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, crucial for success in the game.
Early game sees you commanding the Goromaru, a small ship initially 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 slow speed makes this risky, particularly against ships with ranged attacks. Direct confrontation is generally the better strategy.
Three primary attack types exist:
- Turret Gun Attacks: The turret is ideal for mid-range engagements. Damage can be inflicted while approaching, setting up closer-range cannon fire. Manually controlling the turret is possible but riskier.
- Left and Right Cannons: These are the Goromaru's most powerful weapons, effective at close range (indicated by a lit-up cannon icon). Each cannon requires a reload time, so strategic maneuvering is key to maximizing damage output from both sides.
- RPG Missile: Shifting to a deck view allows Goro to freely move and utilize an RPG for long-range attacks. This is advantageous for initiating combat, weakening enemies before closing in. However, this maneuver halts ship movement and is vulnerable if enemies are nearby.
Ship Control and Maneuvering
The left stick controls the Goromaru's movement. A boost function temporarily increases speed, useful for closing distance or executing drifts (O on PS5, B on Xbox) to evade cannon fire or reposition for optimal cannon usage.
Two-Stage Naval Battles and Boarding Parties
Many battles, especially boss fights and Pirate Coliseum encounters, unfold in two stages. The first involves destroying the main enemy ship (with higher health than supporting vessels). Focus fire on the boss ship to progress. Once its health is depleted, a boarding party sequence begins.
This transitions to the familiar Yakuza beat-'em-up style. You'll often be outnumbered, so upgrading your crew's morale and combat skills is crucial. Utilize crew member stat boosts to overcome the odds. The goal is to eliminate the enemy crew before your party is defeated.
Mastering these two-stage naval battles is vital for progression, particularly in the latter half of the game and the Pirate Coliseum. Effective naval combat is essential for exploration and treasure hunting. With upgrades and crew management, the Goromaru can become a formidable force on the seas.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
