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, ensuring you dominate the seas.
Early game sees you commanding the Goromaru, equipped with two cannons (port and starboard) and a forward-mounted turret. Encounters with enemy vessels are frequent. While fleeing is an option, the Goromaru's slower speed makes this risky, especially against ships with ranged attacks. Engage head-on for optimal results.
Three primary attack types exist:
- Turret Gun: Ideal for mid-range engagements. Deal damage while closing the distance, setting up for cannon fire. Manually controlling the turret is possible but riskier.
- Left/Right Cannons: High-damage, close-range attacks (activated by L2/R2). The cannon's reload time necessitates strategic ship maneuvering to utilize both cannons effectively. A clear indicator shows when a cannon is ready to fire.
- RPG Missile: Shifting camera perspective to the ship's deck allows for free movement of Goro and RPG deployment. Use this at a safe distance, as the ship becomes stationary during this perspective change. This is often the best opening strategy.
Ship Control and Maneuvering:
Use the left stick to steer the Goromaru. A boost function temporarily increases speed. Combine boosting with a drift maneuver (O on PS5, B on Xbox) to evade cannon fire or reposition for optimal cannon usage.
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) over smaller vessels to progress to the second stage.
Once the main ship's health is depleted, a boarding party prompt appears. Naval combat transitions to the familiar Yakuza beat-'em-up style. These often involve overwhelming odds. Leveling up your crew through morale boosts and smaller battles is crucial for success. Utilize crew member stat boosters to gain an advantage.
Mastering these two-stage battles is vital for progression, especially in the game's latter half and the Pirate Coliseum. Effective naval combat is essential throughout the game, from main story missions to treasure hunting. The innovative ship mechanics and combat add a refreshing dimension to the Yakuza experience. With upgrades and crew customization, the Goromaru can become an unstoppable force.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
