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

Goro Majima, the iconic Mad Dog of Shimano, takes the helm in *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*. As players embark on this thrilling adventure, Goro starts off with a single fighting style in the game's first chapter but quickly unlocks new weapons and the Sea Dog style, opening up a fresh upgrade tree. The game offers four distinct skill trees to explore:

• Overall Stats
• Shared Abilities
• Mad Dog
• Sea Dog

To ensure a smoother gameplay experience, here are the top early upgrades for Goro in *Pirate Yakuza* that are both effective and budget-friendly.

Max Health Boost (Overall Stats)

The Max Health Boost is a crucial early upgrade. With numerous boss fights surrounded by henchmen, having a robust health bar is essential for Goro to withstand hits and maintain control over the battlefield. This upgrade ensures Goro can outlast and overpower his adversaries, making it a must-have for success in *Pirate Yakuza*.

Attack Boost (Overall Stats)

The Attack Boost is another essential early upgrade for Goro. Enhancing the damage output of all base attacks, this upgrade is pivotal in the return to the series' traditional real-time combat. While it may require a significant investment in in-game currency and points, the Attack Boost Plus can further streamline future playthroughs.

Knockdown Evasion (Shared Abilities)

In the chaos of multi-enemy encounters, Knockdown Evasion is a game-changer. This upgrade allows Goro to quickly recover from heavy attacks or melee weapon strikes, enabling an immediate return to offensive play. It's an ideal early investment to maintain the upper hand in combat.

Quickstep Strike (Shared Abilities)

The Quickstep Strike upgrade enhances Goro's ability to counterattack after dodging, making every fight more manageable. This skill is particularly useful in early boss battles, providing an additional method to trigger Goro's heat gauge attack and turn the tide of battle.

Grapple Counter (Shared Abilities)

Crowd control is made easier with the Grapple Counter upgrade. This ability not only prevents damage from grab attacks but also allows Goro to retaliate, making it an excellent choice for dealing with groups of enemies efficiently.

Serpent Trick (Mad Dog)

The Mad Dog style, characterized by dual swords, a flintlock pistol, and a grappling hook, is perfect for tackling multiple foes. The Serpent Trick is an outstanding early upgrade, enabling Goro to launch enemies into the air for devastating aerial combos, leaving them vulnerable to further attacks.

Frenzy Trick (Mad Dog)

The Frenzy Trick in the Mad Dog style is a powerful crowd control move. Goro spins like a top, knocking down all enemies in his path. This upgrade is particularly beneficial in naval combat side quests, where players face waves of pirates, making it an essential tool for managing large groups.

Catch ‘n’ Slash (Sea Dog)

The Catch ‘n’ Slash attack, available from the start of the Sea Dog style, becomes even more potent with its upgrade. This upgrade extends the throw's duration and allows for immediate follow-up attacks, enhancing the potential for extended combos.

Charge ‘n’ Shoot (Sea Dog)

The flintlock pistol, part of the Mad Dog style, can be a risky choice due to its long charge time. However, the Charge ‘n’ Shoot upgrade transforms it into a formidable weapon, capable of hitting multiple enemies and sending them flying, making it a valuable asset in Goro's arsenal.

These are the best early upgrades for Goro Majima in *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*, designed to enhance your gameplay experience and help you dominate the battlefield from the outset.

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