Mastering Naval Combat in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii introduces thrilling naval combat, a significant departure for the Yakuza series. This guide details the mechanics of ship-to-ship battles, crucial for success in the game.

Early game sees you commanding the Goromaru, a modestly equipped ship with cannons and a turret. Encounters with enemy vessels are frequent. While fleeing is an option, the Goromaru's slow speed makes this risky, especially against ships with ranged attacks. Direct confrontation is generally the better strategy.

Three primary attack types exist:

• Turret Gun Attacks: Effective at mid-range, ideal for weakening enemies before closing in for cannon fire. Manually controlling the turret is possible but riskier.
• Left and Right Cannons: These are your most powerful weapons, effective only at close range. The cannon symbol illuminates when a sure-hit is possible. Strategic maneuvering is key to utilizing both cannons effectively due to reload times.
• RPG Missile: Switching to the ship's deck allows for RPG use, ideal for long-range damage and initiating engagements from a position of strength. This maneuver should be used cautiously, as the ship is stationary during this time.

Ship Control and Maneuvering:

The left stick controls the Goromaru. A boost function increases speed, useful for closing distance or performing drifts (using the O button on PS5 or B on Xbox) to evade fire or reposition for optimal cannon usage.

Two-Stage Naval Battles and Boarding Parties:

Many battles, particularly boss fights and Pirate Coliseum encounters, are two-staged. Focus fire on the main enemy ship to trigger the boarding party phase.

Boarding parties transition combat to the familiar Yakuza beat-'em-up style. You'll often be outnumbered. Leveling up your crew and utilizing stat-boosting crew members is crucial for success in these encounters.

Mastering naval combat is essential for progressing through the story, conquering the Pirate Coliseum, and exploring the game world. With strategic upgrades and crew management, the Goromaru can become a formidable force on the seas.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.