Should I Play Yakuza 0 First?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: You are new to the Yakuza / Like a Dragon series and want a self-contained introduction. Released by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and Sega, Yakuza 0 is set in 1988 and functions as a narrative prequel to the main Kiryu saga. It follows younger versions of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima before the events of the original 2005 game, so it does not require prior knowledge of later installments. Many players and critics regard it as the most accessible entry point because it explains character motivations, establishes the tone of Kamurocho and Sotenbori, and offers a complete story arc that stands on its own.
• Good fit: You want polished beat-’em-up gameplay, detailed open-city exploration, and a wealth of side activities. Yakuza 0 refines the series’ brawling formula with multiple fighting styles per protagonist, a real-estate management mini-game for Kiryu, a cabaret-club management mini-game for Majima, and dozens of optional substories, mini-games, and collectibles. The 1980s setting adds a distinct atmosphere, and the game is widely seen as one of the high points of the older action-combat entries before the series shifted toward turn-based role-playing in Like a Dragon.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: You prefer to experience the series in its original release order or want to preserve the intended dramatic pacing of the older games. Yakuza 0 was developed partly as a celebration for existing fans, and some story beats land differently if you already know how characters develop in later titles. Starting with Yakuza 0 can also make the next chronological step, Yakuza Kiwami, feel smaller, less mechanically deep, or less visually refined, which may be disappointing if you expect a steady escalation.
• Warning sign: You have limited gaming time, dislike frequent tonal whiplash, or are uncomfortable with mature crime-drama content. Yakuza 0 is a long game with many optional systems, and its story moves abruptly between serious organized-crime violence and absurdist comedy. It includes strong language, physical violence, adult humor, and sexual themes, all of which are central to its style. Players who want a compact, consistently serious narrative may find the pacing and side content distracting.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• It works as a standalone entry point with broad platform availability. Yakuza 0 is playable on modern consoles and PC and has appeared in subscription libraries, making it easy to obtain. Because it is a prequel, you can follow the main plot without researching earlier releases, and the tutorials are built around teaching new players how the combat and city navigation work.
• The gameplay variety and presentation are considered among the strongest in the brawler-era games. With two protagonists, multiple fighting styles, two full business-simulation side quests, and a dense recreation of 1980s urban Japan, the game offers a scope and polish that many of its follow-ups do not fully replicate. This breadth helps newcomers understand what the series is known for.

Cons

• The sheer volume of content can be overwhelming. The real-estate and cabaret systems, substories, mini-games, and long cinematic cutscenes can extend playtime far beyond the main story. If you prefer focused campaigns, the optional layers may feel like bloat rather than value.
• Starting with one of the most refined entries can set unrealistic expectations for the rest of the series. Later remakes, such as Yakuza Kiwami, are based on older design foundations and may feel like a step back in combat depth, side-activity variety, or visual polish. This can make the transition to the next game jarring if you expect the same level of refinement.

Decision Checklist

• Do I have the time for a lengthy action-adventure with extensive optional systems, or would I rather start with a shorter, more linear game?
• Do I enjoy beat-’em-up combat, open-city side activities, and stories that frequently shift between melodrama and absurdist humor?
• Am I planning to continue through the rest of the series, and do I care whether I experience it in chronological order, release order, or as a self-contained story?

Alternatives to Consider

If Yakuza 0 does not seem like the right fit, Yakuza Kiwami is a direct remake of the original 2005 game and serves as the next chronological chapter after Yakuza 0. It is shorter, more focused on Kazuma Kiryu, and introduces the recurring characters and plot threads that carry through the rest of the Kiryu saga. Players who prefer turn-based role-playing combat over real-time brawling may prefer Yakuza: Like a Dragon, later titled Like a Dragon, which stars a new protagonist and is largely standalone. Another low-risk option is to watch the opening hours of any entry through a free trial, demo, or gameplay overview before purchasing, so you can judge the tone, pacing, and humor against your own tastes.

Final Recommendation

For most newcomers, Yakuza 0 is a sensible first choice: it is a polished, emotionally engaging prequel that requires no prior knowledge and showcases the best of the series’ brawler formula. If your main goal is to experience the saga as originally constructed, or if you want a shorter, more streamlined start, Yakuza Kiwami is the better alternative. If you prefer modern turn-based JRPG mechanics, consider Like a Dragon instead. Because this is an entertainment decision rather than a medical, legal, or financial choice, the best path is simply the one that matches your available time, preferred tone, and interest in continuing the series.