"Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza's 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 mechanic is crucial for players looking to conquer the seas and progress through the game. Here's a detailed look at how Naval Combat functions in *Pirate Yakuza*.

How Does Naval Combat in Pirate Yakuza Work?

At the outset of *Pirate Yakuza*, players are equipped with a modest pirate ship called the Goromaru, which can be upgraded as the game progresses. Initially, the Goromaru features two cannons on each side and a machine gun turret at the front. As you navigate the open waters, you'll frequently encounter enemy ships. Similar to land-based combat, you can choose to engage or flee.

However, escaping is more challenging at sea due to the slower movement of ships, especially when facing advanced enemy vessels equipped with long-range attacks. It's generally wiser to confront these ships head-on and initiate combat as quickly as possible. Naval Combat involves three primary types of attacks:

Turret Gun Attacks: Positioned at the front of your ship, the turret gun is ideal for mid-range engagements. It allows you to inflict damage as you close in on an enemy, preparing you to utilize the more potent cannons at closer range. Players can also manually control the turret by stopping the ship, though this is riskier.

Left and Right Cannons: The Goromaru's most powerful weapons, these cannons are triggered using L2 or R2, depending on the side you wish to fire from. They are effective only at close range, indicated by a lit cannon symbol, signaling a guaranteed hit. After firing, cannons require time to reload, so maneuvering the ship to use the opposite side's cannons is key.

RPG Missile: By shifting the camera to the ship's deck, players can control Goro and use an RPG for long-distance attacks. This is best done from a safe distance, as the ship stops moving during this mode. Starting battles with RPG strikes can give you an early advantage by weakening enemy ships.

Pirate Ship Traversal

In the broader view of the ship, players can steer the Goromaru with the left stick and activate a speed boost to either close the gap with an enemy or execute a drift maneuver. Drifting, initiated by pressing O on the PS5 DualSense or B on the Xbox controller alongside the boost, allows for quick turns to evade attacks or reposition for optimal cannon use.

Boarding Parties

Some naval battles in *Pirate Yakuza* feature a two-stage format, typically encountered in boss fights or within the Pirate Coliseum in Madlantis. These battles involve confronting multiple ships, with the primary objective being to destroy the main ship, which has a higher health pool. Focusing attacks on the boss ship is crucial to progress to the second stage, where the battle shifts to a traditional *Yakuza* beat-em-up style.

In the boarding phase, you'll face numerous enemy crew members and a boss, often outnumbered. Preparing your crew by boosting morale and engaging in lower-level fights can significantly enhance their strength. Both enemy and your own crew can use stat-boosting abilities, adding strategic depth to these encounters. The goal is to defeat all opposing crew members before your party is knocked out.

Mastering these two-stage naval battles is essential, especially in the Pirate Coliseum and major story battles in the game's latter half. Additionally, as you explore islands for treasure, encounters with other ships will test your naval combat skills. The *Yakuza* series is renowned for mixing up its gameplay, and the pirate ship mechanics in *Pirate Yakuza* offer a refreshing and engaging experience that rivals even *Sea of Thieves*. With the right crew, upgrades, and customizations, the Goromaru can become a formidable force on the seas.

And that is naval combat in *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*, explained.

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