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

*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* introduces an exhilarating new dimension to the *Yakuza* series with the addition of Naval Combat. This innovative fighting system is crucial for success in the game, and understanding how to control your ship is key. Here's a detailed look at how Naval Combat functions in *Pirate Yakuza*.

How Does Naval Combat in Pirate Yakuza Work?

In the early stages of *Pirate Yakuza*, players are introduced to a small pirate ship named the Goromaru, which can be upgraded as you progress. Initially, the ship is equipped with two cannons on each side and a machine gun turret at the front. As you navigate the open waters, you'll encounter various enemy ships, offering you the choice to engage in combat or attempt to flee.

Given that ships move slower than characters on land, escaping can be risky, especially against stronger enemies with ranged attacks. Therefore, it's often best to confront enemy ships directly and begin firing as soon as possible. Naval Combat in *Pirate Yakuza* involves three types of attacks:

Turret Gun Attacks: The turret gun, located at the front of your ship, is ideal for mid-range engagements. It allows you to deal damage while closing in on the enemy, setting you up for more potent cannon attacks at close range. Players can also manually control the turret, though this is a riskier strategy.

Left and Right Cannons: These are the Goromaru's most powerful weapons, activated using L2 or R2 depending on the desired side. They're effective only at close range, indicated by a lit cannon symbol for a guaranteed hit. After firing, cannons need time to reload, so maneuvering to use the opposite side's cannons is strategic.

RPG Missile: By shifting the camera to the ship's deck, players can control Goro and use an RPG for long-range damage. This should be done when safely distant from enemy ships, as it halts the ship's movement. Starting battles with an RPG can give you an early advantage.

Pirate Ship Traversal

Controlling the Goromaru involves using the left stick for movement and a boost function to increase speed temporarily. This boost is useful for closing gaps or executing a drift maneuver by pressing a button (O on the PS5 DualSense, B on the Xbox controller) alongside the boost. Drifting allows you to spin the ship, evading attacks or positioning for double cannon strikes.

Boarding Parties

Some naval battles feature two stages, often seen in boss encounters or the Pirate Coliseum in Madlantis. These battles involve facing multiple ships, with the primary objective being to destroy the main ship, which has a larger health pool. Concentrating fire on the main ship is crucial to progress to the second stage, where you'll engage in a traditional *Yakuza* beat-em-up style boarding party.

Once the enemy ship's health is depleted, you'll be prompted to start the boarding party, transitioning to land-based combat. Depending on the battle, you'll face numerous crew members and a boss, often outnumbered. Strengthening your crew through morale boosts and lower-level fights can give you an edge, as can utilizing stat boosters to enhance damage or defense.

Mastering these two-stage naval battles is essential for progressing in the Pirate Coliseum and the game's latter stages. Additionally, understanding Naval Combat is vital for exploring islands and engaging with other ships during treasure hunts.

*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* refreshes the series with its pirate ship mechanics and combat, offering a thrilling experience that rivals even *Sea of Thieves*. With the right crew, upgrades, and customization, the Goromaru can become the most formidable ship on the seas.

And that is naval combat in *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*, explained.

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