Revision 1

Contraband is a high-value trade-good item in Windrose, found in rare loot locations and dropped by high-level enemy ships. It sells for significantly more Piastres than Naval Supplies or Medical Crates, making it the primary target for players who want to maximize trade income.

Source

• Rare loot from pirate ships (especially higher-level Blackbeard Ketch-class vessels)

• Hidden caches and buried treasure points of interest

• Deep-dungeon loot rooms beyond the early biomes

• Occasional high-tier drops from named enemies

Value and Strategy

Contraband's higher value justifies traveling specifically to Tortuga to sell it. Base merchants may accept Contraband but at lower rates than the Tortuga People faction vendors. A common optimization is to stockpile Contraband at home base storage during the early-to-mid game, then unload the entire stockpile at Tortuga once the hub unlocks via main-story progression. The resulting Piastre payout typically funds a significant equipment upgrade or NPC recruitment round.

Risk Profile

Because Contraband drops from higher-level enemies and more dangerous locations, acquiring it carries more risk than sweeping Naval Supplies from level-1 Transport Ships. Plan Contraband-hunting trips with upgraded armor (180+ defense), two food buffs, and a healing potion stockpile. The risk-reward tradeoff is worth it for the Piastre income.

See Also

• Trading and Merchants - trading overview

• Piastres - currency

• Tortuga - best market for Contraband

• Pirate Camps - occasional source