Majima Goro is finally getting his own solo game, and honestly, it’s about time. If you’ve been following the RGG Summit or just keeping an eye on the chaotic trailer drops, you know that the Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii release date is officially set for February 21, 2025. Wait, actually, let me correct that right away. Sega originally had it slated for February 28, but they pulled a total "Mad Dog" move and bumped it up by a week. They literally moved it closer because the hype was hitting critical mass.
It’s coming to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. No Switch version for this one, which makes sense considering the sheer visual chaos of ship-to-ship combat in the middle of the Pacific.
Why the Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Release Date Shifted
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio usually sticks to their guns, but moving a launch date forward is pretty rare in an industry where delays are the norm. Masayoshi Yokoyama, the head of the studio, basically said they wanted to get it into players' hands sooner. But if we’re being real, February 2025 is an absolute graveyard of a month for your wallet. With Monster Hunter Wilds looming like a giant Elder Dragon at the end of that month, moving Majima’s piratical debut to February 21 gives the game some much-needed breathing room.
You’ve gotta respect the hustle.
The game is a direct follow-up to the massive Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. It picks up with Goro Majima washing up on the shores of Rich Island near Hawaii with a bad case of amnesia. He can't remember his name, his past, or why he’s wearing a leather jacket in the tropics. Naturally, within about twenty minutes, he’s the captain of a pirate ship called the "Goromaru." It’s ridiculous. It’s over-the-top. It’s exactly what the series needed after the emotional heavy-lifting of Ichiban and Kiryu's last outing.
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The Gameplay: No More Turns
One thing that might surprise people looking forward to the Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii release date is that this isn't a turn-based RPG. If you loved the strategy of Infinite Wealth, you might be disappointed—or thrilled, depending on your tastes. This is a return to the classic, high-octane "Brawler" combat. Majima has two distinct fighting styles:
- Mad Dog Style: This is the classic Majima. He uses his speed, his iconic dagger, and moves so fast he creates after-images of himself. It’s chaotic and feels like the Majima we fell in love with in Yakuza 0.
- Sea Dog Style: This is the new pirate-themed flair. He wields short swords, uses "hook shots" to zip around the battlefield, and can even summon sea creatures.
It’s fast. It’s fluid. It’s a reminder that while the main series has moved toward RPG mechanics, the studio hasn't forgotten how to make a satisfying action game.
Setting the Scene: From Rich Island to Madlantis
Hawaii was already huge in the last game, but Pirate Yakuza expands on the Pacific setting in a way that feels more like an adventure novel than a crime drama. You aren't just stuck on the streets of Honolulu. You’re exploring "Madlantis," which is basically a giant pirate graveyard/stronghold built out of old ships.
Think of it as a criminal theme park.
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The exploration isn't just on foot, either. Since Majima is a captain now, you actually get to pilot the Goromaru. There’s full-on naval combat. You’ll be aiming cannons, boarding enemy ships, and managing a crew of misfits you recruit throughout the islands. It honestly feels like RGG Studio played a lot of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and decided to inject it with 1,000cc's of pure Japanese eccentricity.
Pre-order Bonuses and Digital Deluxe Stuff
If you’re the type who likes to spend extra for digital goodies, Sega is offering the "Ichiban Kasuga Pirate Crew & Special Outfit Combo." Basically, you get Ichiban and his pet crawfish, Nancy, to join your crew. It’s purely fan service, but seeing Ichiban on a pirate ship is sort of a "shut up and take my money" moment for long-time fans.
There’s also a physical "Collector’s Edition" for those who still like having boxes on their shelves. It comes with a Majima eye patch (obviously), a colorful acrylic standee, and some other trinkets. It’s a bit pricey, but Majima fans are a dedicated bunch.
What This Means for the Future of Like a Dragon
The Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii release date represents a shift in how RGG Studio handles "Gaiden" or side-story titles. Historically, these were smaller, shorter games. But this looks massive. It’s a full-scale adventure that bridges the gap between major installments. It suggests that the studio is confident in Majima’s ability to carry a game by himself, something fans have been demanding for over a decade.
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Is it weird? Yes.
Is it a pirate game set in the modern day? Absolutely.
Does it make sense that a former Yakuza officer is fighting sharks and firing cannons? In this universe, it doesn't even crack the top ten weirdest things to happen.
Preparing for February 21
If you're planning on jumping in on day one, there are a couple of things you should probably do first. First, if you haven't finished Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, you’ve got time. While Majima’s story is mostly standalone, the context of why everyone is in Hawaii matters. Second, brush up on your brawler skills. The transition from the slower pace of the turn-based games back to the frantic button-mashing of the action titles can be a bit of a shock to the system.
Check your hardware too. While the game is coming to last-gen consoles, the Pacific Ocean water effects and the scale of the naval battles are clearly designed with the PS5 and Xbox Series X in mind. If you've been waiting for an excuse to upgrade, a pirate-themed Yakuza game is as good a reason as any.
The excitement is real. February 21 can't come fast enough.
Actionable Steps for Fans:
- Secure your pre-order: If you want the Ichiban Kasuga crew DLC, make sure you buy the game before the February 21 launch.
- Clear your backlog: This is a major RGG release, likely spanning 30-50 hours for a standard playthrough and double that for completionists.
- Review the combat trailers: Watch the "Sea Dog" style breakdowns to understand how the new weapon-based combat differs from previous games.
- Monitor PC specs: If you're a Steam player, ensure your rig can handle the ship-based physics, as these are more demanding than the standard city streets of past entries.