Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza's Hawaii Naval Combat Unveiled

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. Success hinges on understanding this multifaceted system. Here's a breakdown of how it works:

Early game sees you commanding the Goromaru, a ship initially equipped with two cannons (port and starboard) and a forward-mounted machine gun turret. Open waters frequently bring random encounters; you can engage or attempt to flee. Escape is risky, especially against later-game ships with ranged attacks. Direct confrontation is usually best.

Three attack types are available:

• Turret Gun: Ideal for mid-range engagements. Damage is inflicted while approaching, setting up cannon use at close range. You can manually control the turret, but this is riskier.
• Left and Right Cannons: The Goromaru's most powerful attacks (L2/R2), effective only at close range (indicated by a lit-up cannon icon). Each cannon requires a reload time, necessitating strategic ship maneuvering.
• RPG Missile: Shifting to a deck view allows free movement of Goro and RPG usage for long-range attacks. This is best done at a safe distance, as ship movement halts during the perspective change. It's often advantageous to initiate combat this way.

Ship Control and Maneuvering

Use the left stick to steer the Goromaru. A boost function temporarily increases speed. Combining boost with a drift maneuver (O/B button) allows spins to dodge cannon fire or reposition for optimal cannon usage.

Two-Stage Naval Battles

Many battles, particularly boss fights and Pirate Coliseum events, involve two stages. The first stage focuses on destroying a main ship (with higher health than supporting vessels). Prioritize the main ship to progress. Once its health is depleted, a boarding party sequence begins.

Boarding Parties

The naval battle transitions into a Yakuza-style beat-'em-up. You'll likely be outnumbered. Leveling up your crew (boosting morale and engaging in easier fights) is crucial. Captain abilities (damage/defense boosts) and support crew buffs are key to victory. The goal is to eliminate the enemy crew before your party is defeated.

Mastering these two-stage battles is essential for game progression, especially in the latter half and the Pirate Coliseum. Frequent ship encounters during exploration also highlight the importance of naval combat proficiency. The pirate mechanics add a refreshing dynamic to the Yakuza formula. With upgrades and crew customization, the Goromaru can become a formidable force.

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