Best Early Upgrades for Goro in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

In *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*, players dive into the thrilling world of Goro Majima, the Mad Dog of Shimano, as he navigates the pirate-infested waters of Hawaii. Majima starts with a single fighting style in the game's opening chapter, but as you progress through the main storyline, you'll unlock new weapons and the Sea Dog fighting style, each with its own unique upgrade tree. Here's a breakdown of the four skill trees available for Goro:

• Overall Stats
• Shared Abilities
• Mad Dog
• Sea Dog

To make your journey through *Pirate Yakuza* smoother and more enjoyable, consider these essential early upgrades for Goro Majima:

Max Health Boost (Overall Stats)

Early on, investing in the Max Health Boost upgrade is crucial. With numerous boss fights surrounded by henchmen, having a robust health bar is vital for effective crowd control and surviving the onslaught of attacks. This upgrade is a must-have for enduring and triumphing in the game's most challenging encounters.

Attack Boost (Overall Stats)

Another key early upgrade is the Attack Boost, which significantly enhances the damage of your base attacks. As *Pirate Yakuza* reverts to the series' traditional real-time combat from turn-based, melee attacks are your bread and butter. While the Attack Boost Plus may be more costly, it's worth considering for future playthroughs to streamline your combat effectiveness.

Knockdown Evasion (Shared Abilities)

When facing multiple adversaries, Knockdown Evasion is an indispensable upgrade. It enables quick recovery from heavy melee attacks, allowing you to swiftly return to an offensive stance. This skill is particularly useful for maintaining momentum in battles.

Quickstep Strike (Shared Abilities)

The Quickstep Strike upgrade lets you unleash attacks immediately after dodging, significantly boosting your combat efficiency. This ability is a game-changer, especially in early boss fights, as it provides an additional way to trigger Goro's heat gauge attack.

Grapple Counter (Shared Abilities)

To handle crowds effectively, the Grapple Counter is a top choice. It prevents damage from grab attacks and allows you to counter with your own offensive move, making it a vital tool in your arsenal.

Serpent Trick (Mad Dog)

The Mad Dog Style, Goro's signature pirate fighting technique, utilizes dual swords, a flintlock pistol, and a grappling hook. The Serpent Trick upgrade enhances your crowd control capabilities by launching enemies into the air, setting up devastating aerial combos.

Frenzy Trick (Mad Dog)

Another crowd-control gem from the Mad Dog style, the Frenzy Trick involves a spinning attack that knocks down multiple foes. This move is particularly useful during the naval combat side quests, where you face waves of pirates.

Catch ‘n’ Slash (Sea Dog)

Initially unlocked with the Sea Dog style, the Catch ‘n’ Slash upgrade improves your projectile-based combat. It extends the throw's duration and allows for immediate follow-up attacks, enhancing your combo potential.

Charge ‘n’ Shoot (Sea Dog)

The flintlock pistol in the Mad Dog style can be a double-edged sword due to its long charge time. However, with the Charge ‘n’ Shoot upgrade, the pistol becomes a formidable tool, capable of shooting multiple enemies and sending them flying, making it a practical choice for early upgrades.

These are the best early upgrades for Goro Majima in *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*, designed to enhance your combat prowess and ensure a thrilling gaming experience.

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