Naval combat is one of Windrose's core systems. Ship battles take inspiration from Assassin's Creed Black Flag, with broadside cannon volleys, boarding actions, and wind-based maneuvering. Transitions between ship and shore are seamless, with no loading screens.
Ship classes
Several ship types are available, each filling a different role:
Sloops and cutters are small, fast boats for early-game travel
Ketch is a nimble mid-size vessel with good maneuverability
Brig is a versatile workhorse balancing speed, durability, and firepower
Frigate is a massive warship with heavy cannon capacity but slow turning
Each class differs in speed, durability, maneuverability, and the number of cannons it can mount. Choosing the right ship for a situation matters, since a frigate can overpower anything in a straight fight but struggles in tight island channels.
Ship summoning
Press K to summon your ship to your current coastal location. This works similarly to calling a horse in other open-world games and eliminates the frustration of losing track of where you parked your vessel.
Boarding
After damaging an enemy ship enough, you can pull alongside and board it. Boarding switches from naval cannon gameplay to on-deck melee combat against the enemy crew. Successful boarding lets you loot the ship's cargo.
Environmental factors
Waves and weather affect sailing and combat. Rough seas change how cannons aim, and storms reduce visibility. Learning to use weather conditions to your advantage, like attacking with the wind at your back, adds a tactical layer.
Ship customization
Ships can be customized with different sails, figureheads, and stern designs. Customization at launch uses predefined models, with expansion planned throughout Early Access. Functional upgrades to cannon types and hull reinforcement are separate from cosmetic changes.