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

*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* introduces a thrilling twist to the beloved *Yakuza* series by incorporating Naval Combat, a feature that promises to redefine your gaming experience. This innovative fighting system is not just a novelty; it's essential for conquering the high seas and progressing through the game. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how Naval Combat operates in *Pirate Yakuza*.

How Does Naval Combat in Pirate Yakuza Work?

From the outset, *Pirate Yakuza* equips players with the Goromaru, a modest pirate ship ripe for upgrades. Initially, the Goromaru boasts two cannons on each side and a machine gun turret at the bow. As you navigate the expansive waters, you'll encounter enemy ships ready to challenge your naval prowess. You have the choice to engage or evade, but given the Goromaru's slower pace compared to land-based combat, fleeing can be perilous, particularly against stronger adversaries with long-range capabilities. Facing these foes head-on is often the wiser strategy.

Naval Combat in *Pirate Yakuza* encompasses three primary attack methods:

Turret Gun Attacks: Positioned at the ship's front, the turret gun is your go-to for mid-range engagements. It allows you to inflict damage as you close in on the enemy, preparing for a decisive cannon assault. You can also take direct control of the turret, though this maneuver increases your vulnerability.

Left and Right Cannons: These are the Goromaru's heavy hitters, activated by L2 or R2, depending on the desired firing side. Effective only at close range, the cannons ensure a direct hit when their symbol illuminates. After firing, a reload period follows, during which strategic ship maneuvering can allow you to unleash a second volley from the opposite side.

RPG Missile: By shifting the camera to the ship's deck, you can control Goro directly. This risky move, best executed from a safe distance, lets you equip an RPG for long-range attacks, giving you an early advantage in weakening enemy ships.

Pirate Ship Traversal

In the wide-angle view, controlling the Goromaru involves the left stick, with a boost feature to swiftly close gaps or evade attacks. Activating the boost while pressing O on the PS5 DualSense or B on the Xbox controller enables a drift, allowing you to spin the ship for tactical advantage or to maximize cannon damage by alternating sides.

Boarding Parties

Certain naval battles in *Pirate Yakuza* unfold in two stages, typically during boss encounters in the main storyline or within the Pirate Coliseum in Madlantis. These battles often involve facing multiple ships, with the primary objective being to destroy the main ship, which boasts superior health. Concentrating your firepower on this vessel is key to advancing to the second stage.

Once the enemy's ship is sufficiently damaged, a prompt allows you to initiate a boarding party, shifting the gameplay to the familiar beat-em-up style synonymous with the *Yakuza* series. These confrontations often pit you against numerous crew members and a formidable boss, usually outnumbering your forces. To enhance your chances, it's crucial to level up your crew through morale boosts and smaller skirmishes, ensuring your pirates are battle-ready.

Enemy captains may activate stat boosters, intensifying the challenge. However, you can counter this by assigning your own support crew with similar abilities, making strategic use of these boosts essential to emerge victorious.

Mastering these two-stage naval battles is crucial, not just for the Pirate Coliseum and major story arcs but also for navigating the open seas in search of treasure. The *Yakuza* series has always thrived on innovation, and *Pirate Yakuza*'s naval combat system offers a refreshing and competitive edge, challenging even the likes of *Sea of Thieves*. With strategic upgrades and crew customization, the Goromaru can dominate 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.