*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* introduces an exhilarating twist to the *Yakuza* series with its naval combat system, which is pivotal to mastering the game. Here's a detailed look at how naval combat functions in this latest installment.

How Does Naval Combat in Pirate Yakuza Work?

Early on in *Pirate Yakuza*, players are introduced to the Goromaru, your initial pirate ship that can be upgraded as you progress. Initially equipped with two side cannons and a front machine gun turret, the Goromaru sets sail into waters teeming with enemy ships. Players can choose to engage in combat or attempt to flee, but given the slower movement of ships compared to land-based combat, escaping can be perilous, especially against ships with ranged capabilities later in the game. Facing enemies head-on is often the safest strategy.

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 as you close in on an enemy ship, setting you up for a more impactful cannon attack once in close range. Players can also take direct control of the turret, though this increases risk.

Left and Right Cannons: These are the Goromaru's most potent weapons, activated by L2 or R2 buttons depending on the side you wish to fire from. Effective only at close range, a visual cue (a lit cannon symbol) indicates when a shot will be a sure hit. Cannons require time to reload after firing, so maneuvering to use both sides effectively is key.

RPG Missile: By shifting the camera to the ship’s deck, players can control Goro and equip an RPG for long-distance attacks. This maneuver is risky when enemies are nearby, as it halts the ship's movement, but it's an excellent way to start battles by weakening enemy ships from afar.

Pirate Ship Traversal

In the wider camera view, the left stick controls the Goromaru's direction, while a boost can be activated to temporarily increase speed. This boost is vital for closing gaps with enemy ships or executing a drift maneuver by pressing a specific button (O on PS5 DualSense, B on Xbox controller) alongside the boost. Drifting allows the ship to spin, dodging attacks or positioning for optimal cannon use.

Boarding Parties

Some naval battles feature a two-stage format, typically found in boss fights or within the Pirate Coliseum in Madlantis. These involve facing multiple ships, with the primary target being a larger, tougher ship. Focusing solely on the main ship is crucial to advance to the second stage, where combat shifts to a traditional *Yakuza* beat-em-up style.

Upon depleting the enemy ship's health, players initiate a boarding party by pressing the action button. Here, Goro and his crew confront the enemy crew and a boss character, often outnumbered. Preparing your crew by boosting morale and engaging in lower-level fights beforehand can give you an edge. Enemy captains may use stat boosters, so assigning your crew with similar support can be vital to success.

Mastering these two-stage naval battles is essential, especially in the Pirate Coliseum and major story battles later in the game. Moreover, as you explore islands for treasure, encounters with other ships will test your naval combat skills. The *Yakuza* series continues to innovate, and the pirate ship mechanics in *Pirate Yakuza* offer a fresh and engaging experience, rivaling even *Sea of Thieves*. With the right upgrades and crew, the Goromaru can dominate the seas.

And that's an overview of naval combat in *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*.

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