Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Demo Available Today

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is releasing a free demo for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s spin-off, Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean, today on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

The studio announced the demo on X/Twitter, stating it will be available for download at 7 AM Pacific / 10 AM Eastern / 3 PM UK. The full game launches February 21st, also on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, but these platforms will not receive the demo.

While RGG Studio hasn't confirmed whether demo progress carries over to the full game, the demo's content suggests it won't. The demo allows players to jump ahead to freeroam and battle areas, bypassing the natural story progression.

Players can freely explore parts of Honolulu and Madlantis, locations not accessible early in the full game. They can also switch between Mad Dog and Sea Dog fighting styles, battle powerful bounty enemies, participate in four ship and deck battles within the Pirates' Coliseum, experiment with new customization options, and enjoy karaoke with a selection of three songs.

Like a Dragon: Pirate of the Caribbean is a spin-off sequel to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the eighth mainline entry (or ninth including Yakuza 0) in the Yakuza / Like a Dragon series. It follows Goro Majima, who wakes up amnesiac and becomes a pirate, exploring Hawaii and beyond.

An October Xbox Partner Showcase trailer showcased ship combat reminiscent of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag and the return of Taiga Saejima, hinting at stronger ties to the main series than initially anticipated.

The game will be significantly longer than the previous Yakuza spin-off, Like a Dragon: Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, with an estimated playtime of 15 to 18 hours. Fans can even dress Majima as series protagonist Kiryu Kazuma—but only by signing up for email notifications or a Sega rewards program.