Determining the absolute "best" weapons and armor in Skull and Bones is challenging due to various factors influencing the optimal setup. It heavily relies on:
Your Playstyle:
Aggressive: Prioritize high damage weapons like rocket launchers, mortars, and bombards, and choose armor that offers some protection against fire and piercing damage.
Defensive: Focus on long-range options like culverins and support weapons like smoke mortars and repair bombs, while favoring armor that enhances overall durability and resistance against cannon fire.
Balanced: Combine elements of both, adapting your loadout and armor choices based on the situation.
Ship Type:
Agile: Utilize long-range or fast-reloading options like culverins or demi-cannons. Heavier armor might hinder maneuverability, so consider lighter options or prioritize defense against specific damage types.
Heavier: Benefit from area-of-effect weapons like mortars and bombards. These ships can often handle heavier armor without sacrificing significant agility.
Encounter Type:
Ship-to-ship combat: Prioritize weapons effective against ships, like fire rockets or chain-shot rockets, and choose armor based on the enemy’s weapon composition (fire, cannon fire, piercing, etc.).
Forts or other stationary targets: Utilize weapons with high single-target damage like culverins or heavy mortars, and consider armor that protects against specific damage types prevalent in the encounter (e.g., cannon fire from forts).
General Weapon Recommendations:
Main Cannons:
Long Guns (III or above): Excellent long-range accuracy and damage, crucial for engaging from afar.
Demi-Cannons (III or above): Offer good mid-range damage and flooding capability.
Culverins (reliable early-game option).
Auxiliary Weapons:
Mortars (high area-of-effect damage).
Smoke Mortars (for strategic maneuvering).
Chain-shot Rockets (effective against multiple enemies).
Fire Rockets (inflict continuous damage and disorientation).
Armor Considerations:
The Black Prince (best PvP armor): Offers high overall protection, especially against mortars and bombards, which are prevalent in PvP encounters.
Hegemon (balanced option): Provides decent protection against various damage types.
Kraken’s Embrace (heavy armor): Offers exceptional durability but can hinder agility.
Adapt based on encounters: Choose armor that specifically protects against the damage types your enemy utilizes most.
Remember, experiment and adapt your loadout and armor selection based on your playstyle, the encountered challenges, and your ship’s characteristics. Upgrading your weapons and armor significantly increases their effectiveness.
By understanding these factors and considering the provided recommendations, you can effectively equip yourself to conquer the high seas and dominate your enemies in Skull and Bones!