"Pirate Yakuza: Naval Combat in Hawaii Detailed"

*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* introduces a thrilling new dimension to the *Yakuza* series with its naval combat system. This innovative fighting system is crucial for success in the game, encompassing various elements of ship control. Here's a detailed look at how naval combat operates in *Pirate Yakuza*.

How Does Naval Combat in Pirate Yakuza Work?

Players start with the Goromaru, a modest pirate ship that can be upgraded as you progress. Initially equipped with two cannons on each side and a machine gun turret at the front, this vessel is your gateway to the open seas where encounters with enemy ships are inevitable. You have the choice to engage in battle or attempt to flee, but given the slower pace of ships compared to land combat, escaping can be hazardous, particularly against stronger ships with ranged attacks.

In naval combat, there are three types of attacks at your disposal:

Turret Gun Attacks: Positioned at the ship's front, the turret gun is ideal for mid-range engagements. It allows you to deal damage as you approach your target, setting the stage for closer cannon attacks. Players can also manually control the turret by stopping the ship, though this increases vulnerability.

Left and Right Cannons: These are the Goromaru's most potent weapons, activated using L2 or R2 to fire from the respective sides. Effective only at close range, indicated by a lit cannon symbol, these require reloading after each shot. Strategically maneuvering your ship to use both sides of cannons maximizes damage.

RPG Missile: By shifting the camera to the ship's deck, you can control Goro directly. This maneuver is risky near enemy ships as it halts the Goromaru's movement. However, equipping an RPG allows for long-range damage, providing a strategic advantage at the start of battles.

Pirate Ship Traversal

In the wider camera view, you control the Goromaru's direction with the left stick and can activate a boost to increase speed temporarily. This boost is crucial for closing gaps or executing a drift maneuver by simultaneously pressing a button (O on PS5 DualSense, B on Xbox controller), enabling quick turns to dodge attacks or reposition cannons for optimal firing.

Boarding Parties

Some naval battles feature a two-stage format, typically in boss fights or the Pirate Coliseum in Madlantis. These involve confronting multiple ships, with the primary objective to destroy the main ship with its larger health pool. Concentrating attacks on the main ship is key to advancing to the second stage.

Once the ship's health is depleted, a prompt to initiate a boarding party appears, transitioning the battle to a traditional *Yakuza* beat-em-up style. These encounters often pit you and your crew against numerous adversaries, including a boss character. Preparing your crew by boosting morale and engaging in lower-level fights enhances their strength, crucial for overcoming outnumbered odds.

Both the Pirate Coliseum and major story battles in the game's latter half consist of these two-stage naval encounters, making mastery essential. As you explore islands and hunt for treasure, understanding naval combat becomes fundamental. The *Yakuza* series has always embraced change, and the new pirate ship mechanics and combat offer a refreshing twist, rivaling even *Sea of Thieves*. With the right crew, upgrades, and customization, the Goromaru can become the most formidable ship on the seas.

This comprehensive guide explains naval combat in *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*. The game is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.