Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will offer a free New Game Plus mode post-launch, a welcome change from the controversial approach taken with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.

The previous game, while critically acclaimed, faced backlash for locking its New Game Plus mode behind the purchase of its priciest editions. This decision was not reversed, prompting concerns among fans. However, RGG Studio has announced during its Like a Dragon Direct that Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will make New Game Plus freely available via a future update. While a specific release date for the update wasn't given, the announcement itself suggests a commitment to addressing previous player feedback.

The recent Like a Dragon Direct showcased the game's naval combat and crew-building mechanics. The reveal of the free New Game Plus mode capped off the presentation, highlighting a positive shift in the studio's approach to DLC and post-launch content. While players will need to wait for the mode's arrival, its inclusion as a free update is a significant improvement over the previous model. Given the length of typical Like a Dragon games, the New Game Plus mode should likely be available before many players complete their initial playthrough.

With the game's release still over a month away (February 21st), RGG Studio is expected to unveil further details in the coming weeks. Fans are encouraged to monitor the studio's social media channels for updates.