Windrose Best Ship Build
Hull is only half the build. Cannons, sails and crew placement decide whether you win a broadside or sink. Here are the optimal layouts.
Sloop (mid-game)
- Cannons: 4 × Light Cannon — split 2/2 for co-op, 4/0 for solo.
- Sails: Standard rig, one spare sailcloth in hold.
- Crew: 2 — helm + cannoneer; rotate roles in combat.
- Hold: 8 round shot + 4 chain shot + 2 grape.
Brigantine (late mid-game)
- Cannons: 6 × Light + 2 × Heavy on the broadsides.
- Sails: Storm rig if going north; standard otherwise.
- Crew: 3 — helm + 2 gunners (one per side).
- Hold: Replace 1 cannon with a powder locker; saves reload time.
Galleon (endgame)
- Cannons: 6 × Heavy broadside × 2 decks + 1 bow chaser + 1 stern.
- Sails: Reinforced rig — 30% slower but storm-proof.
- Crew: 4 — helm + 2 gun decks + 1 repair.
- Hold: Whale oil reserve, heated shot for high-value targets.
Universal rules
- Powder Locker on the gun deck — cuts reload to ~4s.
- Carry 30 planks for in-combat hull repair.
- Bunk near the helm — respawn closest to the steering wheel after a boarding loss.
See also: how to put cannons on ship and ship combat tips.