Defining a single "best" weapons loadout in Skull and Bones is challenging due to various factors influencing the optimal setup. It depends on:
Your Playstyle:
Aggressive: Prioritize high-damage weapons like rockets, mortars, and bombards.
Defensive: Focus on long-range options like culverins and support weapons like smoke mortars and repair bombs.
Balanced: Combine elements of both, adapting weapons based on the situation.
Ship Type:
Agile: Utilize long-range or fast-reloading options like culverins or demi-cannons.
Heavier: Benefit from area-of-effect weapons like mortars and bombards.
Encounter Type:
Ship-to-ship combat: Prioritize weapons effective against ships, like fire rockets or chain-shot rockets.
Forts or other stationary targets: Utilize weapons with high single-target damage like culverins or heavy mortars.
However, here’s a general recommendation for a versatile loadout suitable for various situations:
Main Cannons:
2x Long Guns: Offer good long-range damage and accuracy, ideal for engaging enemies from afar.
2x Demi-Cannons: Provide decent damage at medium range and can inflict flooding, hindering enemy movement.
Auxiliary Weapons:
2x Mortars: High area-of-effect damage, effective against groups of enemies or for clearing smaller ships.
2x Smoke Mortars: Create a smoke cloud, obscuring your position and aiding in strategic maneuvers during retreats or flanking.
Alternative Options:
Culverins: Replace demi-cannons for extra long-range focus.
Explosive Rockets: Substitute mortars for high single-target damage against heavily armored ships.
Fire Bombards: Replace smoke mortars for area-of-effect damage and burning effects against enemy sails.
Remember:
Experiment and adapt: Try different combinations and adjust your loadout based on your playstyle, ship type, and the encountered challenges.
Upgrade your weapons: Upgrading increases their damage, range, and effectiveness significantly.
Utilize tactical strategies: Combine the effects of different weapons and synergize them with your overall combat approach.
By understanding the factors affecting your ideal loadout and considering these recommendations, you can experiment and find the setup that best suits your needs and preferences in Skull and Bones.