When Does Yakuza's Like a Dragon Gaiden Fit in the Timeline?

The return of Kazuma Kiryu to the forefront in Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is highly anticipated by fans. As players step into the shoes of the Dragon of Dojima once more, they will assume the role of Joryu, serving as a bodyguard for unknown reasons. The game's release in November has generated excitement among fans, who are eager to discover why Kiryu's hair is gray in Like a Dragon 8. While his age is an obvious factor, with Kiryu being born in 1968 and Like a Dragon 7 taking place in 2019, it remains uncertain what year Like a Dragon 8 takes place. Some speculate that a time skip may explain Kiryu's sudden gray hair, but the game's true focus is on answering other questions about the franchise's future, including Kiryu's return and what lies ahead for him.

Like a Dragon Gaiden Takes Place in 2018

The events of Like a Dragon Gaiden are set to take place in 2018, following the conclusion of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life and preceding Yakuza: Like a Dragon. This timeline places the game two years after the events of the sixth installment and one year before the events of Like a Dragon. The game is expected to shed light on how Kiryu was discovered and eventually assisted in the dismantling of the Tojo Clan and Omi Alliance. Despite this involvement, Kiryu remained highly protective of his identity during this time, having erased his name and reputation as the Dragon of Dojima to safeguard Haruka and her son. However, it is clear that something prompts Kiryu's return to the public eye in Like a Dragon 8, where he will join Ichiban as a protagonist. While the specifics remain unknown, these questions will be answered in Like a Dragon 8, not in Like a Dragon Gaiden.

To fully appreciate Kiryu's turn-based gameplay, it's important to first explore the period between his supposed death and his sudden return to the world of the Yakuza through the franchise's classic gameplay. This is where Like a Dragon Gaiden comes in, as it delves into his time as an "agent" and his decision to erase his name, bridging the gap between Yakuza: Like A Dragon. As for what lies ahead for Kiryu and the future of the franchise, fans will have to wait for the release of Like a Dragon 8. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name will be available on November 9th for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.