You read that right. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii marks the latest chapter in the Like a Dragon (formerly known as Yakuza) series, venturing into a thrilling new direction. It might seem surprising that a new title is on the way so soon after Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth was released at the beginning of 2024, but the developers at Ryu Ga Gotoku have proven to be remarkably swift at crafting expansive games on a nearly annual basis. This new installment won’t be following our familiar protagonist Ichiban, nor will it stick to the turn-based RPG format that recent entries have adopted. There are countless treasures waiting to be unearthed, so let’s delve into all that we’ve discovered about Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.
Release Date
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will launch on February 28, 2025, just over a year after Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
Platforms
Trailers
The announcement trailer for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is notably lengthy, running for just over 7 minutes, providing ample intriguing insights into this unique title.
The story kicks off with longtime antihero Goro Majima who recounts his journey from six months earlier. After waking up on a beach under mysterious circumstances—similar to the promotional material for Infinite Wealth—he discovers he’s lost his memories. He crosses paths with a young boy named Noah and his pet tiger on Rich Island off Hawaii and quickly finds himself in conflict with some pirates. By defeating the former captain, Majima claims the title for himself and dives into a new life as a modern-day pirate.
The narrative will closely tie to events from Infinite Wealth, particularly focusing on Nele Island and the toxic waste stored there. Naturally, no pirate adventure would be complete without a legendary treasure to seek out. A character references the “Lost Treasure of the Esperanza,” which clearly drives Majima’s quest.
Gameplay
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will return to the action-oriented gameplay of the series’ roots. Players will control Majima as he battles numerous adversaries in real-time using a mix of combos, weaponry, and firearms alongside his crew. Players can switch between two combat stances: Mad Dog, focusing on rapid, flashy attacks that stun enemies, and Sea Dog, which enables the use of dual short swords for engaging in pirate-inspired melee combos and abilities.
A fresh gameplay element will involve commanding your own ship. Players can recruit and enhance a crew of pirates—potentially including characters from earlier titles—and invest in upgrades. While it remains unclear if players will have total free exploration in open water, there’s confirmation that ship-to-ship combat will be part of the experience. The main objective will be to inflict enough damage on enemy vessels to board them and engage in close-quarters combat with the opposing crew.
Preorder
With the release date officially announced, preorders for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii are now available. Players can choose between the base game and a Digital Deluxe Edition, each providing unique bonuses:
Standard Edition – $60
- Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii game
- Preorder bonus: Ichiban pirate crew set
- Preorder bonus: Ichiban special outfit set
Digital Deluxe Edition – $70
- All bonuses from the Standard Edition
- Legendary pirate crew pack
- Legendary outfit pack
- Ship customization pack
- Extra karaoke and CD pack
