New Story Details and Gameplay Revealed for Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties

RGG has revealed some new info regarding Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties. These primarily involve upgraded combat and gameplay, but there are also a few story elements that you might be interested in. So first, let's jump in to what you can expect from Yakuza Kiwami 3. 

You'll find that the Dragon of Dojima will involve the trademark of Kiwami Style Combat. There will be more attacks than ever before in the history of the series, along with new Heat Abilities, and some fan favourites from the original game.

There is also a new battle style, taking root from Okinawan martial arts in the form of Ryukyu Style Combat. The base stance incorporates a tinbe and rochin; the traditional shield and short spear. Just mash or hold down buttons to weave through numerous weapons, including sai, tonfa, nunchaku, and many more styles of attacks. Kiryu can power this up by maxing his gauge and activating Dragon Boost.

 

Furthermore, Kiryu will have access to his most diverse skillset with his ability upgrades. Just complete missions and undergo training to mold his fighting style into however you see fit. Or, you could customise his cell phone to boost his motivation. 

Outside of Yakuza Kiwami 3, there's Dark Ties. Set in 2007, Yoshitaka Mine once launched a successful startup, only to lose it all when he's stabbed in the back. As he wandered Kamurocho whilst drunk, he witnessed a gruesome battle between different yakuza fanctions. When Daigo Dojima's subordinate sacrificed themselves, Mine yearned to learn how a bond could possibly transcend that of material gains.

To learn more, he approached Tsuyoshi Kanda of the Nishikiyama Family of the Tojo Clan. Welcomed as a sworn brother and right-hand man, they both earn some significant money, and when the Tojo Clan learn of them, Mine and Kanda have to navigate their way through the crisis as they feel a sense of kinship to one another. But, when Daigo Dojima offered Mine an invitation, what could possibly have happened next? It's this story that Dark Ties will explore.

Throughout this, you'll learn more about Mine's Ruthless Combat, based on shoot-boxing which will allow you to exploit your opponent's openings in their defence, and beat down your enemies. Plus, you can dash through the air, allowing the opportunity to overwhelm your foes.

Mine can also enter Dark Awakening by building up his Shattered Heart. In this mode, he'll reveal his true ferocity, and thus, you'll find a transformation in now only his techniques, but also in his battle animations. With Mine's Dark Awakening, you'll release a host of Heat Actions, such as all-out barrages and brutal gut punches.

When upgrading his abilities, you'll find a selection of mid-air Heat Actions to learn, improving his technique and combat, also for his Dark Awakening.

Excited about Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties? Well don't worry, because it will be launching on 12th February, 2026 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.