How to Equip Cannons — Windrose

Mounting is half the job; this is how you actually arm and fire them.

Last updated: May 2026

Ammo types

ShotBest forRecipe
Round shotHull damage1 iron + 1 gunpowder
Chain shotSails & mast2 iron + 1 gunpowder + 1 rope
GrapeshotCrew/boarding defense4 lead shot + 1 gunpowder
Heated shotFire damage (DOT)1 iron + 2 gunpowder + 1 coal

Steps to fire

  1. Stack ammo in your inventory or the cannon’s adjacent Powder Locker.
  2. Walk to the cannon, press E to mount the gunner station.
  3. Press 1-4 to switch shot type.
  4. Mouse to aim — the trajectory arc fades at max range. Wait for arc to touch target.
  5. Left-click to fire. Reload is automatic if you have ammo; manual (press R) if no powder boy.

For gunpowder you will need this guide — it is the single biggest bottleneck of mid-game ship combat.