The best ships in Windrose will vary depending on what stage of the game you're in, but there's some powerful boats out there that strike a strong balance between offense, defense, cargo, and how fast they can cut through the water. Of course, a ship isn't anything without a clever captain to handle it, but a good pirate also knows how to find the best boat going. Below, I'll take you through all the phases of the game and exactly which ship you need to get for each one, no matter whether you're a beginner in the early game or a veteran swashbuckler at the end.
All best ships in Windrose
The best ships in Windrose are as follows, depending on your stage in the game.
- Early game: Stock Ketch
- Mid game: Blackbeard Brig
- Late game: Blackbeard Frigate
We'll go into the details of all these below, but this represents a solid path through Windrose for players who want to escalate in their options of boat.
Best Early Game Ship
As you progress through the tutorial, you'll encounter the mission 'I need a bigger boat'. Once you've completed this mission along with recruiting some trusty crew members, you'll unlock your first real ship. This is the Stock Ketch, a beginner friendly boat with good statistics that should see you through all of the early game.
- Stock Ketch Stats:
- HP: 50,000
- Speed: 19Kn
- Cannons: 3 x 12lb
- Cargo: 28 Slots
While it might feel tempting to swap out for a different vessel as early as possible, this isn't necessary at all. Your Stock Ketch should see you through the whole of the coastal jungle region, allowing you to easily keep good distance between you and Blackbeard encounters thanks to the higher speed. You can also fire back at any enemy ships that get too close.
The best way to take full advantage of your Stock Ketch, and keep it running for as long as possible, is to upgrade your 12lb Cannons and Hull Bracing at your Wharf. These upgrades can be transferred over when you eventually do build a bigger ship, meaning you won't be losing out on any resources by making the upgrades now. You should also keep a couple of repair kits on hand at all times, in case you do come under fire at any point.
Best Mid Game Ship
Once you start to get further into the game, particularly in the Foothills region and as you attempt to take on the Board the Unsinkable mission, you might start thinking about upgrading your ship. While your Stock Ketch certainly can take you through this portion of the game – I managed to complete the Board the Unsinkable mission with it – you might start to struggle.
The best ship for this section of the game is the Blackbeard Brig, and while you'll be making a few compromises with this vessel, it's worth it for the pay off. In order to get the plans for the Brig ships, you need to buy the Ship Designs from the Brethren Of The Coast Faction for 1,000 Piastre. You'll have the option to buy them once you reach reputation Level 2 with them.
- Blackbeard Brig Stats:
- HP: 50,000
- Speed: 22Kn
- Cannons: 6 x 12lb or 24lb
- Cargo: 16 slots
The Blackbeard Brig gives you some pretty extensive upgrades over your Stock Ketch, but this comes at some concessions. While alternative Brig plans give you more HP and cargo slots, the Blackbeard Brig instead gives you speed and weapons. Being able to travel at 22Kn allows you to outpace enemy ships when travelling, as well as duck and weave around cannon fire significantly easier.
Maneuvering this ship correctly is fundamental, as you have a lower HP than other Brigs meaning you need to be able to dodge cannon fire. Keep plenty of repair kits on you to be able to heal up when needed. You also get access to 24lb cannons, an upgrade that will make you feel absolutely unstoppable.
While you have fewer cargo slots, I just didn't find this important at all since it's simple enough to fast travel from your ship to anywhere you need to in order to move cargo.
Best Late Game Ship
As you progress further into the game, you'll finally unlock the ability to obtain plans for Frigate Ship designs. These can be picked up from the Brethren Of The Coast Faction once you reach Level 4 reputation with them. The design will set you back a whopping 3,000 Piastre, so if you do intend on picking up these plans then make sure you're saving up your cash.
The best ship for this section of the game is undoubtedly the Blackbeard Frigate. This weapon of a ship provides you with artillery that cannot be obtained with any other ship in the game just yet. The Blackbeard Frigate is the only ship available that can currently equip 36lb cannons, a feature which must be taken advantage of as you approach late game.
- Blackbeard Frigate Stats:
- HP: 110,000
- Speed: 20Kn
- Cannons: 12 x 24lb or 36lb + 6 x 12lb or 24lb
- Cargo: 28 slots
Leveling up from your Blackbeard Brig to the Blackbeard Frigate will feel pretty extensive, with over double the HP, allowing you to withstand a lot more intensive combat. However, as you progress into higher level waters, it's worth noting that the 'bob and weave' strategy will remain intact. The Blackbeard Frigate provides you with significantly less HP over the alternative Frigate counterparts.
In turn you're much faster and better equipped for combat. Ensure you're able to maneuver and position your ship correctly to dodge enemy projectiles, and fire out your own cannons for devastating damage. Keep repair kits to hand, as you'll need them to protect your ship when engaged in combat.
Level up your character as well as your ship with our guide to the best Windrose Builds, or set things off with a blast by learning how to craft Windrose Gunpowder here!
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