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

Goro Majima, the iconic Mad Dog of Shimano, steps into the vibrant world of *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* as the main protagonist. In this thrilling adventure, Goro starts with a single fighting style in the game's first chapter, but as players delve deeper into the narrative, they'll unlock new weapons and the dynamic Sea Dog fighting style, each with its own upgrade tree. The game offers four distinct skill trees for players to explore: Overall Stats, Shared Abilities, Mad Dog, and Sea Dog. Here's a guide to the best early upgrades for Goro to enhance your gameplay without breaking the bank.

Max Health Boost (Overall Stats)

One of the first upgrades you should prioritize is the Max Health Boost. Given the intense boss fights and the need for effective crowd control, a higher health bar ensures Goro can withstand more hits. This upgrade is crucial for outlasting opponents and dealing substantial damage, making it an essential early investment in *Pirate Yakuza*.

Attack Boost (Overall Stats)

Next up, the Attack Boost upgrade is a must-have. With *Pirate Yakuza* reverting to the classic melee-based combat that the *Yakuza* series is known for, enhancing Goro's base attack damage is vital. While it may be costly, the Attack Boost Plus upgrade can further streamline your future playthroughs, making it a smart long-term investment.

Knockdown Evasion (Shared Abilities)

When facing multiple enemies, Knockdown Evasion becomes an invaluable upgrade. It allows Goro to quickly recover from heavy attacks or melee weapon hits, enabling him to maintain an aggressive stance. This upgrade is perfect for keeping the pressure on your foes and minimizing downtime during combat.

Quickstep Strike (Shared Abilities)

The Quickstep Strike upgrade enhances your evasion by allowing you to strike immediately after dodging. This skill is essential for all encounters, as it adds an extra layer of offense to your defensive maneuvers. It's particularly useful in early boss fights, helping you fill Goro's heat gauge for devastating attacks.

Grapple Counter (Shared Abilities)

For dealing with crowds, the Grapple Counter upgrade is a game-changer. It allows Goro to counter grab attacks, preventing damage and enabling a counterattack. This upgrade is key for maintaining control in chaotic battles and turning the tide in your favor.

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 upgrade is a standout, allowing Goro to launch enemies into the air, setting up for deadly aerial combos. This is a fantastic early upgrade for crowd control and maximizing your damage output.

Frenzy Trick (Mad Dog)

Another crowd control gem in the Mad Dog style is the Frenzy Trick. This spin attack can knock down multiple enemies, making it invaluable in naval combat side-quests where you face waves of pirates. Upgrading this early will significantly ease the burden of these challenging encounters.

Catch ‘n’ Slash (Sea Dog)

The Catch 'n' Slash upgrade enhances the projectile combat technique available from the start of the Sea Dog style. It extends the duration of the throw and allows for immediate follow-up attacks, enabling longer and more devastating combos.

Charge ‘n’ Shoot (Sea Dog)

While the flintlock pistol in the Mad Dog style initially takes too long to charge, making Goro vulnerable, the Charge 'n' Shoot upgrade transforms it into a powerful tool. It allows the gun to shoot multiple enemies simultaneously, sending them flying and clearing the battlefield more efficiently.

These are the best early upgrades for Goro Majima in *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*, designed to enhance your combat prowess and ensure a smoother gameplay experience. Dive into the game, now available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and conquer the pirate-infested seas with the Mad Dog of Shimano at your command.