*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* takes the *Yakuza* series in an exhilarating new direction by introducing Naval Combat, a crucial aspect of the game that players must master to succeed. This innovative fighting system involves multiple facets of ship control, making it essential to understand how Naval Combat works 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 called the Goromaru, which can be upgraded as the game progresses. Initially, the ship 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, offering the choice to engage in combat or attempt to flee.
However, escaping can be challenging due to the Goromaru's slower movement compared to land-based combat. Stronger enemy ships with ranged attacks can damage you while you try to escape, making it advisable to confront them head-on. In Naval Combat, you have three types of attacks at your disposal:
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 approaching an enemy, preparing you for a closer attack with your cannons. You can also take direct control of the turret, though this is riskier as it leaves your ship stationary.
Left and Right Cannons: These are the most powerful weapons on the Goromaru and are activated using L2 or R2, depending on which side you wish to fire from. They are effective only at close range, indicated by a lit cannon symbol. After firing, cannons need time to reload, so maneuvering your ship to use both sets of cannons is crucial for maximizing damage.
RPG Missile: By shifting the camera to the ship's deck, you can control Goro freely. This move is risky near enemy ships as it stops your ship. However, it allows you to equip an RPG for long-range damage, giving you an advantage by weakening enemy ships before closing in.
Pirate Ship Traversal
Using the wider camera perspective, you can control the Goromaru with the left stick and activate a speed boost to close the distance to enemy ships or perform a drift. Drifting, activated by pressing O (PS5) or B (Xbox) along with the boost, enables quick turns to dodge cannon fire or reposition your ship to use both sets of cannons effectively.
Boarding Parties
Some naval battles in *Pirate Yakuza* consist of two stages, typically during boss fights in the main story or in the Pirate Coliseum in Madlantis. These battles involve facing multiple ships, with the primary objective of destroying the main ship, which has greater health. Focus your attacks on the main ship to progress to the second stage, where naval combat transitions into a traditional *Yakuza* beat-em-up style.
In the second stage, you'll face numerous crew members and a boss, often outnumbered. To succeed, level up your crew by boosting morale and engaging in lower-level fights. Both the enemy and your crew can use stat boosters to enhance damage or defense, making strategic use of these crucial. The goal is to defeat the opposing crew before your party is knocked out.
Mastering two-stage naval battles is essential for the Pirate Coliseum and major story battles in the game's latter half. Additionally, understanding Naval Combat is vital for exploring islands and encountering other ships while hunting for treasure. The *Yakuza* series has always innovated its gameplay, and the pirate ship mechanics in *Pirate Yakuza* offer a refreshing and engaging change, rivaling 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.
