*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* introduces an exhilarating twist to the *Yakuza* series by incorporating Naval Combat. This new fighting system is crucial for success in the game, and with multiple elements to ship control, here’s a comprehensive 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 ship features two cannons on each side and a machine gun turret at the front. When navigating the open seas, encounters with enemy ships are frequent, offering players the choice to engage in combat or attempt to flee.
However, the Goromaru's slower speed compared to land-based combat makes evasion challenging, especially against stronger ships with long-range attacks. It's often more strategic to confront enemy ships directly and initiate combat swiftly. Naval Combat 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 players to inflict damage while closing in on an enemy ship, setting the stage for more potent cannon attacks. Players can also manually control the turret by stopping the ship, though this increases risk.
Left and Right Cannons: These are the Goromaru's most powerful weapons, activated using L2 or R2 depending on the desired firing side. They are effective only at close range, indicated by a lit cannon symbol signaling a guaranteed hit. After firing, cannons require time to reload, necessitating strategic maneuvering to utilize both sides effectively.
RPG Missile: During naval combat, players can switch to a deck perspective, allowing Goro to move freely. This maneuver is safer at a distance, as the ship stops moving during the switch. On the deck, players can use an RPG to damage enemy ships from afar, providing a tactical advantage at the start of battles.
Pirate Ship Traversal
In the ship's wider camera view, players control the Goromaru with the left stick and can activate a speed boost. This boost is vital for either closing the gap with enemy ships or executing a drift by simultaneously pressing a button (O on the PS5 DualSense, B on the Xbox controller), enabling the ship to pivot and potentially dodge cannon fire or reposition for optimal cannon use.
Related: The Best Order to Play the Yakuza/Like a Dragon Series
Boarding Parties
Some Naval battles in *Pirate Yakuza* unfold in two stages, typically during boss encounters or in the Pirate Coliseum in Madlantis. These battles involve facing multiple ships, with the primary goal of destroying the main ship, which boasts higher health. To progress efficiently, it's advisable to focus solely on the boss ship, bypassing smaller ones.
Upon depleting the main ship's health, players are prompted to initiate a boarding party by pressing the action button, transitioning the battle to the classic *Yakuza* beat-em-up style. Depending on the boss, players might face numerous crew members and a boss character, often being outnumbered.
To prepare for these encounters, it's essential to level up your crew by boosting morale and engaging in lesser battles. This ensures your outnumbered pirates are stronger than the opposing crew. Additionally, enemy captains may use stat boosters to enhance damage or defense, making battles tougher. Players can counteract this by assigning their own support crew to boost their stats, aiming to defeat all opposing crew before their own are knocked out.
Mastering these two-stage naval battles is crucial for success in the Pirate Coliseum and major story battles in the game's latter half. Furthermore, as you explore islands for treasure, encounters with other ships make a solid grasp of Naval Combat indispensable. The *Yakuza* series has always embraced innovation, and the introduction of pirate ship mechanics and combat adds a refreshing dynamic, rivaling even *Sea of Thieves*. With the right crew, upgrades, and customization, the Goromaru can dominate 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.*
