Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut Gets a Release Date for PS5, Xbox, and PC

In a major announcement that has the Yakuza and Like a Dragon community buzzing, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has confirmed that the enhanced version of their acclaimed prequel, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, will be released for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on December 8, 2025. This release follows the game’s initial debut as an exclusive launch title for the new Nintendo Switch 2 in June 2025. The news came as part of a special RGG Direct livestream, which also unveiled new projects, including the highly anticipated remake Yakuza Kiwami 3.

The Director’s Cut is being hailed as the definitive way to experience the origin stories of series protagonists Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima. While the original Yakuza 0 was a masterpiece in its own right, this new version adds a host of new content and features that make it a compelling re-purchase for veterans and an unmissable entry for newcomers. The launch date holds special significance for the franchise, as December 8 marks the 20th anniversary of the Like a Dragon series, making it a celebratory event for fans worldwide. Unfortunately, it has been confirmed that there is no upgrade path for owners of the original game on PS4, Xbox One, or PC, and save data cannot be carried over.

What’s New in the Director’s Cut?

The Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut is not just a simple port; it’s a content-rich version of the game. Here is a breakdown of the key additions that make this release so significant:

• New Cutscenes: The Director’s Cut adds approximately 26 minutes of new cutscenes that provide additional context and “closure” to certain characters and incidents in the story. While these scenes don’t drastically alter the plot, they offer a deeper dive into the world and its characters, a welcome addition for long-time fans.
• New English Dub: For the first time, Yakuza 0 will feature a full English voiceover, a major feature for Western audiences who may not be as comfortable with subtitles. The original game only had a Japanese dub. This is a huge change and a move that is likely to attract a new wave of players to the franchise.
• New Multiplayer Mode: A new online co-op mode called “Red Light Raid” has been added. In this mode, up to four players can team up to battle waves of enemies and bosses. The mode features a massive roster of over 60 playable characters, including different variants of Kiryu and Majima, as well as a variety of villains and side characters. It has been confirmed that this mode will be added in a post-launch update.

The Future of the Yakuza Franchise

The announcement of Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut‘s release date is part of a much larger strategy for the franchise. The same RGG Direct event confirmed that two other classic titles, Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2, will also be coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on the same date, December 8, 2025. This means that a significant portion of the franchise’s catalogue will be available on current-generation consoles, giving players a chance to experience the entire story in order. The reveal of Yakuza Kiwami 3, a full remake of the 2009 game, further cements the developers’ commitment to bringing the entire saga to modern audiences. The remake is slated for a February 2026 release.

This news is a massive win for fans and a key moment in the gaming industry. By remastering and re-releasing its older titles, the Yakuza franchise is ensuring that its rich and complex narrative is accessible to a new generation of players. It also provides a steady stream of content while developers work on the next major entry in the series. The launch of these titles on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC ensures that a wider audience than ever will be able to experience the captivating world of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima. The December 8 release date is a monumental event for fans, making it one of the most anticipated releases of the year and a key driver of high-value high-CPC keywords.