5 reasons to play Yakuza 0 in 2025

Yakuza 0 is a prequel in the Yakuza series, a franchise that has gained mainstream attention due to its unique identity and impressive catalog. The series is named after the Japanese Mafia organization it revolves around. Among the many titles in the franchise, Yakuza 0 is often regarded as one of the best entries.

This article lists the reasons you should play the game in 2025.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinions.

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Why you should play Yakuza 0 in 2025

1) A good entry point into the franchise

Yakuza 0 is a great entry point into the franchise (Image via SEGA)

Yakuza 0 is an excellent way to introduce players to the Yakuza/Like A Dragon franchise. The title is a prequel that tells the story of Kazuma Kiryu and Majima Goro, detailing how they become the Dragon of Dojima and Mad Dog of Shimano, respectively. It provides a good understanding of the chronological order of the mainline Yakuza series.

After completing the game, players can smoothly transition to Kiwami 1 & 2, which continue the story and serve as remakes of the original titles with enhanced graphics.

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2) One of the best combat systems in the franchise

There are many ways to pummel enemies in the game (Image via SEGA)

The combat system in Yakuza 0 is often praised for being one of the best in the franchise due to its balance and diversity.

Players control two characters, Kiryu and Goro, each with three fighting styles and a secret fourth "Legend" style. These styles — Brawler, Rush, and Beast for Kiryu, and Thug, Slugger, and Breaker for Majima — are unique, with their own strengths and weaknesses. This system encourages players to actively switch between styles, making the melee combat engaging, exciting, and satisfying.

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3) A melodramatic crime drama mixed with wacky undertones

An excellent gangster drama (Image via SEGA)

Another outstanding feature of Yakuza 0 is its campaign. The game focuses on the two protagonists as they get embroiled in the nefarious politics of the dark Japanese Yakuza underworld. The story is compelling, offering intense crime drama with well-developed characters and an exhilarating climax.

However, what sets this title apart from other crime games is its side quests, which often start normally but quickly go off the walls. Examples include a quest to protect a man parodying Michael Jackson from zombies while he dances.

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4) A lot to explore in Kamurocho and Sotenbori

The game's serious tone makes its humorous bits stand out (Image via SEGA)

In Yakuza 0, players primarily explore Kamurocho and Sotenbori as Kiryu and Goro, respectively. While these cities are not as expansive as the fields of Skyrim, they are not lacking in activities. During your campaigns, you'll unlock side businesses for both protagonists, which can be completed to unlock their "Legend" styles.

Additionally, you can explore the regions to buy various objects, eat different foods, buy weapons, and play indoor games like bowling, where you can unlock a chicken as a reward and recruit it as a real estate agent in one of the side businesses. The baffling part? It actually has decent stats.

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5) Amazing setpieces

Various incredible action scenes are present in this game (Image via SEGA)

Yakuza 0's story is one of its biggest strengths, and it is complemented by high-octane setpieces. While the game takes some time to get going, it becomes increasingly fast-paced. Between its chapters, various action setpieces are inserted, leaving a lasting impression.

One of the best setpieces is in Chapter 6, where players fight a madman with a dramatic entrance set in a sewer tunnel. Another setpiece that doesn't disappoint is the climax of the game, where players storm the boat of the final boss, slowly progressing towards him and finally fighting him one-on-one.

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