Mastering Naval Combat in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii introduces exhilarating naval combat, a significant departure for the Yakuza series. This guide breaks down the mechanics of ship-to-ship battles, crucial for success in the game.
Early game sees you commanding the Goromaru, a modestly equipped vessel with two cannons and a turret. While fleeing is an option, the Goromaru's slow speed makes it risky, especially against ships with ranged attacks. Engage enemies head-on.
Naval combat offers three primary attack types:
- Turret Gun Attacks: Ideal for mid-range engagements. Damage can be inflicted while approaching, setting up cannon attacks. Manually controlling the turret is possible but riskier.
- Left and Right Cannons: These powerful cannons (activated by L2/R2) are effective at close range, indicated by a lit-up cannon icon. Remember the reload time and alternate cannon usage.
- RPG Missile: Switching to a deck view (risky at close range) allows Goro to deploy an RPG for long-range attacks, providing a strategic advantage at the battle's outset.
Ship Maneuverability:
Use the left stick to steer the Goromaru. A boost function increases speed temporarily. Combining boost with a drift maneuver (O on PS5, B on Xbox) allows for evasive maneuvers and repositioning for optimal cannon fire.
Two-Stage Naval Battles and Boarding Parties:
Many battles, particularly boss fights and Pirate Coliseum encounters, unfold in two stages. Focus fire on the main ship to trigger the boarding party phase.
The boarding party transitions combat to the familiar Yakuza beat-'em-up style. You'll often be outnumbered. Leveling up your crew, improving morale, and strategic support crew assignments are crucial for success. Enemy captains possess stat boosts, adding to the challenge.
Mastering these two-stage battles is vital for progression. Regular encounters throughout the game emphasize the importance of understanding naval combat mechanics. With strategic upgrades and crew management, the Goromaru can become an unstoppable force.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
