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Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Launch Together: A Two-in-One Experience

Last Updated: October 24, 2025

Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties logo art

In a landmark announcement at the RGG Summit 2025, developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio electrified its global fanbase by officially confirming the long-awaited Yakuza Kiwami 3. The complete remake of the 2009 PlayStation 3 classic is slated for a February 12, 2026 release. In an unprecedented move, the studio also revealed a brand new prequel spin-off, titled Dark Ties, which will launch as part of a "two-in-one experience" on the very same day.

This dual-game announcement ends years of fervent speculation and confirms a massive commitment from the acclaimed studio. It promises a landmark start to 2026 for fans of the Like a Dragon saga, delivering both a modernized classic and an entirely new chapter that will expand the series' rich lore.

The Dragon of Okinawa Returns, Rebuilt for a New Generation

The confirmation of Yakuza Kiwami 3 brings the third chapter of Kazuma Kiryu’s saga into the modern era, following the successful remakes of the first two titles. The original Yakuza 3 was a pivotal entry, marking the series' debut on the PlayStation 3 and introducing the serene, sun-soaked beaches of Okinawa. The story sees a retired Kiryu attempting to leave his violent past behind to run the Morning Glory Orphanage, only to be inevitably pulled back into the brutal politics of the Tojo Clan.

As with previous Kiwami titles, Yakuza Kiwami 3 is a complete ground-up remake. Built in RGG Studio’s powerful Dragon Engine—the same technology behind recent hits like Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and the Judgment series—the game features vastly improved graphics, fluid combat animations, and a seamless world.

Key features of this definitive remake include:

  • Modernized Combat: The original's combat system has been completely overhauled to align with the more refined and impactful brawler mechanics seen in later Kiryu-led games.
  • Restored and Expanded Content: The original 2010 Western release of Yakuza 3 was notorious for its cut content, including numerous substories and minigames. RGG Studio has confirmed this version will be the complete, definitive edition, restoring all previously removed content and adding new story scenes to further flesh out the plot and characters.
  • Full Audio Re-recording: The Japanese voice lines have been entirely re-recorded to ensure consistent audio quality and performance across all modern entries in the series.

Unveiling the Prequel: The Enigmatic 'Dark Ties'

While Kiwami 3 was a long-held hope, the simultaneous reveal of a prequel spin-off, Dark Ties, was a genuine shock. Though the studio is keeping the full plot details under wraps, the title suggests a story focused on the foundational betrayals and alliances that define the Japanese criminal underworld.

The success of Yakuza 0, which masterfully explored the early careers of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, proved the prequel format's incredible potential. Dark Ties could explore the origins of other fan-favorite characters like Taiga Saejima or Daigo Dojima, or it could introduce an entirely new cast to the high-stakes world of the late 20th century. This new title promises a compelling, high-stakes narrative free from the constraints of established events, making it just as anticipated as the remake it will launch alongside.

The 'Two-in-One Experience': A Bold Release Strategy

The decision to launch two major titles as a single package is a bold and highly unusual strategy. Labeling it a "two-in-one experience" strongly suggests a deep thematic or narrative connection between Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties. It is highly likely that playing the prequel will provide crucial context that enriches the complex political and personal conflicts Kiryu faces in Kiwami 3. This ambitious release model creates a singular, massive event for the franchise, drawing in both longtime fans and new players.

This aggressive release also solidifies RGG Studio's reputation as one of the most prolific and consistent developers in the industry. The dual project will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Cementing the Future of the 'Like a Dragon' Universe

With the mainline series now firmly established in the turn-based RPG genre with protagonist Ichiban Kasuga, this announcement cements RGG Studio's commitment to preserving the series' action-brawler legacy. The Kiwami remakes serve as a vital bridge, allowing a new generation of fans who joined with Yakuza: Like a Dragon to experience the foundational story of Kazuma Kiryu with modern gameplay and presentation.

This dual launch ensures that the world of Like a Dragon will continue to expand in multiple directions at once. As Ichiban’s story moves forward, the studio is simultaneously filling in the gaps of its rich history—a strategy that brilliantly serves all segments of its diverse fanbase. As we look toward February 12, 2026, it's clear that the streets of Kamurocho and the shores of Okinawa have many more stories left to tell.