If you’re searching for a series filled with genuine heart and wonder, Like a Dragon has you covered. Created by the renowned Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio – and originally marketed under the Yakuza name – the series has been a staple for many gamers since its debut in 2005. In recent years, its popularity has only continued to grow.
A major factor in this surge was the shift from action combat to turn-based gameplay with Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Better marketing and a broader appeal have also played a key role. While the series boasts a vast number of titles, for brevities sake we’ll be ranking the games from Yakuza: Like a Dragon onwards— if for no other reason than the earlier Yakuza entries are numerous and, outside of their remakes, not always easy to access (though they’re fantastic in their own right).
We’re putting this list together mainly because we can’t wait for the sheer absurdity of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. It looks absolutely wild, and we’re more than ready for another heartfelt yet ridiculous adventure. After all, more Like a Dragon is always a good thing.
While we wait, here’s our ranking of the best games in the series—from best to least-best. And no, we’re not saying “worst”—you can’t make us.
1. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Infinite Wealth is the latest entry in the Like a Dragon series—and is the best yet. The game follows Ichiban Kasuga as he journeys to Honolulu in search of his mother, while also weaving in a deeply personal storyline about Kazuma Kiryu, who faces both his deteriorating health and the existential weight of what that means for his future.
Building on the foundations of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Infinite Wealth refines nearly every aspect of its predecessor. The combat is smoother, the world is more expansive, and the storytelling masterfully balances humour, heart, and high-stakes drama. From start to finish, it’s an unforgettable ride.
2. Yakuza: Like A Dragon
Like a Dragon marked a bold transformation for the Yakuza series, reinventing it with a fresh new direction. Players step into the shoes of Ichiban Kasuga, a passionate and big-hearted underdog who views battles as turn-based, almost magical encounters—just like in his favourite video games.
This lighthearted approach to combat doesn’t take away from the deeply emotional story at the heart of the game. If anything, it adds even more charm and depth to an already phenomenal experience. We highly recommend playing this one before Infinite Wealth to fully appreciate Ichiban’s journey and character growth.
3. Like A Dragon: Ishin
Ishin stands out as a truly unique entry in the Like a Dragon series, diverging from the modern-day setting in favour of historical Japan. Instead of street brawls and city nightlife, players take on the role of Ryoma Sakamoto, a wandering samurai caught in the turmoil of the late Edo period.
Technically a remake of Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin from 2014, this is the first time the game has been officially released in the West and we couldn’t be happier. It’s an absolute joy to play, blending intense swordplay with the signature storytelling the series is known for. In any other franchise, this would easily take the top spot.
4. Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
The Man Who Erased His Name is the only true side story in the Like a Dragon revival of the Yakuza series. Serving as a bridge between the past and present, it follows Kazuma Kiryu in the years leading up to Yakuza: Like a Dragon, shedding light on the sacrifices he’s made and the circumstances that shape his reserved, almost ghost-like presence in later games.
While it delivers the signature combat and emotional weight the series is known for, it’s a noticeably smaller, more contained experience compared to other entries. That’s not to say it’s a bad game—far from it—but its shorter runtime and focused narrative make it feel more like an extended prologue than a full-fledged instalment.
