How Long Does It Take to Finish the Entire Yakuza Series?
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For gamers looking to dive into the sprawling world of the Yakuza series, one of the most frequent questions is: “How long will it take me to finish all these games?” The answer, as with many sprawling RPGs, is multifaceted and depends heavily on your play style. However, we can provide a comprehensive overview to help you plan your journey through the Kamurocho district and beyond.
Generally speaking, if you’re aiming for a straight story-focused playthrough of the main Yakuza titles, you’re looking at approximately 20 hours per game. With around 13 games released in the West, including remakes, spin-offs, and Judgment (which, though not a mainline Yakuza game, is closely related and often considered part of the experience), this puts your total playtime at roughly 260 hours.
However, that’s just scratching the surface. For those aiming to achieve 100% completion, including all side quests, mini-games, and achievements or trophies, you’re in for a much longer haul. Completionist runs can easily push the playtime of each game to 100 hours or more. This translates to a whopping 1300 hours or more for the entire series. This range might even go higher, depending on how granular you define “complete.”
Main Story vs. Completionist Playthroughs
The Yakuza series is known for its deep and captivating narrative, but equally for its expansive side content. Here’s a breakdown to understand the difference:
Main Story Completion
If you’re primarily interested in experiencing the main storyline of each Yakuza title, you can expect to dedicate around 20 hours per game. This approach involves focusing on the key missions and progressing through the narrative without diving too deeply into side activities. This is a great option for those who want to enjoy the core story without feeling overwhelmed.
Completionist Runs
On the other hand, if you’re the kind of gamer who seeks out every collectible, conquers every mini-game, and completes every side quest, get ready for a marathon. Achieving 100% completion in a Yakuza game can take anywhere from 80 to 140+ hours, depending on the specific title. Games like Yakuza 0 and Yakuza 5 are particularly notorious for their length and the sheer amount of content they offer to completionist players.
Notable Games and Their Completion Times
Some Yakuza games are longer than others, and this should factor into your planning. Here’s a look at some of the notable titles:
Yakuza 0
Yakuza 0, a prequel to the entire series, is known for its expansive content and engaging side stories. A main story playthrough typically takes around 31.5 hours, but for a completionist run, you’re easily looking at 140 hours or more.
Yakuza 5
Yakuza 5 is arguably the longest game in the mainline series due to its five protagonists and their interwoven stories. Completing the main story can be done in about 20 hours if you rush it, but a completionist run can easily take 120 hours or more.
Other Mainline Titles
Most other mainline Yakuza games, typically featuring Kiryu Kazuma as the protagonist (excluding Yakuza: Like a Dragon), take around 20 hours to complete the main story if you play at a reasonable pace. However, achieving 100% completion can still push playtime into the 80-100 hour range.
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
Yakuza: Like a Dragon, with its turn-based combat system, is a unique entry in the series. Main story runs clock in around the standard 20-hour mark, while 100% completion can easily take close to 97.5 hours.
The Grind Factor
It’s worth noting that the Yakuza series does have some elements that can lead to perceived “grind.” Some mini-games or substories might require some repetition or time investment. Games like Ishin and HGG are known for having a particular focus on ingredient gathering, which some players may find repetitive. However, many fans embrace the grind as part of the Yakuza experience, as it often leads to unique encounters and valuable rewards.
Final Thoughts
The length of the Yakuza series is a major factor for any prospective player. Whether you plan on a straight, narrative focused play through, or you’re a dedicated completionist, be aware of the immense amount of game play these titles offer. So, if you’re asking how long it takes to finish the entire Yakuza series, the answer is: it varies wildly. Be prepared for a marathon, or enjoy the shorter story runs—either way, it’s a journey worth embarking on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that provide further insight into the Yakuza series and its length:
1. Is Yakuza 0 the longest game in the series?
While Yakuza 0 is lengthy with extensive side content, Yakuza 5, with its multiple playable characters, is considered the longest game in the series.
2. Can you 100% Yakuza 0 after the story?
Yes, absolutely. You can continue playing Yakuza 0 after finishing the main story to complete side content and achieve 100% completion.
3. What is the best order to play the Yakuza games?
The recommended order is chronological: Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami, Yakuza Kiwami 2, Yakuza 3, Yakuza 4, Yakuza 5, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, and Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
4. Is Yakuza: Like a Dragon a good starting point?
While enjoyable as a standalone experience, it’s generally recommended to play the earlier titles first, particularly Yakuza 0. However, Yakuza: Like A Dragon can be a fine entry point if you are drawn to its new combat style.
5. How long does it take to finish Yakuza 0’s story?
The main storyline of Yakuza 0 typically takes about 31.5 hours to complete.
6. How long does it take to 100% Yakuza 0?
Achieving 100% completion in Yakuza 0 can take 140 hours or more.
7. What is the grindiest Yakuza game?
Games like Ishin and HGG are known for being particularly grindy due to their focus on ingredient gathering and crafting.
8. Can I skip Yakuza 0?
You can, but it’s not recommended as it’s considered one of the best in the series and provides crucial context for later games.
9. Do Kiryu and Majima share CP in Yakuza 0?
Yes, for the most part. Kiryu and Majima share the majority of their CP list, with only a few CP rewards exclusive to each character.
10. How long does it take to complete the finale of Yakuza 0?
The finale of Yakuza 0, including the final battles, is around 2 hours long.
11. Is the Yakuza series repetitive?
Like any game with a set formula, the Yakuza series can be perceived as repetitive. How repetitive it feels will depend on your play style and preferences.
12. What does “Kiwami” mean in English?
“Kiwami” means “ultimate” or “the pinnacle” in English.
13. Can you romance characters in Yakuza 0?
While there are social links and mini-games with female characters, it’s not quite a “romance” system.
14. What is the “Empty Lot” in the Yakuza series?
The “Empty Lot” is a key location from Yakuza 0 that later becomes the site of the Millennium Tower in subsequent games.
15. How much time passes between Yakuza 0 and Yakuza Kiwami?
There is a six-year time jump between the end of Yakuza 0 and the beginning of Yakuza Kiwami.