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

Dive into the thrilling world of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, where the Yakuza series takes a swashbuckling turn with exhilarating naval combat. Mastering this new fighting system is key to success, so let's explore the intricacies of controlling your ship and dominating the seas.

Your adventure begins aboard the Goromaru, a modest pirate ship initially equipped with two cannons (port and starboard) and a forward-mounted machine gun turret. As you sail, expect frequent encounters with enemy vessels. You can choose to engage or attempt a risky escape – remember, your ship moves slower than in land-based combat, making fleeing a dangerous option, especially against ships with ranged attacks.

Facing enemies head-on is generally the best strategy. Naval combat offers three primary attack types:

• Turret Gun Attacks: Ideal for mid-range engagements, the turret allows you to inflict damage while closing the distance. You can even manually control the turret for a riskier, more direct approach.
• Left and Right Cannons: These are your most powerful weapons, effective only at close range. The cannon icons illuminate when a sure-hit is possible. Remember to alternate between cannons, as each requires a reload time.
• RPG Missile: Switching to the ship's deck view allows you to freely control Goro and unleash RPG attacks from a distance. This is a tactical advantage, best utilized at a safe range, as your ship becomes stationary during this perspective shift.

Pirate Ship Maneuvering

Use the left stick to steer the Goromaru and a boost function to quickly close the gap with enemies or execute stylish drifts (press O on PS5 DualSense/B on Xbox controller simultaneously with boost) to evade cannon fire or reposition for optimal cannon attacks.

Boarding Parties

Many naval battles, particularly boss fights and Pirate Coliseum challenges, unfold in two stages. The first involves destroying the main enemy ship (often with greater health than its escorts). Focus your fire on the boss ship to progress to the second stage.

Once the main ship's health is depleted, a prompt appears to initiate the boarding party. The naval combat transitions into the familiar Yakuza beat-'em-up style. You'll often be outnumbered, so leveling up your crew and boosting their morale is crucial. Crew captains possess stat-boosting abilities, adding to the challenge. You can also assign support crew to enhance your party's stats. The goal is to defeat the opposing crew before your party is wiped out.

Mastering these two-stage naval battles is essential for progressing through the main story and conquering the Pirate Coliseum. Your knowledge of naval combat will also be invaluable during exploration, as you'll face numerous ship encounters. The innovative pirate ship mechanics add a refreshing twist to the Yakuza formula, offering a unique and engaging experience.

With upgrades, customization, and the right crew, your Goromaru can become the most formidable vessel on the seas.

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