*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* introduces an exhilarating shift for the *Yakuza* series by incorporating Naval Combat into its gameplay. This new fighting system is crucial for success within the game, and given its complexity, understanding how it works is essential for any player looking to dominate the seas. Here’s a detailed look at how Naval Combat functions in *Pirate Yakuza*.
How Does Naval Combat in Pirate Yakuza Work?
In the early stages of *Pirate Yakuza*, players are introduced to their ship, the Goromaru, which starts with basic armaments: two cannons on each side and a machine gun turret at the front. As you sail through the open waters, you'll frequently encounter enemy ships, presenting you with the choice to engage in combat or attempt to flee.
However, escaping can be challenging due to the Goromaru's slower speed compared to land-based combat. Stronger enemy ships equipped with ranged attacks can inflict damage even as you try to escape. Thus, it’s often wiser to confront these adversaries head-on. Naval Combat in *Pirate Yakuza* includes three primary attack types:
Turret Gun Attacks: Positioned at the ship's front, the turret gun is ideal for mid-range engagements. It allows you to damage enemy ships as you approach, setting the stage for more impactful cannon attacks once you're in close range. Players can also take direct control of the turret, though this increases vulnerability.
Left and Right Cannons: The most potent weapons on the Goromaru, these cannons are activated with L2 or R2, depending on the side you wish to fire from. They are effective only at close range, signaled by a lit cannon symbol indicating a guaranteed hit. After firing, cannons require time to reload, prompting strategic maneuvering to alternate firing sides. 
RPG Missile: By switching to a deck perspective, players can control Goro and equip an RPG for long-range attacks. This maneuver is risky when enemies are near, as it stops the ship's movement, but it's a great way to start weakening an enemy from a distance before closing in.
Pirate Ship Traversal
In the wider ship perspective, players navigate the Goromaru using the left stick and can activate a speed boost to either close in on enemies or execute a drift by simultaneously pressing a button (O on PS5 DualSense, B on Xbox controller) and the boost. This drift can help dodge incoming attacks or position the ship to maximize cannon damage.
Boarding Parties
Certain naval battles, typically in boss encounters or the Pirate Coliseum in Madlantis, unfold in two stages. The primary objective is to destroy the main enemy ship, which has more health than the others. Focusing your attacks on this ship advances you to the second stage, where the battle shifts to a traditional *Yakuza* beat-em-up style.
Once the enemy ship's health is depleted, a prompt appears to initiate a boarding party. This phase pits Goro and his crew against a larger number of enemy crew members and a boss. Being outnumbered is common, so it’s crucial to level up your crew through morale boosts and smaller fights to ensure they're strong enough to handle these encounters.
Enemy captains may use stat-boosting abilities, making these battles tougher. Players can counter this by assigning their own support crew with similar boosts to enhance their stats. The goal is to defeat all opposing crew members before your party is knocked out.
Mastering these two-stage naval battles is vital, especially in the Pirate Coliseum and major story battles in the game's latter half. Additionally, as you explore islands for treasure, encounters with other ships will test your Naval Combat skills. The *Yakuza* series has always been known for innovating its gameplay, and the pirate ship mechanics and combat in *Pirate Yakuza* provide a refreshing and competitive experience, rivaling 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 how Naval Combat in *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* works, explained comprehensively.
*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
