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 details the mechanics of ship-to-ship battles, crucial for success.

Early game sees you commanding the Goromaru, 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. Escape is risky due to the ship's slower speed and the ranged attacks of stronger ships. Direct confrontation is generally preferable.

Naval combat utilizes three attack types:

• Turret Gun Attacks: Ideal for mid-range engagements. Damage is inflicted while approaching, setting up for cannon fire at close range. Manually controlling the turret is possible but riskier.
• Left and Right Cannons: The Goromaru's most powerful weapons, activated with L2/R2 (depending on platform). Effective only at close range (indicated by a lit cannon icon). Remember the reload time; alternate cannon usage is key.
• RPG Missile: Switching to the ship's deck view (risky at close range) allows for RPG deployment, providing long-range damage. This is often a strategic opening move.

Ship control uses the left stick for maneuvering, and a boost function for speed increases. Boosting while drifting (O/B button) allows for quick turns to evade fire or reposition for optimal cannon usage.

Many naval battles, particularly boss encounters and Pirate Coliseum events, are two-phased. The first phase involves ship combat; focus fire on the main vessel to progress. Once its health is depleted, a boarding party sequence begins.

Boarding transitions to Yakuza's signature beat-'em-up style. You'll often be outnumbered; leveling up your crew through morale boosts and smaller battles is crucial. Crew captains possess stat-boosting abilities, adding challenge. Strategic support crew assignments can provide counter-boosts. The goal is to eliminate the enemy crew before your party is defeated.

Mastering these two-stage battles is essential for game progression and treasure hunting. The innovative naval combat adds a refreshing dimension to the Yakuza experience. With upgrades and crew management, the Goromaru can dominate the seas.

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