Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut Gets December 8 Release Date for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC

In a major announcement that has the Yakuza and Like a Dragon fanbase buzzing, SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have officially confirmed a release date for Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. The enhanced version of the critically acclaimed prequel will launch on December 8, 2025, a date that holds special significance for the franchise’s 20th anniversary. This news, which was part of a surprise RGG Direct, follows the game’s initial launch as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive back in June and is a massive win for fans on other platforms who have been waiting for the definitive edition of the beloved game.

The “Director’s Cut” is not just a simple port; it’s a new version that includes a wealth of new content and features. The most significant additions include an online multiplayer mode called “Red Light Raid,” which allows up to four players to battle enemies together with a roster of over 60 playable characters, including different variants of protagonists Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima. The game also features new cutscenes that “offer closure” to certain character arcs and incidents, providing new lore for even the most dedicated fans. In addition, the game will be made available in both physical and digital editions, giving players a choice in how they want to own the game.

A Triple-Threat Release: Kiwami 1 and 2 Also Arriving

The announcement of Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut‘s release is part of a larger plan by SEGA to bring the first three titles of the franchise to modern consoles. On the same date, December 8, 2025, both Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 will also be released on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. While these remakes have been available on previous-generation consoles, this new release will mark their first time on current-gen hardware. This three-pronged release strategy ensures that new players can jump into the franchise from the beginning with the best possible versions of the games, all available on their current platforms. The news also confirms that the remakes of Kiwami and Kiwami 2 will be updated with new language support on PC via Steam, making them more accessible to a global audience.

What’s Not in the Director’s Cut: Key Details for Fans

While the news is overwhelmingly positive, there are a few important details that players should be aware of. First, SEGA has confirmed that there will be no upgrade path for owners of the original Yakuza 0 on previous consoles. This means that players who already own the game will have to purchase the Director’s Cut as a separate product to access the new content. Additionally, save data from the original game will not be able to be carried over to the new version. This is a potential disappointment for players who have hundreds of hours logged into their original saves, but it’s a common practice for new versions of games that feature significant new content. For many fans, the opportunity to re-experience the game with the new features will be worth the price of admission.

The Future of the Like a Dragon Franchise

This major announcement is a testament to the continued growth and popularity of the Yakuza and Like a Dragon series in the West. The franchise has evolved from a niche title to a global phenomenon, and SEGA is clearly committed to supporting its dedicated fanbase. The upcoming release of Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut and the current-gen ports of the Kiwami titles are excellent ways to celebrate the series’ 20th anniversary. This announcement also comes ahead of the highly anticipated release of Yakuza Kiwami 3, a full remake of the 2009 game, which is scheduled to arrive in February 2026. This packed schedule of new and remade content ensures that the PC gaming and console communities will have plenty of reasons to stay engaged with the franchise for the foreseeable future. The buzz around this announcement is a major driver of high-CPC keywords and discussion, keeping the series at the forefront of the gaming news cycle.