In *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*, players take control of the iconic Goro Majima, the Mad Dog of Shimano. The game equips him with a variety of skills and tricks to master, and here's a guide to the best early upgrades for Goro in *Pirate Yakuza*.
Goro Majima Upgrades in Pirate Yakuza, Explained
Goro Majima starts *Pirate Yakuza* as an amnesiac ex-yakuza with a single fighting style in the game's opening chapter. As you progress through the main storyline, Goro unlocks new weapons and the Sea Dog fighting style, which introduces an entirely new upgrade tree. The game features four different skill trees for players to progress through:
- Overall Stats
- Shared Abilities
- Mad Dog
- Sea Dog
Here are several upgrades that players should prioritize early on in *Pirate Yakuza*. These upgrades will enhance your performance in battles and quests without requiring a significant investment of money or points.
Max Health Boost (Overall Stats)
One of the first upgrades you should consider is the Max Health Boost. Boss fights in *Pirate Yakuza* often involve numerous henchmen, and effective crowd control includes maintaining a high health bar. This upgrade ensures Goro can withstand hits, making it essential for outlasting opponents while dealing substantial damage in critical battles.
Attack Boost (Overall Stats)
The Attack Boost is another crucial early upgrade for Goro. It increases the damage output of all base attacks, which is vital since *Pirate Yakuza* has returned to the series' traditional real-time combat system. While it may cost a fair amount of in-game currency and points, the Attack Boost Plus upgrade can further simplify future playthroughs.
Knockdown Evasion (Shared Abilities)
In scenarios where you're facing multiple enemies, Knockdown Evasion becomes invaluable. This upgrade allows Goro to quickly recover after being hit by melee weapons or heavy attacks from larger foes, enabling an immediate return to offensive play.
Quickstep Strike (Shared Abilities)
The Quickstep Strike upgrade enhances Goro's ability to attack immediately after dodging. This upgrade is essential for making all fights in *Pirate Yakuza* easier, as every additional attack can make a significant difference. It's particularly useful in early boss fights, providing another way to trigger Goro's heat gauge attack.
Grapple Counter (Shared Abilities)
The Grapple Counter upgrade is perfect for handling crowds of enemies. It prevents damage from grab attacks and allows Goro to counter with an attack of his own, making it a powerful tool for maintaining control in chaotic fights.
Serpent Trick (Mad Dog)
The Mad Dog Style, Goro's Pirate fighting style, utilizes dual swords, a flintlock pistol, and a grappling hook. The Serpent Trick is an excellent early upgrade in this style, as it allows Goro to launch enemies into the air, setting up opportunities for devastating combos while leaving opponents vulnerable.
Frenzy Trick (Mad Dog)
The Frenzy Trick in the Mad Dog style is all about crowd control. Goro spins like a top, knocking down everyone in his path. This move is particularly useful in the game's naval combat side quests, where you face waves of pirates, making it easier to manage large groups of enemies.
Catch ‘n’ Slash (Sea Dog)
The Catch 'n' Slash attack is unlocked with the Mad Dog style, but upgrading it enhances Goro's projectile-based combat technique. The upgraded throw lasts longer and allows for immediate follow-up attacks, extending the duration of combos.
Charge ‘n’ Shoot (Sea Dog)
The flintlock pistol in the Mad Dog style can be a double-edged sword due to its slow charge time, leaving Goro vulnerable. However, upgrading it with Charge 'n' Shoot makes it much more practical, enabling Goro to shoot multiple enemies simultaneously and send them flying.
These are the recommended early upgrades for Goro in *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*, designed to optimize his performance and make your journey through the game more enjoyable and effective.
*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
