"Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza Naval Combat in Hawaii Detailed"

*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* introduces an exhilarating shift in the *Yakuza* series by incorporating Naval Combat, a pivotal feature that adds depth and excitement to gameplay. Mastering this new combat system is crucial for success, as it involves various ship control mechanics. Here's a comprehensive guide on how Naval Combat works in *Pirate Yakuza*.

How Does Naval Combat in Pirate Yakuza Work?

In the opening chapters of *Pirate Yakuza*, players are introduced to the Goromaru, a modest pirate ship that can be upgraded later in the game. Initially, the Goromaru is equipped with two cannons on each side and a machine gun turret at the front. As you navigate the open seas, you'll frequently encounter enemy ships, presenting you with the choice to engage or flee.

Given the slower pace of ships compared to land combat, attempting to escape can be risky, especially against formidable foes with long-range attacks. It's often wiser to confront enemy ships directly, initiating combat as soon as possible. Naval Combat in *Pirate Yakuza* involves three types of attacks:

Turret Gun Attacks: Positioned at the ship's front, the turret gun is ideal for mid-range engagements. It allows you to inflict damage while approaching, setting the stage for a closer attack with the more powerful cannons. Players can also take manual control of the turret, though this increases risk.

Left and Right Cannons: The Goromaru's most potent weapons, these cannons are activated with 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 for a guaranteed hit. After firing, cannons require time to reload, so strategic maneuvering to use both sides is key.

RPG Missile: By switching the camera to the ship's deck, players can control Goro and use an RPG for long-distance attacks. This is best done from a safe distance to avoid halting the ship's movement during battle. Starting a fight with an RPG can give you a significant advantage by weakening enemy ships from afar.

Pirate Ship Traversal

When navigating the ship in a wider camera view, use the left stick to steer the Goromaru and activate a boost to temporarily increase speed. The boost is perfect for closing gaps or executing a drift by simultaneously pressing O (PS5) or B (Xbox) to spin the ship, dodging cannon fire or optimizing cannon use for double damage.

Boarding Parties

Some naval battles in *Pirate Yakuza* consist of two stages, typically seen in boss fights or during the Pirate Coliseum in Madlantis. These encounters often involve multiple enemy ships, with the primary objective of destroying the main ship, which boasts greater health. To progress efficiently, focus your attacks on the boss ship, bypassing smaller vessels.

Once the boss ship's health is depleted, a prompt will appear to initiate a boarding party, transitioning the battle to the series' familiar beat-em-up style. Depending on the battle, you may face numerous crew members and a boss, often being outnumbered. Strengthen your crew by boosting morale and engaging in lower-level fights to prepare for these encounters.

Enemy captains can activate stat boosters like damage or defense, making battles tougher. Assign your own support crew to provide similar boosts and aim to defeat the opposing crew before your party is knocked out.

Mastering two-stage naval battles is crucial for the Pirate Coliseum and major story battles in the game's latter half. Additionally, understanding Naval Combat is essential for exploring islands and encountering other ships while searching for treasure. The *Yakuza* series' tradition of refreshing gameplay is evident in *Pirate Yakuza*, offering a dynamic experience that rivals even *Sea of Thieves*. With the right crew, upgrades, and customization, the Goromaru can become the most feared 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.