Best Early Crew Choices for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza

*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* revolves around assembling the fiercest pirate crew possible. The game allows you to recruit numerous characters - here's who to prioritize early to breeze through the story's opening chapters.

Recommended Videos

During Chapter 2's story, Goro and his fledgling crew reach Madlantis, a pirate haven featuring Naval Colosseum battles. This section introduces Jason and Masaru while revealing how their previous crew fell apart due to betrayal during arena combat. Now tasked with upgrading both ship and crew for upcoming naval battles, Goro first needs to gather resources and expand his ranks.

The Coliseum serves as a critical story hurdle in *Pirate Yakuza*, presenting two immediate obstacles: raising $10,000 for ship repairs and recruiting five crewmates before continuing the main narrative. For players wanting streamlined progression, these five easily-obtained members provide the fastest solution.

Essential Early Crew Recruits

Nickelle Kidman

This Hollywood-inspired character loiters near Honolulu's beaches, requiring only a two-star crew rating to join. Most players naturally achieve this rank through normal story progression, though optional activities like treasure hunting and sea battles provide alternative rating boosts.

Hammerhead

Found on the shopping center's upper level, this bare-knuckle brawler joins after losing a simple fistfight. His health pool remains manageable early-game, making him one of the quickest recruits available.

Kenzo

The docks hide this ship technician who accepts either salvaged materials or modest payment. Since players naturally accumulate both resources early, Kenzo represents another effortless recruitment.

Lucas

Located in Madlantis, this hotheaded challenger initiates a combat encounter after some amusing banter. Though armed with melee weapons, he poses little threat compared to Chapter 1-2's boss fights.

Obispo

This Honolulu restaurateur requires five dining visits to join. While slightly tedious, frequent nearby battles make health restoration necessary anyway, creating natural opportunities to complete this requirement.

While later chapters introduce more powerful recruits with steeper requirements, these five provide the fastest path through early story progression. Their simplicity allows players to focus on upgrading their crew rather than grinding recruitment conditions when the adventure's just beginning.

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