SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have announced Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, a new two-in-one package launching February 12, 2026. Revealed during the RGG Summit 2025 livestream and landing right on the eve of Tokyo Game Show 2025, this release celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Like a Dragon and Yakuza series with both a ground-up remake and a brand-new side story.
The bundle includes a full remake of Yakuza 3, following Kazuma Kiryu and his adoptive daughter Haruka as they settle in Okinawa to run the Morning Glory Orphanage. But when government forces and the yakuza target prime beachfront property, Kiryu finds himself once again pulled into conflict. Alongside the remake, SEGA is also delivering Dark Ties, a completely new game centered on Yoshitaka Mine, one of Yakuza 3’s most memorable antagonists.
This combination of a remade classic and a fresh story underlines RGG Studio’s theme: “A legend is reborn and a new legacy begins.” Both games will arrive on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam).
Two Stories, One Package
At the heart of Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is the remake of Yakuza 3. The story follows Kazuma Kiryu and his adoptive daughter Haruka as they try to build a quiet life in Okinawa, running the Morning Glory Orphanage. Of course, peace doesn’t last long. Government interests and the yakuza set their sights on the beachfront property, forcing Kiryu to fight once again for the people he cares about.
This remake isn’t just a visual overhaul. RGG Studio rebuilt the game from the ground up, adding new cutscenes and side experiences that make Okinawa and Kamurocho feel more alive. Exploring these areas has always been a series highlight, and the updated presentation makes familiar spots worth revisiting. I still remember playing the original and wishing certain moments had more weight. This remake looks like it’s answering that.
Combat has also seen major changes. The “Ultimate Brawler Experience” lets you switch between two distinct fighting styles. “Dragon of Dojima: Kiwami” is a hard-hitting style packed with the most techniques in the series’ history, while the “Ryukyu Style” leans into weapon-based combat inspired by Okinawan martial arts. The variety gives you freedom to fight in new ways, whether you’re smashing enemies with raw power or chaining weapon combos.
Beyond the main story, there are new diversions, including “Legendary Baddie, Bad Boy Dragon.” This team battle mode has you building a biker gang and teaming up with the Ryukyu Gal Gang to defend Okinawa’s streets. It’s the kind of over-the-top side activity that keeps the pacing fresh, offering a fun detour from the main plot.
Dark Ties
The second part of the package is Dark Ties, an all-new story starring Yoshitaka Mine. Known as one of Kiryu’s toughest rivals in Yakuza 3, Mine steps into the lead role for the first time. This side story explores his origins, his search for meaningful connections, and the choices that pulled him from running a company into the world of the yakuza. It’s a rare chance to see a familiar antagonist from a different angle.
Combat in Dark Ties shifts away from Kiryu’s style. Mine fights with a refined boxing-based system, emphasizing fast combinations and clean strikes. The new Dark Awakening mode lets him unleash a surge of power, chaining ruthless combos and finishing moves that highlight his more dangerous side. It’s a fresh approach that gives the package a distinct flavor compared to Kiryu’s brawler-heavy action.
Extra modes expand the experience further. Hell’s Arena is an underground fight club with unique rulesets, offering variety beyond standard encounters. One example, Survival Hell, drops Mine into a dungeon filled with nonstop enemies until he reaches the exit. These additions add variety for those wanting to push Mine’s combat further.
By pairing this new story with the remake of Yakuza 3, SEGA isn’t just revisiting the past. It’s also giving fans something entirely different. Including Mine’s story alongside the remake shows SEGA’s focus on both honoring the past and adding something new.
Pre-orders and 20th Anniversary Extras
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties will launch with both Standard and Digital Deluxe editions. Pre-ordering nets the “Ryukyu Gal Gang – Ichiban Legendary Lad” DLC, adding Ichiban Kasuga to the new “Legendary Baddie, Bad Boy Dragon” mode. The Digital Deluxe edition also includes a set of bonus packs featuring extra outfits, customization options, and additional BGM tracks. For anyone picking up the Standard Edition, a Digital Deluxe Upgrade will be available separately.
SEGA also announced more releases to mark the 20th anniversary. Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 are headed to Nintendo Switch 2 on November 13, 2025. These will then arrive on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam) with expanded language support on December 8, 2025. On the same day, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, already out on Nintendo Switch 2, will make its way to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. These re-releases give fans a chance to catch up on the saga leading directly into Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties.
RGG Studio also teased a look behind the scenes at its development process, even dropping a quick mention of its upcoming project, Stranger Than Heaven.
With a full remake, an entirely new story, and a slate of anniversary releases, SEGA is giving fans plenty to look forward to. There’s plenty here for longtime fans, and Mine’s perspective is one I’ve wanted to see explored.
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