"Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza's Naval Combat in Hawaii Detailed"

*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* brings a thrilling new dimension to the *Yakuza* series with its introduction of Naval Combat. This innovative fighting system is crucial for success in the game, and mastering its various components is key. Here's a detailed look at how Naval Combat functions in *Pirate Yakuza*.

How Does Naval Combat in Pirate Yakuza Work?

At the start of *Pirate Yakuza*, players are introduced to the Goromaru, a small 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 key to navigating the open waters. As you sail, you'll encounter numerous enemy ships, presenting the choice to engage in combat or attempt to flee.

However, escaping is often risky due to the slower movement of ships compared to land-based combat, especially against stronger ships with ranged attacks. It's generally more strategic to confront enemy ships directly and start firing immediately. Naval Combat in *Pirate Yakuza* involves three main types of attacks:

Turret Gun Attacks: Located at the ship's front, the turret gun is ideal for mid-range engagements. It allows you to damage enemies as you approach, setting you up to use the more powerful cannons once in close range. Players can also manually control the turret, though this increases risk.

Left and Right Cannons: The cannons are the Goromaru's most potent weapons, activated by L2 or R2 depending on which side you're firing from. They're effective only at close range, indicated by a lit cannon symbol, signaling a guaranteed hit. After firing, cannons need time to reload, so maneuvering to use both sides effectively is crucial.

RPG Missile: By shifting the camera to the ship's deck, players can move Goro freely and equip an RPG for long-range damage. This is best used from a safe distance, as the ship stops moving during this perspective shift. Starting battles with an RPG can give you a significant advantage by weakening enemy ships early.

Pirate Ship Traversal

In the broader camera view, players control the Goromaru using the left stick and can activate a speed boost to close gaps or evade enemy fire. Combining the boost with a drift maneuver (O on PS5, B on Xbox) allows you to spin the ship, dodging attacks or positioning for optimal cannon use.

Boarding Parties

Some naval battles in *Pirate Yakuza* feature two stages, often during boss fights or in the Pirate Coliseum in Madlantis. These encounters typically involve multiple ships, with the main objective being to destroy the flagship, which has more health than others. Focusing solely on the boss ship is advisable to progress to the second stage.

Once the flagship's health is depleted, a prompt allows players to initiate a boarding party, transitioning the battle to the *Yakuza* series' familiar beat-em-up style. Depending on the battle, you'll face numerous crew members and a boss, often outnumbered. Strengthening your crew through morale boosts and lower-level fights can give you an edge in these encounters.

Enemy captains may use stat boosters, increasing the challenge. Assigning your crew with similar boosters can enhance your stats, aiming to defeat all opposing crew 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 second half. Additionally, exploring islands for treasure will frequently involve naval combat, making a solid understanding of these mechanics crucial.

The *Yakuza* series has always excelled at refreshing its gameplay, and the pirate ship mechanics in *Pirate Yakuza* offer a dynamic change that rivals even *Sea of Thieves*. With the right crew, upgrades, and customization, the Goromaru can become a formidable force on the seas.

And that's how naval combat works in *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*.

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