-Players can additionally play the older Straw Hats in this title.
-The Skypiea, Thiller Bark, and New World arcs will now be included.
-Button inputs for combos have been changed.
-Combos, special techniques, and other abilities have been modified to be stronger than the first title.
-Characters can now use Haki to clear enemies from the map. Haki can be used once the the new Style Gauge is filled and can be activated by pressing R1. The strengths and effects of Haki are reliant on the character's level. Depending on the character, this is referred to as "Haki/Logia Action".
-Characters fall into one of the two Haki types: Attacker or Technical. Attacker types may improve their attack or defenses. They can also activate devastating one-hit KOs or group attacks. Technical types can stun enemies and obtain a speed boost in their attacks.
-Non Haki users in the comic's current continuity have a similar system but their attacks are referred to as "Style Action". Attackers may gain uninterrupted attacks while Technicals can obtain powerful counterattacks.
-After the main story episodes are cleared, players can play alternate "Companion Episodes". These missions need to be cleared to unlock more playable characters or selectable characters for Partner Strikes.
-A new mode called Pirates' Log entails an original story exclusive to this title. Players can fight as one of three factions (Straw Hats, Pirates, Marines) within it.
-PS3 users can transfer their One Piece: Pirate Warriors save data for use in this title. Save data can be shared between the PS3 and PS Vita ports of this game.
-Downloadable content so far includes costumes.

Straw HatPirates
Monkey D. Luffy - playable
Roronoa Zoro - playable
Nami - playable
Usopp/Sogeking - playable
Sanji - playable
Tony Tony Chopper - playable
Nico Robin - playable
Franky - playable
Brook - playable
Other
Emporio Ivankov
Marco - playable
Jozu
Vista
Enel - playable
Perona - playable
Whitebeard - playable
Portgas D. Ace - playable
Seven Warlords of the Sea(Sichibukai)
Dracule Mihawk - playable
Crocodile - playable
Blackbeard (with both Devil's Fruits) - playable
Bartholomew Kuma - playable
Jimbei - playable
Boa Hancock - playable
Gecko Moria
Trafalgar Law - playable
Buggy the Clown - playable
World Government
Akainu - playable
Aokiji - playable
Kizaru - playable
Monkey D. Garp - playable
Smoker - playable
Magellan