Ship's weaponry | Naval battles AC IV: Black Flag Guide

Last update: 02 February 2017

The Jackdaw offers the following means of destruction:

Round shot - the basic long-ranged weapon, which allows you to strike the enemy with the onboard cannons. The game allows you, not only, to determine the attack's direction, but also to correct the projectiles' trajectory, using the right analog stick. It is strongly advisable to increase the parabola, while exchanging fire on rough sea, over which the discharged cannonballs move. The projectiles are in no way limited, preparing the cannons to be fired again takes merely several seconds.

Heavy shot - it becomes available after you buy the upgrade. They wreak immense destruction in the enemy ship's hull, but they need to be fired at close range. There is no way in which Kenway could control the trajectory, which is why firing them requires quite a lot of skill at maneuvering the ship (you need to set the Jackdaw with its board side towards the enemy and take care in order not to aim the shot at water). The Jackdaw can pack a limited number of the cannonballs but, the limit can be increased after the appropriate investments with boat builders.

Swivel gun - an excellent tool for the demolition of the hulls and masts of the enemy ships. You will be able to fire this weapon only after the vulnerable spots in the enemy vessel are exposed. Using the swivel gun requires pressing the Y button on the game pad (you will be notified of the possibility of using it, by means of an icon) and releasing it at the moment at which the two reticles displayed on the screen overlap. The skillful use of this weapon makes the battle easier and it often tips the scales to Kenway's advantage. Upgrading the swivel gun enables Edward to fire more shots per turn.

Chain shot - firing of the cannons on the bow, on the bowsprit's both sides. Due to the specificity of their situation, this kind of shots is predominantly used during pursuits, or while approaching the enemy ship. The chains demolish the mast and, what follows, they influence the vessel's speed. Therefore, they are an ideal weapon for the initial phase of the battle. The number of shots that you have is heavily limited - to increase the limit, you need to buy the appropriate upgrades. Just like in the case of the round shots, Edward can correct the trajectory before firing the cannons.

Mortar - a long-range weapon that is unavailable as a standard, used chiefly at the beginning of the battle (often it is the mortar salvo that opens the skirmish). The projectiles take quite long to reach their target but, they in turn wreak immense havoc in the hull of the enemy ship. Using this weapon takes some practice , while attacking you need to consider the speed of the ship that you are firing at. The supply is, of course limited but the limit can be increased by investing in upgrades.

Fire barrels - thrown off the stern in pairs. They float on water and explode on contact with the enemy ship. Edward is also capable of exploding the barrels, using the swivel gun, on condition that the target is within reach. The yield of the explosives can be increased by making appropriate investments into upgrades. The weapon of low popularity, due to the problems with using it properly, but of big value during escapes. A smart player may use them to mine the area of the fight, and maneuver the ship in a way that allows for the effective use of their potential, afterwards.

Ram - a sturdy reinforcement to the bow makes it a serious argument in naval battles. If upgraded in an appropriate way, the ram is capable of dealing heavy damage at each contact with the enemy ship. Still, using this "weapon" properly requires a bit of ado - setting the ship for ramming is usually time-consuming and not as profitable as the classical barrage. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to invest in this upgrade - it is relatively cheap and can be useful at the least expected moment.