In Skull and Bones, the "best" weapon blueprints depend heavily on your playstyle, ship type, and the encountered situations. However, considering various factors, here are some highly-regarded weapon blueprints in different categories:
Main Cannons:
Long Guns (III or above): Excellent long-range damage and accuracy, making them powerful for engaging enemies from afar, especially in late-game scenarios.
Demi-Cannons (III or above): Offer good mid-range damage and the ability to inflict flooding, hindering enemy movement and dealing sustained damage. They remain relevant throughout the game.
Swivell Guns (II or above): Provide quick-firing, close-range defense against smaller ships and boarding attempts, making them valuable for all ship types.
Auxiliary Weapons:
Heavy Mortars (II or above): High area-of-effect damage, ideal for striking multiple enemies at once and clearing groups effectively.
Chain-shot Rockets (II or above): Effective against multiple enemies sailing in close formation, allowing you to take out smaller ships or inflict heavy damage in swarms.
Smoke Mortars (II or above): Create smoke clouds, enabling strategic retreats or flanking maneuvers in close-quarter encounters, crucial for various tactics.
Additional factors to consider:
Early Game: In the early stages, focus on acquiring blueprints for Demi-cannons for consistent damage and Culverins for long-range options.
Playstyle: If you prefer an aggressive approach, prioritize blueprints for Heavy Mortars, Fire Rockets, and Chain-shot Rockets.
Defense-oriented players: Consider prioritizing Smoke Mortars and Repair Bombards (if available) to enhance your ship’s resilience.
Tips for acquiring blueprints:
Exploration: Explore the world and uncover hidden coves or shipwrecks that might contain valuable blueprints.
Completing quests: Specific quests or contracts might reward you with blueprints for powerful weapons.
Trading: Visit ports and interact with merchants who might sell blueprints in exchange for resources.
Remember, the "best" blueprints are subjective and depend on your individual needs. Experiment with different options, consider your playstyle, and adapt your loadout based on the encountered challenges to dominate the seas in Skull and Bones.