Embark on an epic pirate adventure in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii! Building the ultimate pirate crew is key to success, and recruiting the right members early on can significantly speed up your progress. This guide highlights five crew members easily recruited in the early game, helping you overcome the initial story hurdle of needing five crew and $10,000 to repair your ship.
During Chapter 2, after your introduction to Madlantis and the Naval Coliseum, you'll be tasked with upgrading your ship and crew. This is where strategic recruitment shines. The Coliseum is a significant story point, and these five recruits require minimal effort to join your ranks.
Early Game Crew Recruitment in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Nickelle Kidman

A playful nod to Nicole Kidman, Nickelle, an actress found near the Honolulu beach, joins your crew once you achieve a two-star rating. This is typically earned by completing early main story missions. If not, easily boost your rating through treasure hunting, minor combat, and sea battles.
Hammerhead

Located on the second floor of Honolulu's shopping center, Hammerhead is recruited through combat. He's a relatively easy fight, making him a quick addition to your crew.
Kenzo

This ship hand, found at Honolulu's docks, can be recruited by either providing raw materials (easily gathered during exploration) or paying a small sum of money—easily earned from treasure. A cost-effective and efficient addition to your team.
Lucas

Found in Madlantis, Lucas requires a brawl. This fight, while challenging, is manageable given your progress in the previous chapters. His humorous interaction with Goro beforehand adds to the fun.
Obispo

Recruit Obispo simply by dining at his Honolulu establishment five times. Engage in nearby battles to lower your health before each meal to trigger the necessary interactions. While slightly more involved than others, he remains a relatively easy addition.
While numerous other crew members await, these five provide the fastest path to progressing through the early game story. Once you've secured these recruits, you can focus on seeking out more powerful crew members for later, more challenging battles.
Enjoy your pirate adventures in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC!