans loved Majima from day one even though originally he was just meant to be a one off character in Yakuza 1 back on the PS2.

[SkaaTerminator]

If you want to try this game out go ahead to see if the series is for you. If you do enjoy it you can start in two ways

Release date:
Like a Dragon
Like a Dragon 2
Like a Dragon 3
Like a Dragon 4
Like a Dragon 5
Like a Dragon 0
Like a Dragon 6
Like a Dragon 7
Like a Dragon 7 Gaiden
Like a Dragon 8

Chronological order:
Like a Dragon 0
Like a Dragon or Kiwami
Like a Dragon 2 or Kiwami 2
Like a Dragon 3
Like a Dragon 4
Like a Dragon 5
Like a Dragon 6
Like a Dragon 7
Like a Dragon 7 Gaiden
Like a Dragon 8

[parent child bowl]

Originally posted by BeefoTheBold:

Yakuza 0 remains the consensus best entry point for the series. It was specifically made to create a new entry point for the long running franchise to enable new players to get onboard.

This game is kind of intended to be a spinoff not really effect the main series all that much so you'll probably be fine, but I do think it is likely there are going to be story and character beats that aren't going to really hit home with you if you haven't at least played Yakuza 0.

You'll probably be "fine" but it likely wouldn't be the OPTIMAL starting spot to dive in.

I disagree with 0 being the best point to start the franchise.

I did exactly that and Kiwami felt like a massive downgrade after that. I recommend starting at Kiwami and getting to 0 after 5 or even 6. 0 is that good of a game that the next few games in chronological order just don't feel good.

[parent child bowl]

Originally posted by X:

If you want to try this game out go ahead to see if the series is for you. If you do enjoy it you can start in two ways

Release date:
Like a Dragon
Like a Dragon 2
Like a Dragon 3
Like a Dragon 4
Like a Dragon 5
Like a Dragon 0
Like a Dragon 6
Like a Dragon 7
Like a Dragon Gaiden
Like a Dragon 8

Chronological order:
Like a Dragon 0
Like a Dragon 1 or Kiwami
Like a Dragon 2 or Kiwami 2
Like a Dragon 3
Like a Dragon 4
Like a Dragon 5
Like a Dragon 6
Like a Dragon 7
Like a Dragon Gaiden
Like a Dragon 8

To cement the chronological order a bit more: The Like a Dragon Gaiden in this list is Like a Dragon 7 Gaiden.

This game is Like a Dragon 8 Gaiden.

[SkaaTerminator]

Right, I honestly recommend release date over chronological order because the problem with going with chronological order you are basically going forward with the first three games but go backwards when you get to 3, where the release date you can see how the series evolves with each game.

[LMiranic]

I'd say yes. If you like it enough then you can play the older ones in chronological order.

[Krafin117]

It's probably fine, being a side story and all.

If you like it though, make your next game Yakuza 0.

Especially if you like Majima. Actually in that sense, it might be neat to play Pirate than 0.

[David Young Henning]

Originally posted by Shirakani:

This game will be good coz it has absolutely no relation to any previous game at all outside of Majima...

Huh? This game is set after 8 and continues the main plot with the nuclear waste on Nele Island and the unemployed ex-Yakuza. It's definitely not a standalone story.