In *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*, mastering the Pirate Coliseum requires not only skillful naval combat but also strategic crew formation. Here's a comprehensive guide to the best crew formations that will boost your chances of success in the Pirate Coliseum.
Pirate Yakuza: Crew Formations, Explained
When strategizing your crew aboard the Goromaru, focus on three key positions that significantly impact your performance in naval combat:
- First Mate: This role is crucial as Goro's second-in-command, offering either an offensive or defensive boost to your ship during naval battles.
- Squad Leader: Leading a section of your boarding party, this position enhances your team's capabilities during hand-to-hand combat. You can upgrade your ship to have up to four Squad Leaders, allowing for up to 20 crew members to board and fight alongside Goro.
- Support Squad: These crew members don't engage in combat but provide critical stat boosts, such as enhanced attack and defense or healing, which can turn the tide of battle.
The Best First Mates For Your Crew Formation in Pirate Yakuza
Different battles may call for different strategies, so consider these top First Mates:
Daisaku Minami
Daisaku Minami, Goro Majima's lifelong friend, joins your crew at the end of Chapter 4. His "Sink King Kiwami" trait significantly boosts damage to enemy sterns, making him an invaluable asset in high-stakes Pirate Coliseum matches where speed is essential.
Nishida
Nishida, recruited alongside Minami, enhances the Goromaru's durability by providing two additional repair uses. His defensive capabilities are crucial in battles against multiple enemy ships, ensuring your vessel stays in the fight longer.
Captain Beef
Captain Beef, an early recruit, is perfect for those seeking immediate offensive power. His "Sink King Kiwami" trait, despite lower boarding stats, makes him a strong choice for early game naval combat.
Misaki
Misaki, driven by a quest for revenge, offers the "Master of Stealth Kiwami" trait, granting two more smoke screen uses. This can be a game-changer in stealth-based strategies, allowing you to attack without detection.
Related: How To Upgrade Cannons in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
The Best Squad Leaders For Your Crew Formation in Pirate Yakuza
Squad Leaders play a pivotal role in hand-to-hand combat. Here are the best options to lead your boarding party:
Kazuma Kiryu
Kazuma Kiryu, a pre-order bonus, significantly boosts attack and charges the voltage gauge faster, making him an excellent choice for those who own the deluxe version of the game.
Jason
Jason, recruited early in the story, enhances both attack and defense with his "Former Hunter’s Knowledge" trait, perfect for early encounters in the Pirate Coliseum.
Daigo Dojima
Daigo Dojima, a DLC character, speeds up health recovery and charges the heat gauge, enabling devastating attacks. His "Wisdom King’s Divine Protection" trait is a game-changer in intense battles.
Ono Michio
Ono Michio, a beloved mascot, boosts attack and charges the madness gauge with his "The Idol of Onomichi" trait, making him a worthwhile addition from the DLC pack.
Masaru
Masaru, the first recruit in the main story, provides a slight edge in hand-to-hand combat with his "Marine Cuisine" trait, making him a solid second Squad Leader.
Taiga Saejima
Taiga Saejima, joining in the second-to-last chapter, significantly boosts both attack and defense with his "Veteran" trait, making him a formidable Squad Leader.
The Support Squad Members For Your Crew Formation in Pirate Yakuza
While not directly engaging in combat, Support Squad members can shift the battle's momentum with their skills:
Noah
Noah, the first Support Squad member, provides medium health recovery with his "Rallying Cry" skill. His presence and skill upgrades are crucial for surviving tougher battles.
Goro
Noah's pet tiger, Goro, boosts the damage of your boarding party with his "Goro’s Mighty Roar" skill. Keeping him in your formation ensures his skill's effectiveness increases over time.
Nancy-Chan
Nancy-chan, from the Ichiban DLC pack, enhances attack with her "Pincers of Pain" skill, synergizing well with Goro's Mighty Roar to deliver devastating blows.
These are the optimal Pirate Coliseum crew formations in *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*. Strategize wisely and conquer the seas!
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.