"Naval Battles in Pirate Yakuza: Hawaii Edition Explained"

*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* takes the beloved *Yakuza* series on a thrilling voyage into naval warfare, introducing an engaging new combat system that's crucial for success in the game. As you navigate the expansive waters of Hawaii, understanding how naval combat works in *Pirate Yakuza* is essential to mastering the seas. Let's dive into the mechanics that will help you become the most feared pirate captain in the game.

How Does Naval Combat in Pirate Yakuza Work?

From the outset, players are entrusted with the Goromaru, a modest pirate ship ripe for upgrades. Initially equipped with two cannons on each side and a front machine gun turret, the Goromaru sets sail into waters teeming with enemy ships. Whether to engage in battle or attempt an escape, the choice is yours. However, given the ship's slower pace compared to land-based combat, evading stronger ships with long-range attacks can be perilous.

Facing enemy ships head-on and initiating combat as soon as possible is often the wiser strategy. In *Pirate Yakuza*, naval combat revolves around three types of attacks:

Turret Gun Attacks: Positioned at the ship's bow, the turret gun is your go-to weapon for mid-range engagements. It allows you to inflict damage while closing in on the enemy, setting the stage for more devastating cannon attacks. You can also take direct control of the turret for precision strikes, though this maneuver carries its risks.

Left and Right Cannons: The cannons are your ship's most potent weapons, triggered by L2 or R2 on your controller, depending on the side you wish to fire from. These are effective only at close range, indicated by a lit cannon symbol signaling a sure-hit opportunity. After firing, cannons need time to reload, so strategic maneuvering to alternate sides is key.

RPG Missile: By shifting the camera to the ship's deck, you can control Goro directly, equipping an RPG for long-distance damage. This is an effective way to start battles from afar, weakening enemy ships before closing in. However, it's a risky move that stops your ship's movement, so use it wisely when out of immediate danger.

Pirate Ship Traversal

Controlling the Goromaru involves using the left stick to navigate the open waters. A boost feature temporarily increases your speed, ideal 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 allows you to dodge enemy fire or reposition your ship to maximize cannon damage from both sides.

Boarding Parties

Some naval battles in *Pirate Yakuza* progress to a second stage, typically during boss fights or in the Pirate Coliseum at Madlantis. These encounters often pit the Goromaru against multiple ships, with the primary target being a heavily armored boss ship. To advance, focus your attacks on the boss ship, ignoring the smaller vessels to expedite the transition to the second phase.

Once the boss ship's health is depleted, a prompt to initiate a boarding party appears. The combat then shifts to the classic *Yakuza* beat-em-up style, where Goro and his crew face off against the enemy's crew and captain. Often outnumbered, your strategy should involve strengthening your crew through morale boosts and smaller engagements to ensure they're ready for these intense battles.

The enemy captains can activate stat boosters, increasing their damage or defense, making these fights challenging. Assigning your own support crew with their own boosters can level the playing field. The goal is to eliminate the opposing crew before they take you and your party down.

Mastering these two-stage naval battles is crucial for success in the Pirate Coliseum and major story encounters in the latter half of the game. Furthermore, as you explore islands for treasure, encounters with other ships are common, making a solid grasp of naval combat indispensable.

*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* reinvents the *Yakuza* formula with its pirate ship mechanics and combat, offering a refreshing twist that rivals even *Sea of Thieves*. With the right upgrades, crew, and customization, the Goromaru can become the most formidable vessel 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.*