Image credit: RGG Studio

SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio just confirmed it. A free demo for Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is now live on digital storefronts.

PC players can start on January 21. Console players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Switch 2 get access starting January 22. The demo includes two separate slices: Kiryu’s remade journey and Mine’s new story arc.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties - Demo Launch Trailer | PS5 Games

Important note before you start: your save file will not carry over to the full version, so treat this like a test drive, not the beginning of your full playthrough.

Release Times and Global Rollout

The rollout depends on the platform. Don’t worry if you don’t see the download button right away. Here are the times in Central European Time:

  • PC (Steam): January 21 at 16:00 CET
  • PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch 2: January 22 at 06:00 CET

Steam users got access first, and console users can jump in the next morning. It is not a simultaneous launch, but at least the timing is clear.

What’s in the Demo: Okinawa and Kamurocho

The demo includes two parts.

  • Yakuza Kiwami 3: you will explore Ryukyu, Okinawa. The updated combat system lets you switch between Dragon of Dojima and Ryukyu styles. The latter focuses on weapon-based attacks. There are side activities like karaoke, substories, and outfit changes. This part shows how the new engine handles the tropical setting.
  • Dark Ties: you play as Yoshitaka Mine in Kamurocho. His combat uses a shoot-boxing style, which is different from Kiryu’s brawling. This is brand new content, separate from the original Yakuza 3. Even if you know the story, this section offers something different. It is a good way to see how Mine plays and feels in action.

The Limitations: No Save Transfers

Your progress will not move to the full game. Do not spend hours chasing locker keys or trying to master karaoke. This is a chance to test the gameplay, not to fully grind. If you are short on time, focus on the essentials.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties - Official Kiryu Combat Gameplay Trailer

Suggested First 30 Minutes

1. Try both fighting styles in Okinawa. Spend five minutes switching between Dragon and Ryukyu.
2. Jump into Dark Ties. Get into three fights using Mine’s style.
3. Complete one substory and try karaoke to see the new interface.
4. On PC, check performance settings. See how the game runs on your hardware.

Looking Ahead to February 12

The full game launches February 12 on all platforms. The demo is the final preview. New players can see what Okinawa has to offer. Longtime fans can find out if the remake does the original justice.

What are you jumping into first? Are you sticking with Kiryu or trying Mine’s combat? And for those who played the original Yakuza 3, what do you hope they changed in the Kiwami version?