Unlocking the Top Ships in Windrose: A Complete Guide

Tired of navigating the seas with a small boat or a generic Ketch in Windrose? Thankfully, there are much larger and more powerful ships at your disposal. However, acquiring them may take some time and effort.

These improved vessels not only come with enhanced hitpoints but also boast higher sailing speeds, making their unlock essential for serious players. Read on to learn how to upgrade your maritime experience.

Unlocking Superior Ships in Windrose

Windrose Ships Screenshot — Screenshot by Prima Games

Upon the early access launch of Windrose, players have access to three primary ship types: the Ketch, the Brig, and the Frigate. Each ship is available in three distinct variants: Regular, Brethren, and Blackbeard. These variants possess unique statistics, making some more desirable than others.

If you have already unlocked the Ketch and are eager to obtain better ships, your journey to upgrade begins at the Tortuga Market, which is part of the main questline. Here, you will encounter various factions, including the People of Tortuga, Rogue Buccaneers, and the Brethren of the Coast.

To start acquiring superior vessel designs, head to the provisioner of the Brethren of the Coast. You will find the following ship designs available for purchase:

Brig Design – Costs 1, 000 Piastres (requires reputation level 2)
Frigate Design – Costs 3, 000 Piastres (requires reputation level 4)

Buying these designs enables you to craft these ship types. However, be prepared to invest time in two key aspects: gathering Piastres and increasing your reputation. Earning Piastres is relatively straightforward. You can gain them by completing quests, looting from defeated foes at sea, opening chests in exploration hotspots, battling rival sailors, and trading with factions—especially crucial as you progress later in the game.

In contrast, building your reputation requires more effort. The primary method is to collect Insignias and donate them to the faction of your choice, which necessitates gathering hundreds of Insignias. It may take considerable time to reach reputation level 4, but the payoff is worth it.

Overview of Ship Types and Their Attributes in Windrose

To motivate you on your quest, here’s a detailed breakdown of each ship type along with their statistics:

Ship	Hitpoints	Max Speed	Cargo Size	Weapon	Second Weapon
Ketch	50, 000	19	28	3 guns, 12-Pounders	None
Brethren Ketch	65, 000	17	36	3 guns, 12-Pounders	None
Blackbeard Ketch	35, 000	21	20	3 guns, 12-Pounders or 24-Pounders	None
Brig	70, 000	20	24	6 guns, 12-Pounders	None
Brethren Brig	90, 000	18	32	6 guns, 12-Pounders	None
Blackbeard Brig	50, 000	22	16	6 guns, 12-Pounders or 24-Pounders	None
Frigate	160, 000	18	40	12 guns, 24-Pounders	6 guns, 12-Pounders
Brethren Frigate	200, 000	16	52	12 guns, 24-Pounders	6 guns, 12-Pounders
Blackbeard Frigate	110, 000	20	28	12 guns, 24-Pounders or 36-Pounders	6 guns, 12-Pounders or 24-Pounders

The Frigates stand out as the most formidable ships, showcasing superior hitpoints and carrying capacity. One notable advantage is that ship repair kits restore a percentage of your vessel’s health, rather than a fixed amount, enhancing your survivability in combat. If you’re facing multiple adversaries, consider upgrading to larger, more powerful ships like the Blackbeard Frigate for a tactical advantage.

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