Optimal Pirate Crew Formations: Like a Dragon Gaiden

Mastering the Pirate Coliseum in *Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name* (also known as *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*) demands both naval combat prowess and strategic crew management. Optimizing your crew formation is key to victory. This guide highlights the best crew setups for conquering the Coliseum's challenges.

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Your crew's arrangement on the Goromaru is crucial. While all positions matter, three are paramount: First Mate, Squad Leader, and Support Squad.

First Mate: Your second-in-command, influencing your ship's offensive or defensive capabilities during naval combat.

Squad Leader: Leads a boarding party (up to four, expandable to 20). Their abilities impact your melee combat effectiveness.

Support Squad: Provides crucial buffs or healing during combat without directly participating.

The Best First Mates for Your Crew Formation

The optimal First Mate depends on your strategic needs. Here are top choices:

Daisaku Minami

Minami's "Sink King Kiwami" trait significantly boosts damage to enemy sterns, ideal for swiftly eliminating boss ships in challenging Coliseum battles.

Nishida

Nishida provides extra ship repairs, crucial for surviving intense multi-ship engagements.

Captain Beef

An early-game recruit with the valuable "Sink King Kiwami" trait, offering strong early-game damage output.

Misaki

Misaki's "Master of Stealth Kiwami" trait grants additional smoke screen uses for tactical retreats and surprise attacks.

The Best Squad Leaders for Your Crew Formation

Effective Squad Leaders enhance your boarding party's performance. Consider these options:

Kazuma Kiryu

(Pre-order bonus) Kiryu's "Dragon of Dojima" trait significantly boosts attack and voltage gauge charge speed.

Jason

An early recruit whose "Former Hunter's Knowledge" trait boosts both attack and defense for your boarding party.

Daigo Dojima

(DLC) Dojima's "Wisdom King's Divine Protection" trait accelerates health recovery and heat gauge charging.

Ono Michio

(DLC) Ono Michio's "The Idol of Onomichi" trait significantly boosts attack and madness gauge charge.

Masaru

An early recruit whose "Marine Cuisine" trait boosts his boarding party's attack.

Taiga Saejima

Saejima's "Veteran" trait significantly boosts both attack and defense for your boarding party.

The Best Support Squad Members for Your Crew Formation

While not directly involved in combat, the Support Squad's abilities can be game-changing:

Noah

Noah's "Rallying Cry" provides crucial health recovery, improving survivability.

Goro

Goro's "Goro's Mighty Roar" support skill significantly boosts your boarding party's attack power.

Nancy-Chan

(DLC) Nancy-Chan's "Pincers of Pain" complements Goro's roar for devastating combined attack boosts.

By strategically utilizing these crew formations, you'll significantly increase your chances of conquering the Pirate Coliseum in *Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name*.

Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.