Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is launching a free demo for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaiʻi today on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

The studio revealed the demo on X/Twitter, stating it will be accessible for download starting at 7 AM Pacific / 10 AM Eastern / 3 PM UK time. While the full game launches February 21 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One as well, these platforms will not receive the free demo.

RGG Studio did not explicitly confirm whether demo progress will transfer to the full version of Pirate Yakuza in Hawaiʻi, but judging by the demo's structure, this seems unlikely. The demo essentially allows players to jump directly into specific free-roam zones and combat scenarios, bypassing the main narrative progression.

Players can "freely explore portions of the Honolulu and Madlantis areas," neither of which are accessible early in the full game.

They can also toggle between the Mad Dog and Sea Dog combat styles, take on challenging bounty targets, compete in four naval and deck battles within the Pirates' Coliseum, experiment with new customization options, and "enjoy side activities such as karaoke with three available songs."

Pirate Yakuza in Hawaiʻi serves as a spin-off sequel to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the eighth main installment in the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series (or ninth counting Yakuza 0). It follows amnesiac protagonist Goro Majima as he embraces a pirate's life while exploring Hawaii and other locales.

A trailer from October's Xbox Partner Showcase gave fans their first proper look at ship combat reminiscent of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, along with the return of fan-favorite character Taiga Saejima—hinting at deeper connections to the main series than initially expected.

The game will also offer significantly more content than the previous spin-off, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, with the main story lasting approximately 15-18 hours. Additionally, players can outfit Majima in longtime series hero Kiryu Kazuma's attire, though this customization option requires signing up for email notifications or a Sega rewards program.