During the recent RGG Summit livestream, Sega announced Yakuza Kiwami 3, a comprehensive remake of the original 2009 title, Yakuza 3. Following in the footsteps of previous “Kiwami” remakes like Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2, this new iteration will feature a significant visual overhaul, enriched story details through new cutscenes and action sequences, and a plethora of fresh side content.
[Embedded Video: Yakuza Kiwami 3 Announcement Trailer]
Later in the RGG Direct presentation, game director Ryosuke Horii provided further insights into the game’s additions. Beyond new story scenes, numerous cutscenes and voicelines from Yakuza 3 have been entirely re-recorded and revamped for Kiwami 3. The iconic environments of Okinawa, a pivotal setting in the original, have also been meticulously remade. Combat has received similar enhancements, allowing Kiryu to seamlessly switch between his classic “Dragon of Dojima Kiwami” fighting style and the brand-new, Okinawan-martial-arts-inspired, weapon-focused “Ryukyu Style.” To amplify the intensity, the “Dragon Boost” powered-up mode will further enhance Kiryu’s already formidable techniques, making his face-smashing, ruffian-hurling attacks even more ferocious.
A host of new minigames were also showcased. A fresh game mode titled “Life at Morning Glory” offers a glimpse into Kiryu’s softer side as he manages the Morning Glory orphanage and interacts with the children under his care. Another new minigame, “Legendary Baddie: Bad Boy Dragon,” sees Kiryu teaming up with a squad of female Okinawan biker gang members to assist them in their turf wars against rival factions.
Furthermore, the game will introduce a brand-new “Gaiden” story, set immediately before the in-game events of Kiwami 3. This narrative, dubbed Dark Ties, centers on Yoshitaka Mine, the primary antagonist of Yakuza 3. Mine will be a fully playable character in this side story, offering players a deeper understanding of his life and motivations. This expansion will be an integral part of the core Kiwami 3 package, allowing players to choose whether to embark on the main story or the Dark Ties campaign upon starting the game.
Gameplay in Dark Ties mirrors that of Yakuza 3, primarily focusing on the familiar streets of Kamurocho. Mine’s fighting style blends boxing-inspired techniques with acrobatic aerial strikes, and he can activate a powerful “Dark Awakening” state for increased brutality. The Dark Ties campaign is packed with its own set of minigames and sub-stories, including “Kanda Damage Control,” where players attempt to rehabilitate the public image of the notorious gangster Tsuyoshi Kanda, and the “Hell’s Arena” underground coliseum.
[Embedded Video: Yakuza Kiwami 3 ‘Dark Ties’ Trailer]
Digital pre-orders are currently live on platforms like Steam and PlayStation Network. The standard edition of the game is listed with a February 11, 2026 release date and a price of $59.99. A Digital Deluxe edition, featuring various additional content, is also available for approximately $74.99.