Lika A Dragon developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios held its RRG Summit livestream, where it announced that 2009’s Yakuza 3 is finally getting the Kiwami remake treatment. Not only that, but the game is getting a new story expansion called Dark Ties.
The two experiences will be bundled together in a package dubbed Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties. Kiwami 3, like the previous titles, is a ground-up remake of Yakuza 3 that features improved graphics and reworked brawling gameplay, such as the ability to swap between two fighting styles.
The first fighting style is Dragon of Dojima: Kiwami, a brawling style boasting the largest number of attack techniques in the series’ history. Second is Ryukyu Style, a new addition described as a technical weapon-based style that lets players unleash combos using eight different weapons.
Kiwami 3 also features a new team battle mode called Legendary Baddie, Bad Boy Dragon. Players work together to build a biker gang to fight alongside the Ryukyu Gal Gang of female bikers to protect Okinawa.
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Dark Ties is a standalone story expansion starring Yakuza 3 antagonist Yoshitaka Mine. Set in Kamurocho, it serves as a prequel to Yakuza 3’s events that tells Mine’s origin story and how and why he joined the yakuza.
Gameplay-wise, Mine’s combat centers on boxing and his Dark Awakening ability, a mode where he unleashes his inner darkness to wreak havoc on enemies with a ruthless assault. Dark Ties also features Hells Arena, an underground fight club where players can battle opponents under various rules. Survival Hell mode tasks players with fighting through an underground dungeon to reach a goal at the end.
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Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties launches on February 12, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, PlayStation 4, and PC. Pre-ordering either the digital or physical version rewards the  exclusive Ryukyu Gal Gang – Ichiban Legendary Lad DLC that adds fan-favorite hero Ichiban Kasuga to the Ryukyu Gal Gang and Legendary Baddie modes. In addition to a standard version, Sega is offering a Digital Deluxe edition that includes the following bonuses:
- DLC Legendary Outfit Pack
- DLC Legendary Lads & Gals Pack
- DLC Ryukyu Gal Gang Customization Pack
- DLC Flip Phone Customization Pack
- DLC Legendary BGM CD Set
In more RGG news, Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 are slated to launch on Switch 2 on November 13. The formerly Switch 2 exclusive Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut is also coming to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on December 8.Â
This is exciting news for fans of the Yakuza series! A new story expansion for Kiwami 3 sounds like a great addition, and it’s always interesting to see how the developers continue to evolve the narrative. Looking forward to what’s in store!
absolutely thrilling! I’m curious to see how the new dark ties will develop the characters further. The Yakuza series is known for its deep storytelling, and I hope this expansion will dive even deeper into the lore.
I share your excitement! It’ll be interesting to see how the new narrative intertwines with the existing storylines and whether it introduces new gameplay mechanics as well. The character development in the Yakuza series is always a highlight!
Absolutely, it’s always fascinating to see how the new elements will blend with the existing storylines. I’m particularly curious about the character development and how it might expand on the themes of loyalty and redemption that the series is known for.
I agree! It’s intriguing to think about how the new Dark Ties expansion will deepen the character connections and enrich the overall narrative. Fans are likely to appreciate both the fresh content and the familiar themes that Yakuza games are known for.