Yakuza Kiwami 3 Gaiden: Dark Ties Announced as Spin-Off Starring Mine

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has unveiled Yakuza 3 Gaiden: Dark Ties, a brand-new spin-off starring antagonist Yoshitaka Mine, set to launch bundled with the upcoming Yakuza Kiwami 3.

A New Story Told Through the Eyes of Mine

Dark Ties shifts the spotlight to Mine, one of Yakuza 3’s central figures, and explores his rise in the underworld before his fateful clash with Kazuma Kiryu. According to RGG Studio head Masayoshi Yokoyama, the game will tell “the original story of Mine, about how he begins to step into the underworld, where schemes and bonds unfold.”

This marks the first time Mine has been playable, giving fans a new perspective on the Yakuza saga.

Separate Game, Same Package

Although bundled with Yakuza Kiwami 3, Dark Ties is not an expansion or add-on. Instead, it launches as a separate game within the same package. Players will be able to choose whether to start Kiwami 3 or Dark Ties upon booting the software.

Returning to Kamurocho

The story takes place in Kamurocho, the fictional Tokyo red-light district that has served as the heart of many Like a Dragon titles. Players can expect familiar streets packed with side activities and new diversions tailored to Mine’s journey. Yokoyama also teased that “a lot of side content” will focus on Mine’s bond with rival Rikiya Kanda, hinting at expanded character development.

Why Dark Ties Matters

By offering a fresh angle on one of Yakuza 3’s most complex villains, Yakuza Kiwami 3 Gaiden: Dark Ties deepens the series’ lore. Much like Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name did for Kazuma Kiryu, this spin-off aims to give fans both narrative weight and gameplay variety.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 Gaiden: Dark Ties is set to launch on 12 February 2026. Sega confirmed the game will release on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This wide release ensures both long-time fans and new players can experience the remake across all major platforms.

If you want to know more, you can visit their official website.

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