Some may find the older games "clunky" but they're still good fun, and boast an impeccable atmosphere the remakes are missing. (And a hilarious dub). Though I obviously recommend against using the dub for your initial experience. use the retranslation instead

You should start with this unless you have already played 0. If you played 0, you might be better off playing Kiwami due to the additional references and nods it makes to 0. But do come back to this one some other time to enjoy the atmosphere and dub.

Its Yakuza but like, 2.

Probably the best way to play the first two entries in the franchise.

But good luck trying to play it without an available translation.

Most people will tell you this is the perfect entry point. It isn't a bad one, but perfect it is not.

I recommend starting with the series' roots instead, play this one after Yakuza 5.

(Kiwami and Kiwami 2 are remakes of Yakuza 1 and Yakuza 2)

There's always a huge debate on whether to play the originals or remakes.

More streamlined gameplay, less atmosphere. More characterization for the main antagonist, annoying Majima harassment. The list of differences goes on.

But they both have their merits, whichever one appeals to you I guess.

If you did play the original, you aren't missing out on much by not playing the Kiwami's

Same as Kiwami but better but worse.

Better side content, weird music choices in cutscenes. Pretty dragon engine, missing portion of the map. Questionable facial remodels, cool dynamic intros and qte's.
The list goes on once again.

The original Yakuza 2 is widely accepted to be the better version, but I do think this game gets more hate than it deserves.
If you only get to play one of them though, make it the original.

A streets of rage reskin meant to resemble the events of Yakuza 1, with the ability to play as Kiryu, Majima and Ichiban. And bosses like Lau Ka Long making appearances.

It's obviously not required playing, but supports local Co-op so it makes for a good time despite it's short length.

It was a SEGA anniversary title and isn't available to get unless you somehow get your hands on the install link.

(It's steam://install/1368430, you're welcome!)

A samurai spinoff that sadly remains untranslated at the time of writing. But can be skipped.

If you are willing to have a translation open on the side to play the game you can find it here
Still worth a playthrough if you are willing.

The PS3 is also not regionlocked (Besides Persona 4 Arena for whatever reason and Joysound Dive), so playing this real hardware is totally possible.

Includes 3, 4 and 5.

AKA the best one.

Do install the quickstep patch.
And the Gatorade patch.
Outside of that, the remaster has a better localization, so best stick to that.

AKA the funny one.

Japanese-only PSP spinoffs that luckily have fan-translations.

Playing them isn't required but it makes you like 10x cooler.

They also have some of the best tracks in the series.

Its Kurohyou but like, 2.

A skippable zombie-apocalypse spinoff stuck on the ps3, but genuinely entertaining if you can get your hands on it.

Nothing can prove it isn't canon.
(edit: It got disproven. RGG are COWARDS. This will still be canon in my heart.)

AKA the epic one.

If you are gonna play the original, play it after 5.

Oh, wait? You cant read Japanese?

Maybe wait for now.

If you followed my advice and started with the original ps2 titles, now is time to play 0.

AKA the sad one.

Only play this if you like Fist of the North Star, obviously.

Can be skipped, obviously.

Both Judgment games are spinoffs that are as good if not better than the mainline games.

Can be skipped but you'd have to be insane if you do.

Yakuza 7

A rebirth for the series, now a JRPG following a homeless guy. AND IT ROCKS.

Japanese-only Mobile Gacha game.

I'm not gonna pretend I know much about this.

I'm not gonna pretend I care either.

I THINK there are translations of the stories online? Again, I don't really know.

Play this after 7, because this localised remake of Ryuu ga Gotoku Ishin adds a bunch of characters from 0, 6 and 7.

Or don't play it at all, similar to Kenzan, its a samurai spinoff that's mostly interesting if you are interested in Japanese history.

Though I have my preferences with 3 & 8, and you will have yours, I would argue this is RGG's best and most consistent work.

Should not be played before 7, as it spoils some major plot points from that game.

A pricey DLC campaign, but well worth it.
Has one of RGG's best final bosses.

Yakuza 6.5
Also Yakuza 7.5
Also Yakuza 5 2

A spinoff in the lightest sense, absolutely cannot be skipped.

Yakuza 8.

The culmination of everything that came before.