"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 innovative Naval Combat system. This feature is crucial for success in the game, as it involves multiple facets of ship control. Here's a detailed look at how Naval Combat functions in *Pirate Yakuza*.

How Does Naval Combat in Pirate Yakuza Work?

From the outset, players are given control of a modest pirate ship, the Goromaru, which can be upgraded later. Initially equipped with two cannons on each side and a front-mounted machine gun turret, the Goromaru navigates the open waters where enemy ships frequently appear. Players have the choice to engage in battle or attempt to flee, though the slower pace of ship movement makes evasion challenging, particularly against ships with ranged capabilities.

Facing enemy ships head-on and initiating combat promptly is advisable. In Naval Combat, players can utilize three types of attacks:

Turret Gun Attacks: Positioned at the ship's front, the turret gun is ideal for mid-range engagements. It allows players to inflict damage while closing in on an enemy, preparing for the more potent cannon attacks. Players can also manually control the turret, though this increases risk.

Left and Right Cannons: These are the Goromaru's most powerful weapons, activated by L2 or R2 buttons, depending on the desired firing side. Effective only at close range, indicated by a lit cannon symbol, they require time to reload after each shot. Strategically maneuvering to alternate sides maximizes damage output.

RPG Missile: By shifting the camera to the ship's deck, players can control Goro and use an RPG for long-range attacks. This maneuver is best executed from a safe distance, as it halts the ship's movement. Starting a battle with an RPG can significantly weaken an enemy ship from the outset.

Pirate Ship Traversal

Controlling the Goromaru involves using the left stick for navigation and a boost feature to increase speed temporarily. This boost is crucial for either closing in on enemies or executing a drift maneuver by simultaneously pressing the boost and a specific button (O on PS5 DualSense, B on Xbox controller). Drifting enables the ship to spin, dodging enemy fire or realigning cannons for maximum impact.

Related: The Best Order to Play the Yakuza/Like a Dragon Series

Boarding Parties

Some naval battles escalate into two-stage encounters, common in boss fights and the Pirate Coliseum in Madlantis. These battles involve facing multiple ships, with the primary objective of destroying the main ship, which has greater health. Focusing attacks on the main ship advances the battle to its second stage.

Once the enemy ship's health is depleted, players initiate a boarding party by pressing the action button, transitioning the gameplay to the *Yakuza* series' signature beat-em-up style. These encounters often involve a large number of enemy crew members and a boss, typically outnumbering the player's party.

Strengthening your crew through morale boosts and lower-level fights is key to overcoming these odds. Enemy captains may activate stat boosters, such as increased damage or defense, making battles more challenging. Players can counter this by assigning support crew with their own stat-enhancing abilities. The goal is to defeat all opposing crew members before your party is defeated.

Mastering these two-stage naval battles is essential, particularly in the Pirate Coliseum and major story battles in the game's latter half. Furthermore, understanding Naval Combat is vital for exploring islands and engaging with other ships while treasure hunting. The *Yakuza* series' tradition of diversifying gameplay shines through with these new pirate ship mechanics, offering a refreshing experience that rivals even *Sea of Thieves*. With the right crew, upgrades, and customization, the Goromaru can dominate 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.*