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 breaks down the mechanics of ship-to-ship battles, helping you dominate the seas.

Early game sees you commanding the Goromaru, equipped with two cannons and a turret. While fleeing is an option, the Goromaru's slow speed makes it risky, especially against ships with ranged attacks. Engage enemies head-on.

Naval combat utilizes three attack types:

• Turret Gun Attacks: Ideal for mid-range engagements. You can manually control the turret for more precise aiming, but this leaves your ship vulnerable.
• Left and Right Cannons: High-damage, close-range attacks (L2/R2). Remember the reload time and strategically maneuver your ship. A lit-up cannon icon indicates a guaranteed hit.
• RPG Missile: From the ship's deck (switching camera perspective), you can deploy an RPG for long-range damage. This is effective for weakening enemies before closing in.

Ship Maneuvering:

Control the Goromaru with the left stick. Utilize the boost to close distance or execute drifts (O/B button + boost) to evade cannon fire and reposition for optimal cannon attacks.

Two-Stage Naval Battles:

Many battles, particularly boss fights and Pirate Coliseum encounters, unfold in two stages. Prioritize destroying the main enemy ship (higher health) before engaging smaller vessels. Once the main ship's health is depleted, a boarding party sequence begins.

Boarding Parties:

This shifts to classic Yakuza beat-'em-up combat. You'll often be outnumbered, so level up your crew to enhance their stats and assign support crew members with beneficial boosts. Focus on eliminating the enemy crew before your team is defeated.

Mastering these naval combat mechanics is crucial for progressing through the story, conquering the Pirate Coliseum, and exploring the game world. Upgrade your ship and crew for a dominant presence on the high seas.

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