If you’re a fan of SEGA’s Yakuza series and you can’t wait to get your hands on Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, then you’re in luck as a free demo is set to arrive tomorrow, January 21, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and PC.
The demo will roll out in two waves depending on platform. Steam players will get access first at 7 a.m. PT, while the console version goes live later that same day at 9 p.m. PT for consoles. What makes this demo especially interesting is that it includes content from both games included in the package, giving players a better sense of what each experience brings to the table before launch.
In Yakuza Kiwami 3, players return to the role of Kazuma Kiryu and will be able to explore Ryukyu, Okinawa, while diving into the series’ familiar blend of street brawling and side content. SEGA says the demo will showcase Kiryu’s ability to switch fighting styles on the fly, including the brutal Dragon of Dojima: Kiwami style and the weapon-heavy Ryukyu style.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Yakuza game without distractions, and the demo will also give players a taste of its side content, including karaoke, sub-stories, and outfit customization.
On the other side of the package, Dark Ties offers a different focus. The demo will feature a slice of its all-new story centered on Yoshitaka Mine, allowing players to explore Kamurocho, sample side experiences, and test Mine’s unique shoot-boxing combat style. SEGA describes it as a more stylish approach to taking down enemies, giving the character a distinct feel compared to Kiryu’s usual brutal brawling.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties launches February 12, 2026 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam. It’s also featured on The Outerhaven’s Most Anticipated Games of 2026 list, and we can’t wait to dive in when it finally releases.
