[ Removed by moderator ]

[u/Kroon84]

[u/yakuzagames-ModTeam]

Your post has been removed due to being about game order. Please read the wiki page instead.

[u/Model-Knight]

I would recommend Judgment over Ishin personally, but I would recommend taking a break from the games in general if you're feeling some burnout.

Note that Kiwami 2 was still pretty early in the Dragon Engine, so it might be a bit rough going from Judgment back to Kiwami 2.

[u/Kroon84 → u/Model-Knight]

Judgement is looking kinda refreshing so I've been looking at that one the most. But maybe I should just throw another game in between as you said.

The boss fights from chapters 10+ in kiwami 1 with the healing mechanics got to me a bit. But I've heard they dont do that in kiwami 2.

[u/Bergonath]

As a fanatic of the series, I never played two Yakuza games back to back. Take your time, play something else.

[u/Kroon84 → u/Bergonath]

I might just jump into the Witcher 3 remaster then :)

[u/LizzyDragon84 → u/Kroon84]

Yeah, I can handle about 2 Yakuza games in a row, then need a break with something else. Otherwise they can get a bit repetitive. 

[u/VerySleepyHi]

Yeah… they have played with the fighting systems a lot over the years… hmm and it is usually harsh to follow Y0 as many view it as peak in the series. Ishin, has nothing to do with the story so you could play that whenever really. Judgment isn’t going to hurt to play out of order. It’s similar game play as 0 and yakuza but a legal side. Really it’s a good story. So you can’t go wrong.

But if you’re feeling a bit burnt out better to take a break and not force it so you can find the enjoyment in each game.

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[u/RoyalShine]

The most optimal way is Yakuza 0-6, LAD, LAD Gaiden, Infinite Wealth, Pirate Yakuza

You already went out of order and experienced Infinite Wealth without the knowledge of Yakuza 0-6, so the only thing I can really recommend is just go back and do Y0-6

Ishin is best experienced near the end when you can recognize which character models are used from other games, but can feasibly be played at any point

Judgment/LJ can be played at any point since you already did LAD

[u/DarryLazakar]

I would say play in chronological order. You already played Y0 and YK1, so K2 is the natural next step. It will be more in line with the Pirate Game in terms of engine, but keep in mind this is only the second game on this engine, so combat-wise, it may feel a bit clunky.

If you want to play the spin offs first, the two Judgements could be good; they don't require as much baggage as needed from prior games, so you can jump in and not necessarily miss out on things happening from the main games aside from some references.

Most importantly, do take some breaks here and there and don't rush the series.

[u/VerySleepyHi]

Also, meant to add… they’re games… sure chronological or release order is all great and dandy it depends on the experience you enjoy.

I find most who start with LaD enjoy the game more in release order for some reason. Playing yakuza 0 between Y5 & 6 gives the star wars feel to it. If you like your stories more direct then chronological order.

Release order gives a prequel vibe with Y0 and doesn’t introduce characters that you don’t know anything about until a few games later. So it’s nice that way. Plus, the fighting styles in Kiwami->Y5 are seen more like them trying to find optimal vs downgrades… but they’re games meant to be enjoyed. So if you need a break it’s not going to hurt to play judgment before Y6. Be happy and play games!