Ammunition

Ammunition is the cannon-ammo system for ships in Windrose. Two documented ammunition types cover every engagement in the launch build: standard cannonballs for hull damage and Chain Shot for sail debuffs. The two are swapped in combat using the 1 and 2 keys.

Ammunition Types

Standard Cannonballs (key 1)

The default ammo for every cannon. Deals raw hull damage, no special effect. Used to finish off ships that need to be sunk quickly or to reduce a target to the disabled state before boarding.

Chain Shot (key 2)

Sail-targeting ammo that applies a speed debuff. See Chain Shot for the full profile. Used to strip fleeing patrol speed or to set up a hauler for a boarding action without risking a sink.

Cannon Calibers

Ammunition is fired from cannons, and cannons come in three caliber tiers. Per-caliber damage numbers are not publicly exposed in the data-mined sources, but the tier progression is:

12-Pounders - starter tier, fits the Stock Ketch and every hull variant at the early progression. Plans sold by the Rogue Buccaneers Provisioner at Rep 2.
24-Pounders - mid tier, fits the Brigantine family and larger Frigates. Plans sold by the Rogue Buccaneers Provisioner at Rep 3.
36-Pounders - endgame tier, exclusive to the Blackbeard Frigate. Plans sold by the Rogue Buccaneers Provisioner at Rep 4.

Switching in Combat

Ammunition types are bound to the 1 and 2 keys during ship combat. Switching is instant; the cannon's next shot fires the selected ammo. Reload timers are not affected by ammo type, but the next-shot delay is subject to the per-cannon reload stat.

Build Synergy

The Devastating cannon-tier Epic perk applies a debuff that stacks up to three times on enemy ships, increasing incoming damage across both ammunition types. Perfectly Ordered cannons shorten reload after a hit, which benefits sustained fire regardless of ammo choice. Tempered cannons prioritize raw damage per shot and are most effective with standard cannonballs on escorts that need to be sunk quickly.

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