Updated on January 16, 2025 at 6:41pm: Added more details about Game Gear.
A defining strength of the Yakuza series, you can expect the Yakuza Kiwami 3 minigames and substories to continue tradition with a mix of heartfelt moments, absurd comedy, and surprising depth.
Beyond Kiryu’s main journey, the streets of Kamurocho and Downtown Ryukyu are packed with side stories that spotlight everyday residents, unexpected situations, and the quieter corners of the world.
From stepping in as an impromptu host at Stardust to chasing down an orphanage dog with a questionable discovery, these substories showcase the series at its most playful.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties release date and platforms
Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties is a modern reimagining of the classic Yakuza 3 originally released in 2009, rebuilt from the ground up by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio with enhanced visuals, expanded story content, and updated gameplay for today’s platforms.
The combined title releases worldwide on February 12, 2026 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 minigames
- Karaoke
- Select your outfits
- Take out the Reapers
Karaoke
Belt out both classic hits and brand-new tracks! In Yakuza Kiwami 3, Kiryu can perform two fresh songs:
- Pararirai -Happiness Blooms-
- Kamurocho Rhapsody
Alongside favorites from previous games, and you can even invite Haruka, Majima, Akko-san, and other characters to join in on the karaoke fun.
“I wanted to compose an Okinawa-themed song that Kiryu could sing with all of the kids at Morning Glory,” explained Ryosuke Horii, the veteran game developer at SEGA’s Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio.
“The lyrics are simple enough for anyone to sing along, and they echo my own wish for peace. Give it a listen! Also, the music video packs so much punch that it might even claim a top spot in karaoke history.”
When it comes to Kamurocho Rhapsody, Horii added, “I’ve composed a number of tracks centered around Kamurocho in the past. However, since most of them are enka ballads, I wanted to try my hand at something more rock ‘n’ roll this time.”
“With its mix of danger and emotion, this song captures what Kamurocho is all about. The music video also features footage of Kiryu’s past encounters, making it a must-watch for fans of the series.”
Outfits: Choose the perfect styles to stand out in Downtown Ryukyu and Kamurocho
Yakuza Kiwami 3 lets you mix and match outfits for Kiryu’s adventures across Downtown Ryukyu and Kamurocho.
Go for a relaxed vibe in Downtown Ryukyu with beach sandals and a kariyushi shirt, or embrace Kamurocho’s vibrant nightlife with bold hairstyles and flashy party-ready looks.
Reapers: Hunt down dangerous enemies seeking revenge on the Tojo Clan
The Reapers are a ruthless group of ex-Tojo Clan members, expelled for their cruel actions and nursing a deep grudge against the clan.
At the urging of his old ally Kashiwagi, Kiryu sets out to track them down. It’s up to you to discover their hideouts and take them down, earning generous cash and valuable rewards for each defeat.
Besides the above, you’ll also get to a range of activities from bowling to the Print Club. For the first time in the series, SEGA’s classic Game Gear is playable in-game, complete with multiple titles.
The arcades are packed with fun, too, offering everything from UFO Catchers and Emergency Call Ambulance to the action-packed SlashOut.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 substories
- A Star’s Debut at Stardust
- Keep at It, Parents!
- LaLaLa Loveland
A Star’s Debut at Stardust
On the day a group from Hokkaido is set to visit Stardust, the popular host club is thrown into chaos by a sudden lack of staff.
To keep things running, Kiryu reluctantly fills in as a temporary host under the name Kazzy-chan, dressing the part and navigating small talk as he tries to win over customers in his own unconventional way.
Keep at It, Parents!
After stumbling across a dirty magazine on the beach, Kiryu tries to keep it out of the children’s hands by burying it in the orphanage yard.
His plan quickly falls apart when Mame, the resident dog, digs it up and bolts, leaving Kiryu to chase him down and restore order before chaos breaks out.
LaLaLa Loveland: Make LaLaLa Friends through the red thread of fate transmission
Kiryu’s flip phone is so outdated it’s barely holding together, prompting him to finally upgrade to a newer model.
During the exchange, LaLaLa Mobile CEO Lala Aizawa ropes him into testing LaLaLa Loveland, a new social platform where Kiryu connects with fellow flip phone users through the Red Thread of Fate, forming LaLaLa Friends and unlocking more of their profiles over time.
Alongside building connections with LaLaLa Friends, the Red Thread of Fate transmission introduces Loveboxes that reward curious players. These boxes are hidden throughout Downtown Ryukyu and Kamurocho, turning exploration into a scavenger hunt as you discover them in unexpected spots, from parked trucks to passersby around town.
Cell phone customization
You can customize Kiryu’s flip phone by swapping antennas, adding straps, and changing the lock screen.
Each part comes with its own effect that boosts Kiryu’s abilities, giving you plenty of combinations to experiment with.
You can also decorate it with rhinestones and stickers, letting you style the phone exactly the way you like!
