Yakuza Pirate Adventure Lands Free New Game+

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii's New Game Plus Mode to be Free Post-Launch

Following fan backlash over the exclusive New Game Plus mode in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio (RGG Studio) has announced a different approach for its upcoming title, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. The New Game Plus mode for Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will be available as a free post-launch update.

Infinite Wealth, while critically acclaimed and nominated for two Game Awards, faced criticism for restricting New Game Plus access to its priciest editions. RGG Studio, however, has learned from this controversy. A recent Like a Dragon Direct showcased gameplay, including naval combat and crew management, and concluded with the announcement of the game's editions, explicitly stating the free availability of New Game Plus via a future patch. No specific release date for the update was given.

The decision to offer New Game Plus freely addresses concerns about locking significant gameplay features behind expensive editions. While players will need to wait for the post-launch update, the extended playtime offered by Like a Dragon titles suggests the wait shouldn't be excessively long. Many players will likely still be engrossed in their initial playthroughs by the time the update arrives.

With the game's release date set for February 21st, RGG Studio may unveil further details in the coming weeks. Fans are encouraged to follow the studio's social media channels for updates.