Goro's Top Early Upgrades in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza Hawaii

If you’re diving into Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii as Goro Majima, you’re stepping into the shoes of a fierce ex-yakuza with a penchant for chaos. As you progress through the game’s engaging storyline, you’ll unlock new abilities and upgrades that can significantly enhance your experience. Here are the best early upgrades for Goro that will make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Goro begins the game with one fighting style in the first chapter, but as you advance, he’ll gain access to a second style called the Sea Dog, complete with its own unique skill tree. Throughout the game, you’ll have four main skill trees to explore: Overall Stats, Shared Abilities, Mad Dog, and Sea Dog. Below are some essential early upgrades that will help you dominate battles and quests without breaking the bank.

Max Health Boost (Overall Stats)

Boosting Goro’s maximum health is one of the first upgrades you should prioritize. Many boss fights involve swarms of enemies, and having a robust health bar ensures you can withstand more hits. This upgrade is crucial for outlasting opponents and dealing significant damage, making it a must-have early on in Pirate Yakuza.

Attack Boost (Overall Stats)

Enhancing Goro’s attack power is another essential early upgrade. This allows you to dish out more damage with basic attacks, which is vital given the shift back to traditional melee-focused gameplay. While it may require a substantial investment of in-game currency and points, the Attack Boost Plus upgrade can prove invaluable for future playthroughs.

Knockdown Evasion (Shared Abilities)

When surrounded by multiple foes, getting knocked down becomes a frequent occurrence. The Knockdown Evasion upgrade enables Goro to recover quickly after being hit, allowing you to transition smoothly back into offensive maneuvers. This skill is particularly useful in chaotic battles where timing is everything.

Quickstep Strike (Shared Abilities)

With the Quickstep Strike upgrade, you can execute attacks immediately after dodging an enemy. This ability transforms every fight into a strategic dance, offering you additional opportunities to strike. It’s especially beneficial during boss encounters, helping you activate your heat gauge attacks more effectively.

Grapple Counter (Shared Abilities)

Dealing with groups of enemies becomes easier with the Grapple Counter upgrade. This skill allows you to block and counter grab attacks, preventing damage while retaliating with your own strikes. Mastering this move can turn the tide of battle in your favor.

Serpent Trick (Mad Dog)

As Goro adopts the Mad Dog fighting style, he gains access to dual swords, a flintlock pistol, and a grappling hook. The Serpent Trick upgrade is a standout choice, enabling Goro to launch enemies into the air and set up devastating combos. This ability is perfect for crowd control and keeping enemies vulnerable.

Frenzy Trick (Mad Dog)

The Frenzy Trick is a powerful spin attack that clears enemies in a wide radius. This skill is invaluable during naval combat missions, where you’ll face overwhelming numbers of pirates. Its reach and duration make it an excellent tool for managing large groups of foes.

Catch ‘n’ Slash (Sea Dog)

Initially unlocked upon obtaining the Mad Dog style, the Catch ‘n’ Slash upgrade enhances Goro’s projectile-based attacks. With improved range and follow-up options, this ability becomes even deadlier, allowing for extended combos and greater versatility.

Charge ‘n’ Shoot (Sea Dog)

While the flintlock pistol may seem underwhelming at first due to its charging time and vulnerability, the Charge ‘n’ Shoot upgrade turns it into a formidable ranged weapon. It fires multiple projectiles simultaneously, sending enemies flying and providing much-needed support during intense battles.

These upgrades will give you a solid foundation to tackle challenges in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. Enjoy the game on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC, and may your adventures be filled with success and satisfaction.