Clear the whole series
from one place.

The prequel and still the cleanest point to learn the cast and tone.

The best immediate follow-up because it pays off 0's setup directly.

A strong modern stop before the older remasters begin to show their age.

Dragon Engine remake of Yakuza 3 — bundles the new Dark Ties scenario, the smoothest way to keep the Kiryu line going after Kiwami 2.

Older remaster — Kiwami 3 supersedes it for first-time play.

This is where the multi-lead structure fully arrives.