In *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*, players step into the shoes of Goro Majima, the Mad Dog of Shimano, who begins the game as an amnesiac ex-yakuza with a singular fighting style. As you progress through the engaging storyline, Goro unlocks new weapons and the unique Sea Dog fighting style, each opening up their own upgrade trees. There are four distinct skill trees in the game: Overall Stats, Shared Abilities, Mad Dog, and Sea Dog. Here are some of the best early upgrades to consider for Goro that will enhance your gameplay without breaking the bank or requiring too many points.

Max Health Boost (Overall Stats)

The Max Health Boost is one of the first upgrades you should aim for. It's crucial for surviving the intense boss fights surrounded by henchmen. A higher health bar enables Goro to withstand more hits, which is essential for maintaining control in chaotic battles. This upgrade is a must-have for outlasting opponents and securing victories in *Pirate Yakuza*.

Attack Boost (Overall Stats)

The Attack Boost is another essential early upgrade, enhancing Goro's damage output across all basic attacks. With *Pirate Yakuza* reverting to the series' classic real-time combat system, boosting melee attack power is key to progressing through the story and unlocking additional content. Consider investing in the Attack Boost Plus later on for even smoother playthroughs.

Knockdown Evasion (Shared Abilities)

When facing multiple foes, Knockdown Evasion becomes invaluable. This upgrade allows Goro to quickly recover from heavy attacks or melee weapon strikes, enabling him to swiftly return to an offensive stance. It's perfect for maintaining momentum in combat, especially in crowded fights.

Quickstep Strike (Shared Abilities)

The Quickstep Strike upgrade is crucial for gaining an edge in battle. By allowing Goro to attack immediately after dodging, it significantly eases combat encounters and can be a game-changer in early boss fights. It also helps in building up Goro's heat gauge for powerful attacks.

Grapple Counter (Shared Abilities)

The Grapple Counter is excellent for crowd control, enabling Goro to counter grab attacks and prevent damage. Successfully executing this counter not only protects Goro but also allows him to launch a counterattack, making it a vital tool in managing groups of enemies.

Serpent Trick (Mad Dog)

In the Mad Dog Style, which equips Goro with dual swords, a flintlock pistol, and a grappling hook, the Serpent Trick is an outstanding early upgrade. It allows Goro to launch enemies into the air, setting up devastating aerial combos and leaving adversaries vulnerable.

Frenzy Trick (Mad Dog)

The Frenzy Trick in Mad Dog style is another crowd control gem, where Goro spins around, knocking down enemies in his path. This move is particularly effective in naval combat side quests where you face waves of pirates, making it easier to manage large groups.

Catch ‘n’ Slash (Sea Dog)

Already available when you unlock the Mad Dog style, the Catch ‘n’ Slash upgrade enhances this projectile-based attack. It extends the throw duration and enables immediate follow-up attacks, making it ideal for extended combos.

Charge ‘n’ Shoot (Sea Dog)

The flintlock pistol in the Mad Dog style can be a liability due to its slow charge time, leaving Goro vulnerable. However, with the Charge ‘n’ Shoot upgrade, this weapon becomes much more effective, allowing Goro to shoot multiple enemies and send them flying, enhancing his combat versatility.

These are the recommended early upgrades for Goro Majima in *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*, designed to optimize your gameplay experience across various combat scenarios.

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