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

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 breaks down the mechanics of ship-to-ship battles, crucial for success in the game.

Early game sees you commanding the Goromaru, a small ship equipped with two cannons (port and starboard) and a forward-mounted machine gun turret. Open waters frequently bring encounters with enemy vessels; you can choose to engage or flee. However, escaping is risky due to the ship's slower speed and the ranged attacks of stronger opponents. Direct confrontation is generally recommended.

Naval combat utilizes three primary attack types:

• Turret Gun Attacks: Ideal for mid-range engagements, the turret allows damage while closing the distance for cannon fire. You can manually control the turret, but this is riskier.
• Left and Right Cannons: These are your most powerful weapons, activated with L2/R2 (depending on your platform) for close-range, guaranteed hits. Remember the reload time and alternate cannon usage for optimal damage.
• RPG Missile: Switching to a deck view (allowing free movement of Goro) lets you deploy an RPG for long-range attacks. This is a strategic opening move, weakening enemies before closing in.

Ship Maneuverability:

Use the left stick to steer the Goromaru. A boost function increases speed, useful for closing distance or performing drifts (using the O/B button simultaneously) to evade cannon fire or reposition for optimal cannon attacks.

Two-Stage Naval Battles:

Many battles, especially boss fights and Pirate Coliseum challenges, unfold in two stages. Initially, focus fire on the main enemy ship (higher health) to progress to the boarding party phase.

Boarding Parties:

Once the enemy ship's health is depleted, a boarding prompt appears. This shifts combat to the familiar Yakuza beat-'em-up style. You'll likely be outnumbered, so leveling up your crew (boosting morale and engaging in smaller skirmishes) is crucial. Crew captains have stat boosts (damage, defense), adding to the challenge. Utilize support crew for stat boosts to even the odds. The goal is to eliminate the enemy crew before your party is defeated.

Mastering these two-stage battles is vital for progressing through the game's latter half and exploring for treasure. The innovative naval combat adds a refreshing dimension to the Yakuza formula, offering a unique and engaging experience. With upgrades and crew customization, your Goromaru can become a formidable force on the seas.

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