*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* introduces a thrilling new dimension to the *Yakuza* series with its innovative Naval Combat system. This feature is crucial for players looking to conquer the high seas, and understanding its mechanics is key to success. Here's a detailed 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 modest pirate ship named the Goromaru, which can be upgraded as you progress. Initially, the Goromaru 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 you the choice to engage in combat or attempt to flee.

However, escaping can be challenging due to the slower movement of ships compared to land-based combat, especially when facing stronger ships with ranged attacks. It's often wiser to confront enemy ships directly and start firing as soon as possible. Naval Combat in *Pirate Yakuza* involves three types of attacks:

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 closing in on the enemy, setting the stage for more potent cannon attacks. Players can also take direct control of the turret, though this increases risk.

Left and Right Cannons: The most powerful weapons on the Goromaru, these cannons are activated using L2 or R2, depending on the side you wish to fire from. They are effective only at close range, indicated by a lit cannon symbol signaling a guaranteed hit. After firing, cannons require time to reload, so maneuvering to use the opposite side's cannons is a strategic move.

RPG Missile: By shifting the camera to the ship's deck, players can control Goro and use an RPG for long-range attacks. This is best done from a safe distance, as the ship stops moving during this perspective change. Starting a battle with an RPG can give you a significant advantage by weakening enemy ships early on.

Pirate Ship Traversal

In the wider camera view, players control the Goromaru using the left stick and can activate a speed boost to either close the gap with an enemy or execute a drift maneuver. Drifting, activated by pressing O on the PS5 DualSense or B on the Xbox controller alongside the boost, allows you to spin the ship, dodging enemy fire or positioning for optimal cannon use.

Boarding Parties

Some naval battles in *Pirate Yakuza* feature two stages, typically in boss encounters or within the Pirate Coliseum in Madlantis. These battles often involve facing multiple ships, with the primary objective being to destroy the main ship, which has more health. Focusing your attacks on the boss ship is crucial to progress to the second stage.

Once the main ship's health is depleted, players can initiate a boarding party by pressing the action button, transitioning the battle to the *Yakuza* series' familiar beat-em-up style. These encounters often pit you against numerous crew members and a boss, with your crew typically outnumbered.

To prepare for these battles, it's essential to level up your crew by boosting morale and engaging in lower-level fights. This ensures your pirates are stronger than the enemy crew. Additionally, both enemy and your own crew can use stat boosters to enhance damage or defense, making strategic use of these crucial.

Mastering the two-stage naval battles is vital, especially in the Pirate Coliseum and major story battles in the game's latter half. As you explore islands for treasure, encounters with other ships will test your naval combat skills. The *Yakuza* series' tradition of refreshing gameplay mechanics shines through with the pirate ship combat, offering a dynamic experience that rivals 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.*