In *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*, players step into the shoes of Goro Majima, the iconic Mad Dog of Shimano. This game introduces a variety of skills and tricks for Goro to master, and here are the top early upgrades to consider for enhancing your gameplay experience in *Pirate Yakuza*.
Goro Majima Upgrades in Pirate Yakuza, Explained
Goro Majima, known as the amnesiac ex-yakuza, starts the game with a single fighting style in the first chapter. As you progress through the main storyline, Goro unlocks new weapons and the Sea Dog fighting style, which comes with its own upgrade tree. The game features four distinct skill trees:
- Overall Stats
- Shared Abilities
- Mad Dog
- Sea Dog
Here are the recommended early upgrades that will significantly enhance your performance in battles and quests without requiring a hefty investment of money or points.
Max Health Boost (Overall Stats)
The first upgrade you should prioritize is the Max Health Boost. Boss fights in *Pirate Yakuza* often involve numerous henchmen, and having a robust health bar is crucial for effective crowd control. This upgrade ensures Goro can withstand more hits, allowing you to outlast and overpower your opponents in critical battles.
Attack Boost (Overall Stats)
Another essential early upgrade is the Attack Boost, which increases the damage output of Goro's base attacks. With *Pirate Yakuza* returning to the series' roots of real-time combat, melee attacks are vital for progressing through the story and side content. While the Attack Boost Plus upgrade may be more costly, it's a worthwhile investment for smoother future playthroughs.
Knockdown Evasion (Shared Abilities)
When facing multiple enemies, avoiding all attacks becomes challenging, and you're likely to be knocked down by heavy blows. The Knockdown Evasion upgrade is perfect for Goro, enabling a swift recovery after being hit by melee weapons or heavy attacks from larger foes, allowing you to quickly resume your offensive strategy.
Quickstep Strike (Shared Abilities)
The Quickstep Strike upgrade enhances your combat effectiveness by allowing Goro to attack immediately after dodging. This upgrade is crucial for simplifying all fights, 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 excellent for managing crowds of enemies. It allows Goro to counter grab attacks, preventing damage and enabling a counterattack. This upgrade is a game-changer in chaotic battles.
Serpent Trick (Mad Dog)
The Mad Dog Style, Goro's pirate-inspired fighting technique, equips him with dual swords, a flintlock pistol, and a grappling hook. The Serpent Trick is an excellent early upgrade within this style, enabling Goro to launch enemies into the air, setting up opportunities for devastating aerial combos.
Frenzy Trick (Mad Dog)
The Frenzy Trick in the Mad Dog style is all about crowd control. Goro spins like a top, knocking down enemies 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 foes.
Catch ‘n’ Slash (Sea Dog)
The Catch 'n' Slash attack is available from the start of the Sea Dog style, but upgrading it enhances Goro's projectile-based combat. The upgraded throw lasts longer and allows for immediate follow-up attacks, extending your combo potential.
Charge ‘n’ Shoot (Sea Dog)
The flintlock pistol in the Mad Dog style is a unique ranged weapon, but its long charge time can leave Goro vulnerable. Upgrading to Charge 'n' Shoot makes the pistol more practical, allowing it to hit multiple enemies and send them flying, significantly improving its utility in combat.
These are the best early upgrades for Goro Majima in *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*, designed to enhance your gameplay 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.*
