After you build the Wharf and Ketch, it is time to start collecting materials for your next Windrose ship. Because ship plans are so expensive, it is wise to evaluate your options before committing your hard-earned piastre. I have bought every available upgrade in Windrose so far, allowing me to guide you through the best choices so you don't misspend your gold like I did.
The Best Windrose Ship Progression
I cannot recommend just one vessel; instead, I suggest a specific progression path. You should focus on building the Brethren Brig first and then saving up for the Blackbeard Frigate later. Since these two vessels share much of the same gear, you won't have to waste resources moving upgrades between them.
Mid-Game Strategy: The Brethren Brig
The Brethren Brig is an essential Windrose ship for mid-to-late game progression. I personally struggled with several large sea battles during faction quests until I upgraded. Specifically, the extra gear on this model was how I finally managed to board the "Unsinkable" during the Needle in a Haystack main quest.
Endgame Dominance: The Blackbeard Frigate
By the time I transitioned to the Blackbeard Frigate, I had no trouble surviving combat thanks to the extra cannon and improved stats. While you could prioritize cargo space, it is much easier to simply return to camp or unload wares at a faction buyer. Upgrading your Windrose ship to this model provides a much-needed speed boost and secondary battery.
Essential Ship Gear and Upgrades
Since there is currently only one Boarding Party Gear available in early access, you must rely on the Shipwright's workshop to improve your boarding power. I recommend prioritizing these specific upgrades:
- Devastating 12-Pounders: Hitting a target with more than 50% of a volley applies Raked for 25s, increasing all damage dealt by up to 10%.
- Keelhold Hull Bracing: This is a total game-changer because taking damage no longer affects the duration of your repair kits.
- Naval Tactics V (Silence the Guns): This applies Broken Rhythm for 30s, reducing enemy reload speed and damage by 20%.
Detailed Ship Stats and Material Requirements
Ketch Specifications
Obtain Ketch plans by completing the "Rescuing the Crew" and "I need a Bigger Boat" main quests.
- Ketch Stats: HP: 50,000 | Max Speed: 19 | Cargo Size: 28 | Main Battery: 3 guns (12 lbs) | Secondary Battery: None | Restoration Cost: Low
- Brethren Ketch: HP: 65,000 | Max Speed: 17 | Cargo Size: 36 | Main Battery: 3 guns (12 lbs)
- Blackbeard Ketch: HP: 35,000 | Max Speed: 21 | Cargo Size: 20 | Main Battery: 3 guns (12 or 24 lbs)
Ketch Materials Needed:
- Nails: 100 (Recipe: 20 Copper Ingots)
- Wood: 150 (Gathered from trees)
- Coarse Fabric: 40 (Recipe: 120 Plant Fiber)
- Rope: 30 (Recipe: 90 Plant Fiber)
Brethren Brig Specifications
Obtain Brig plans by reaching Rank 2 with the Brethren of the Coast and purchasing the Ship Design for 1,000 piastre.
- Brethren Brig Stats: HP: 90,000 | Max Speed: 18 | Cargo Size: 32 | Main Battery: 6 guns (12 lbs) | Secondary Battery: None | Restoration Cost: Medium
Brig Materials Needed:
- Nails: 200 (Recipe: 40 Copper Ingots)
- Copper Ingot: 80 (Smelting Furnace: 480 Copper Ore, 80 Charcoal)
- Timber: 40 (Recipe: 120 Hardwood)
- Wooden Plank: 200 (Recipe: 400 Wood)
- Linen Fabric: 40 (Spinning Wheel: 120 Flax Fiber)
- Coarse Fabric: 120 (Recipe: 360 Plant Fiber)
- Rope: 40 (Recipe: 120 Plant Fiber)
- Shipwright's Tools: 30 (Source: Brethren of the Coast Provisioner)
Blackbeard Frigate Specifications
- Blackbeard Frigate Stats: HP: 110,000 | Max Speed: 20 | Cargo Size: 28 | Main Battery: 12 guns (24 or 36 lbs) | Secondary Battery: 6 guns (12 or 24 lbs) | Restoration Cost: High
