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 initially equipped with two cannons (port and starboard) and a forward-mounted turret. Open waters frequently bring encounters with enemy vessels; you can engage or attempt to flee. However, escaping is risky due to the ship's slower speed and the ranged attacks of stronger opponents. Direct confrontation is generally the better strategy.

Naval combat utilizes three primary attack types:

• Turret Gun Attacks: Ideal for mid-range engagements, the turret can inflict damage while closing the distance. You can also manually control the turret, though this is riskier.
• Left and Right Cannons: These are your most powerful weapons, effective at close range (indicated by a lit-up cannon icon). Each cannon requires a reload time, necessitating strategic ship maneuvering to utilize both effectively. Use L2/R2 to fire the respective cannons.
• RPG Missile: Switching to a deck-view perspective allows you to control Goro and deploy an RPG for long-range attacks. This is advantageous for initiating battles from a safe distance, as the ship will halt movement during this perspective shift.

Ship Control and Maneuvering:

The left stick controls the Goromaru's direction. A boost function temporarily increases speed. Combining the boost with a drift maneuver (O on PS5, B on Xbox) allows for quick turns to evade cannon fire or reposition for optimal cannon usage.

Two-Stage Naval Battles and Boarding Parties:

Many battles, especially boss fights and Pirate Coliseum challenges, consist of two phases. The first involves destroying the main enemy ship (which has higher health than its escorts). Focus fire on the main target to progress. Once its health is depleted, a prompt initiates the boarding party sequence.

Boarding parties transition to Yakuza's signature beat 'em up style. Expect to be outnumbered. Leveling up your crew, boosting morale, and engaging in smaller skirmishes beforehand is crucial. Utilize crew member stat boosts (damage, defense) to overcome the odds.

Mastering two-stage naval battles is essential for progressing through the game's latter half and exploring for treasure. The innovative naval combat adds a refreshing dimension to the Yakuza formula. With strategic upgrades and crew management, your Goromaru can dominate the seas.

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