Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth — Everything We Know

Ryu Ga Gotoku certainly has its hands full this year, what with both Like a Dragon: Ishin! and Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name both set to hit consoles and PC by year’s end. And if that wasn’t enough to keep fans at bay, then wait till they get a load of RGG’s next game, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Lost in all the drama? You should be.

Of course, the one question that’s currently hanging over the heads of countless Yakuza fans is simple, and that is, how on earth does Infinite Wealth fit in with the current timeline, and how will it carve a new future for the long-standing franchise? Well, here’s everything you need to know about it before putting down that all-important pre-order. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth: what is it, and when can we expect to get our hands on it? Let’s talk.

What Is Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth?

Just to make it clear, RGG’s Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the eighth mainline chapter in the Yakuza series, and the follow-up chapter to 2020’s Yakuza: Like a Dragon. On a side note, 2023’s Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name will serve as a side story, and will cast its focus on series all-star Kazuma Kiryu between the events depicted in Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, and Yakuza 7, otherwise known as Yakuza: Like a Dragon. So, to avoid any confusion, just know that Infinite Wealth will be the next main instalment in the series, and not a spin-off.

Anyway, to get to the point — Infinite Wealth will cast its focus on Ichiban Kasuga, a former Arakawa Family member who initially made his debut in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Unlike previous escapades in which most events have unraveled in Japan, the next chapter will take its players to the USA. As for where in the States remains unclear, though if the trailer is anything to go by, then it’s bound to be somewhere with scorching temperatures, luscious beaches, and concrete jungles for cities.

In addition to Ichiban being a fully playable character, Infinite Wealth will also pick up with Kazuma Kiryu, essentially giving players dual stories and worlds to connect with. Presumably, the next mainline entry in the series will take place after the events of 2023’s Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. So, for the sake of establishing context, it could be worth checking that out before diving head first into Infinite Wealth. Just a thought.

Story

To put it out there, this is indeed a Yakuza game, so if you thought you knew every nook and cranny of its premise, then you clearly thought wrong. Fact is, Infinite Wealth won’t be making things any clearer in the next two-piece storyline set between the US and Japan. Matter of fact, the guys over at RGG have already gone as far as to say Infinite Wealth will feature a story that’s “beyond imagination”, which of course leaves us with more questions than answers at this point in time.

Whatever the situation with the story is, RGG has been ever so kind as to say that “Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a direct sequel to Yakuza: Like A Dragon where an unexpected chain of events sets two legendary ex-yakuza, Kasuga Ichiban and Kazuma Kiryu, on a larger-than-life adventure as dual playable protagonists.” So that’s something.

Of course, we do have the RGG Summit Showcase to root through with a fine-tooth comb, mind you. Going by that, footage of both Kiryu and Kasuga cleared up two things — that Kasuga had tried to propose to Saeko, only to be rejected, and that Kiryu, believe it or not, was more of a ladies man than past entries let on. Does this mean Infinite Wealth will be a romance at heart? Unlikely. That said, it’s Yakuza, so we really can’t say for certain what future chapters will entail these days.

Gameplay

It’ll be an ambitious one, that much is true. And not only that, but an entry that’ll also shed light on multiple story arcs spread over several locations, too. Aside from that, Infinite Wealth will be making full use of its newly developed turn-based combat system to bridge the gaps in the narrative — so expect to lose sight of those familiar beat ‘em up brawler moments.

To state the obvious, as this is of course a Yakuza title through and through, we can certainly expect to see our fair share of semi-open world maps littered with hilarious activities and subplots. As for what sorts of extracurricular activities will make the cut is anybody’s guess. Either way, we’re pretty excited to see what RGG choose to add into this one. Karaoke? Surfing? Honestly, your guess is as good as ours at this point.

Development

Where are you going Ichiban? The RGG Summit is today at 8 pm PT!

Watch live for character introductions and more details on Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth!

📅 Today
⏰ 11PM ET / 8PM PT
📺 Twitch (SEGA) & YouTube (SEGA_West) pic.twitter.com/D92tCQKPor

— RGG Studio (@RGGStudio) June 15, 2023

RGG first announced its plans to bring the next chapter in the Like a Dragon series back at the Xbox Showcase 2023, which aired in the beginning of June. According to the team, it’ll release in the aftermath of its current working title, which is the spin-off The Man Who Erased His Name. If all goes according to plan, then the famed developer should be set to release Infinite Wealth on consoles and PC early next year. But more on that later.

Trailer

There is in fact a CGI trailer of Infinite Wealth to keep us on tenterhooks. Unfortunately, it doesn’t give a great deal away as far as gameplay elements go. Even still, it’s a little piece of something, and you can catch a glimpse of that something-something in the trailer embedded above.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

RGG will be bringing Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth to Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC in “early 2024.” Does this mean a Switch port is out of the question at this time? Apparently so. Not that this is unusual for RGG, though, what with the Yakuza series not having any previous history with the handheld console to date.

Perhaps it’s a little too early to say, but right now it appears RGG hasn’t got any form of special editions up its sleeve for Infinite Wealth. That said, if there is something of the sort in the pipeline, then it’s sure to be revealed a little closer to the time of the game’s loose 2024 launch. We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled, either way.

Has Infinite Wealth caught your eye? If so, be sure to check in with RGG for all the latest updates over on its official social feed here. We’ll be sure to let you know just as soon as a release date gets added to the diary.

So, what’s your take? Will you be picking up a copy of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth when it releases? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.