*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* brings an exhilarating new twist to the beloved *Yakuza* series with the introduction of Naval Combat. This feature is crucial for progressing through the game, and understanding the mechanics of ship control is essential. 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 initial vessel, the Goromaru. This pirate ship comes equipped with two cannons on each side and a machine gun turret at the front. As you navigate the open seas, you'll frequently encounter enemy ships, presenting the choice to engage in combat or attempt an escape.

Escaping can be challenging due to the slower speed of ships compared to land-based combat, especially when facing stronger ships with long-range capabilities. It's generally more strategic to confront enemy ships directly and start firing as soon as possible. Naval Combat in *Pirate Yakuza* offers three types of attacks:

Turret Gun Attacks: Positioned at the front of the Goromaru, the turret gun is ideal for mid-range engagements. It allows you to inflict damage while closing in on an enemy ship, setting you up for more effective cannon use at close range. Players can also manually control the turret, though this increases the risk during combat.

Left and Right Cannons: These are the most potent weapons on the Goromaru, activated by L2 or R2 buttons, depending on the desired side. 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 it's advantageous to maneuver the ship to use the opposite side's cannons.

RPG Missile: By shifting the camera to the ship's deck, players can move Goro freely and equip an RPG for long-range attacks. This method is best used when safely distant from enemy ships, as it stops the ship's movement. Initiating a battle with an RPG can give you an early advantage by weakening the enemy.

Pirate Ship Traversal

Controlling the Goromaru involves using the left stick for navigation and a boost function to increase speed temporarily. The boost is useful for quickly closing the gap with enemy ships or executing a drift maneuver by pressing O (PS5) or B (Xbox) alongside the boost. Drifting helps in dodging enemy fire or positioning your ship to maximize cannon damage.

Boarding Parties

Some naval battles in *Pirate Yakuza* escalate into two-stage encounters, typically during boss fights or in the Pirate Coliseum in Madlantis. The objective is to destroy the main ship, which has higher health than its escorts. It's strategic to focus solely on the boss ship to advance to the second stage, where combat transitions to the familiar beat-em-up style of the *Yakuza* series.

Once the enemy ship's health is depleted, players initiate a boarding party, facing off against numerous crew members and a boss. Outnumbered, it's crucial to strengthen your crew through morale boosts and lower-level engagements. Both the enemy and your crew can use stat boosters to enhance damage or defense, making these battles challenging and dynamic.

Mastering these two-stage naval battles is key for progressing through the Pirate Coliseum and major story battles in the latter half of the game. Additionally, as you explore islands for treasure, encounters with other ships will test your naval combat skills.

*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* innovates on the *Yakuza* series formula with its pirate ship mechanics, offering a refreshing and engaging gameplay experience that rivals even *Sea of Thieves*. With the right upgrades and crew, the Goromaru can become the most formidable ship on the seas.

And that's how naval combat works in *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*.

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