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Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Direct Reveals New Modes and Brutal Gameplay
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Gameplay Fully Unveiled
SEGA and RGG Studio have released a dedicated Direct showcase for Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, offering an extended look at new gameplay systems, combat styles, and original modes ahead of the two-in-one collection’s release on February 12, 2026.
The presentation highlighted both Kazuma Kiryu’s return in Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Yoshitaka Mine’s parallel storyline in Dark Ties, positioning the package as a substantial reworking rather than a simple remaster.
Kiryu’s Fragile Peace in Okinawa
The Direct revisits Kiryu’s attempt at a quieter life in Okinawa, where his days running Morning Glory Orphanage are once again disrupted by external forces seeking to remove him and the children from their home. While the tropical setting initially suggests calm, the showcase makes it clear that conflict is never far behind.
Kiryu adopts the Ryukyu Style, a faster, Okinawa-inspired combat approach that emphasises fluid movement and aggressive counters. Alongside upgraded combat mechanics, RGG Studio also confirmed the return of familiar minigames alongside new additions tailored to the remade structure.
Bad Boy Dragon Introduces Gang Warfare
One of the headline additions is the brand-new Bad Boy Dragon mode. In this mode, Kiryu steps into a leadership role far removed from traditional street brawling. Players assemble and train a gang of delinquents, beginning with the small-time Haisai Girls and moulding them into Japan’s most feared girl gang.
Gameplay centres on large-scale Baddies Battles, where players fight alongside AI-controlled allies, as well as massive Rumbles that allow up to 20 gang members to clash at once. Strategic skirmishes expand the scope further, letting players ride motorcycles into enemy bases while managing crew loadouts, weapon upgrades, uniforms, and bike customisation.
Dark Ties Expands Yoshitaka Mine’s Story
In Dark Ties, the focus shifts to Yoshitaka Mine, exploring his rise within the Nishikiyama Family. The Direct introduced the Kanda Damage Control segment, where Mine assists his lieutenant, Tsuyoshi Kanda, through a series of substories, disputes, and missions designed to build influence and reputation across the city.
This narrative expansion aims to flesh out Mine’s character through grounded, character-driven scenarios rather than purely cinematic moments.
Hell’s Arena Delivers High-Risk Combat
The Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Direct also introduces Hell’s Arena, an underground fight club built around extreme risk and escalating challenges. As Mine, players take part in Hellish Brawls, traditional one-on-one fights that push combat mastery to its limits.
The mode also features Survival Hell, a dungeon-style race in which players are relentlessly pursued by hunters as they navigate treasure-filled environments. Each run blends combat, navigation, and endurance, culminating in confrontations that tie directly into the Nishikiyama Family’s ongoing power struggle.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties launches on February 12, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam.
