Yakuza Buccaneer Battles Explode in 'Like a Dragon: Ishin!'

Mastering Naval Combat in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii introduces thrilling naval combat, a significant departure for the Yakuza series. This guide breaks down the mechanics of ship-to-ship battles, ensuring you dominate the seas.

Early game sees you commanding the Goromaru, equipped 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 head-on for optimal results. Naval combat utilizes three primary attack types:

• Turret Gun Attacks: Ideal for mid-range engagements. Damage is inflicted while approaching, setting up cannon attacks. Manually controlling the turret is possible but riskier.
• Left and Right Cannons: The Goromaru's most powerful attacks, effective at close range. The cannon symbol illuminates when a sure-hit is guaranteed. Maneuver to utilize both cannons effectively, accounting for reload times.
• RPG Missile: Switching to the ship's deck allows Goro to freely move and deploy an RPG for long-range damage. This is a strategic opening move, weakening enemies before close-quarters combat.

Ship Control and Maneuvering

Use the left stick to steer the Goromaru. A boost function temporarily increases speed. Combine boosting with a drift maneuver (O on PS5, B on Xbox) to spin the ship, dodging cannon fire or repositioning for optimal cannon usage.

Two-Stage Naval Battles and Boarding Parties

Boss battles and Pirate Coliseum encounters often feature two stages. Prioritize destroying the main ship (higher health) over smaller vessels to progress to the boarding phase.

Once the main ship's health depletes, a prompt initiates the boarding party, transitioning to a familiar Yakuza-style beat 'em up. You'll likely be outnumbered. Leveling up your crew, boosting morale, and strategically assigning support crew members with stat boosts are crucial for success.

Mastering these two-stage battles is essential for progression. Consistent encounters throughout the game necessitate a strong understanding of naval combat mechanics. With upgrades and crew management, your Goromaru can become an unstoppable force.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.