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 iconic Yakuza series takes a thrilling turn with the introduction of intense naval combat. Mastering this new fighting system is key to success, and with multiple ship control aspects, understanding its mechanics is crucial. Let's explore how naval combat works in this exciting new chapter.

Early in the game, you'll command the Goromaru, a modestly equipped pirate ship boasting two cannons (port and starboard) and a forward-mounted machine gun turret. While exploring the open waters, expect frequent encounters with enemy vessels. You can choose to engage or attempt to flee, but remember, your ship's slower speed makes escape risky, especially against ships with ranged attacks.

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

• Turret Gun Attacks: The turret, positioned at the ship's bow, is ideal for mid-range engagements. It allows you to inflict damage while closing the distance for more powerful cannon attacks. You can also manually control the turret, but this increases your vulnerability.
• Left and Right Cannons: These are your most powerful weapons, activated using L2/R2 (depending on your platform) to fire from either side. Effective only at close range (indicated by a lit-up cannon icon), they require a reload time after each shot. Strategic maneuvering is key to maximizing their use.
• RPG Missile: Switching to a deck-view perspective allows you to control Goro and utilize an RPG for long-range attacks. This is a risky maneuver when enemies are close, but incredibly effective for weakening foes before closing in.

Pirate Ship Maneuvering

From the wider ship perspective, use the left stick to steer the Goromaru. A boost function temporarily increases speed. This boost, combined with a drift maneuver (O on PS5, B on Xbox), enables quick turns to dodge cannon fire or reposition for optimal cannon attacks.

Boarding Parties

Many naval battles, particularly boss fights and Pirate Coliseum challenges, are two-stage affairs. The first stage involves destroying the main enemy ship (with higher health than supporting vessels). Focus your fire on the main target to progress to the boarding party phase.

Once the main ship's health is depleted, a prompt will appear to initiate the boarding sequence. The naval combat transitions to a familiar Yakuza-style beat-'em-up. You'll likely be outnumbered, facing numerous crew members and a boss character. Leveling up your crew and assigning support crew with stat boosts is crucial for success.

Mastering these two-stage battles is essential for progressing through the game's story and the Pirate Coliseum. Frequent ship encounters during exploration also highlight the importance of understanding naval combat mechanics. The innovative pirate ship mechanics and combat offer a refreshing change of pace, adding a new dimension to the Yakuza experience. With upgrades and customization, you can transform the Goromaru into the most formidable ship on the seas.

This concludes our guide to naval combat in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.

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