*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, and understanding the various aspects of ship control is essential. 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 small pirate ship named the Goromaru, which can be upgraded as you progress. Initially, the Goromaru is armed with 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 other combat scenarios in the game, you have the choice to engage in battle or attempt to flee.
However, escaping can be challenging due to the slower movement of ships compared to land-based combat. Stronger enemy ships later in the game may also have ranged attacks, making evasion risky. It's often more strategic to confront enemy ships directly and start firing as soon as possible. Naval Combat in *Pirate Yakuza* involves three 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 while closing in on the enemy, setting the stage for more potent cannon attacks once you're in close range. Players can also take direct control of the turret, though this increases risk.
Left and Right Cannons: The most powerful weapons on the Goromaru, these cannons are activated 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 to use the opposite side's cannons is advisable.
RPG Missile: By shifting the camera to the ship's deck, players can control Goro and move freely. This maneuver is best executed from a safe distance, as the ship stops moving during this perspective change. Equipping an RPG allows you to deal significant damage from afar, providing a strategic advantage at the start of battles.
Pirate Ship Traversal
In the wider camera view, players control the Goromaru using the left stick and can activate a speed boost to either close the gap with enemy ships or execute a drift maneuver. Drifting, activated by pressing O on the PS5 DualSense or B on the Xbox controller alongside the boost, enables you to spin the ship, dodging cannon fire or positioning for optimal cannon use.
Related: The Best Order to Play the Yakuza/Like a Dragon Series
Boarding Parties
Some naval battles in *Pirate Yakuza* feature two stages, typically in boss encounters or within the Pirate Coliseum in Madlantis. These battles often involve facing multiple ships, with the primary objective being to destroy the main ship, which has more health than the others. Focusing your attacks on the boss ship is key to progressing to the second stage.
Once the main ship's health is depleted, a prompt appears 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. To prepare, it's crucial to level up your crew by boosting morale and engaging in smaller fights, ensuring your pirates are stronger than the enemy crew.
Enemy captains may use stat boosters to enhance damage or defense, making battles tougher. Players can counter this by assigning their own support crew with boosters to enhance their stats. 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, you'll frequently encounter other ships, making a solid grasp of Naval Combat indispensable. The *Yakuza* series is known for refreshing its gameplay, and the pirate ship mechanics and combat in *Pirate Yakuza* offer a dynamic change that rivals even *Sea of Thieves*. With the right crew, upgrades, and customization, the Goromaru can become the most formidable ship 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.*
