*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* introduces an exhilarating twist to the *Yakuza* series with the addition of Naval Combat. This innovative fighting system is crucial for success in the game, encompassing various elements 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, *Pirate Yakuza* equips players with the Goromaru, a modest pirate ship ripe for upgrades. Initially, it comes equipped with two cannons on each side and a front-mounted machine gun turret. As you navigate the open seas, you'll frequently encounter enemy vessels, offering the choice to engage in combat or attempt to flee.
However, the Goromaru's slower pace compared to on-land combat makes escaping a risky proposition, particularly against more advanced ships with long-range capabilities that can inflict damage during your retreat. It's often wiser to confront enemy ships directly, initiating combat at the earliest opportunity. In Naval Combat, you have access to three types of attacks:
Turret Gun Attacks: Positioned at the ship's bow, the turret gun is your go-to for mid-range engagements. It allows you to damage enemies as you close in, setting the stage for more potent cannon strikes. You can also manually control the turret, though this increases your vulnerability.
Left and Right Cannons: The Goromaru's cannons are its heaviest hitters, activated with L2 or R2 on your controller, depending on the side you wish to fire from. Effective only at close range, a lit cannon symbol indicates a guaranteed hit. Post-firing, cannons need time to reload, so strategic maneuvering to alternate cannon use is key.
RPG Missile: By shifting the camera to the ship's deck, you can control Goro directly. This maneuver is best executed at a safe distance, as the ship halts during this transition. Equipping an RPG while on the deck lets you initiate combat from afar, giving you a strategic advantage.
Pirate Ship Traversal
In the wider camera view, navigate the Goromaru using the left stick and utilize a boost to temporarily increase speed. This boost can be used to either close in on an enemy or to perform a drift by simultaneously pressing the boost and a designated button (O on PS5, B on Xbox). Drifting enables quick turns, allowing you to evade cannon fire or reposition your ship to maximize cannon effectiveness.
Related: The Best Order to Play the Yakuza/Like a Dragon Series
Boarding Parties
Some naval battles in *Pirate Yakuza* unfold in two phases, typically in major story boss encounters or within the Pirate Coliseum in Madlantis. These battles often pit the Goromaru against multiple ships, with the primary objective of demolishing the largest, which boasts greater durability. Focusing your attacks on the main ship is crucial for advancing to the second stage.
Once the main ship's health is depleted, you're prompted to initiate a boarding party by pressing the action button, shifting the battle from naval to the *Yakuza* series' signature beat-em-up style. These encounters typically see your crew outnumbered by the enemy's, including a formidable boss.
To tilt the odds in your favor, it's vital to level up your crew through morale boosts and lesser skirmishes. The enemy captains may employ stat-enhancing boosters, increasing the challenge. Assigning your own support crew to deploy similar buffs can be a game-changer, with the goal being to defeat all opposing crew members before your party falls.
Mastering these two-stage naval battles is essential, as they are central to both the Pirate Coliseum and major story arcs in the game's latter half. Furthermore, understanding Naval Combat is key for exploring islands and encountering other ships while searching for treasure.
The *Yakuza* series has a history of refreshing its formula, and the pirate ship mechanics and combat in *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* offer a compelling shift that rivals even *Sea of Thieves*. With the right crew, upgrades, and customization, the Goromaru can become the most feared vessel 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.*
