Announcement. Update B15 “Blood and Gunpowder”

SHIP CHANGES

◈ The ship St. Pavel will be removed from the chest and become available for construction using Battle Marks.
◈ The passive invisibility of the ship Octopus has been replaced with an activatable ability that lasts for 17 seconds and has a cooldown. It can be used even in combat mode. In addition to player invisibility, this effect now also prevents pursuit by NPS and attacks from towers or forts while active. When the ability is not active or recharging, the ship’s visibility is the same as other ships.
◈The cooldown time of all types of barrels has been increased by 25%. The damage of fire barrels has been reduced from 150 to 100 units.
◈Ship upgrade effects have been reworked. Many have been changed to percentage bonuses instead of absolute values, and some now include effects based on the ship’s rank.
◈Bonuses to manoeuvrability from lanterns are now also based on a percentage system.
◈New ships added: Vasa, Friedrich Wilhelm, Le Saint Louis, Azov, Axel Thorsen, and Huracan.

NEW SHIPS

◈ Vasa – the Swedish flagship, famous for sinking during its first voyage. In the game, it’s a unique heavy 2nd-rate ship, boasting massive durability and decent manoeuvrability for its class. In exchange for these benefits, it has fewer guns compared to similar ships.
Available for construction using Pirate Tokens.

◈Axel Thorsen – A Norwegian gunboat from the Napoleonic Wars. In the game, this is a unique fast 5th-rate ship with an unusual armament: one forward slot for a special weapon and 10 falconets. Excellent manoeuvrability, high speed, a unique wind rose, and strong side armor help this ship deliver in combat. Available for construction after completing a special achievement and purchased with Battle Marks.

Early Access Ships (temporarily unique; will be moved to the regular shipyard tech tree in the future):

◈Friedrich Wilhelm – German 17th-century frigate. In-game, a 4th-rate transport ship with the largest cargo hold in its rank.

◈Le Saint Louis – French ship of the line commissioned by Cardinal Richelieu. A 3rd-rate combat ship with strong speed and manoeuvrability for its class.

◈Azov – Flagship of the Black Sea Fleet, best known for its role in the Battle of Navarino. A heavy 3rd-rate ship with an interesting gun layout: 8 front guns, 35 broadside, and 8 rear.

HURACAN - EMPIRE'S FIRST FLAGSHIP

A mind-blowing behemoth that strikes fear into enemies by appearance alone. The power and cruelty of the Inhagger Empire, embodied in wood and steel. Ruler of the Endless Sea and terror of the Archipelago. Meet Huracan.

A heavy 1st-rate Imperial ship with everything supersized: gun ports, crew size, cargo volume — and, of course, overall dimensions.
As previously mentioned, this giant’s main feature is its ability to enter a “mobile outpost” mode on the open sea, allowing nearby squad allies to respawn. While in this mode:

- Huracan moves at slow speed only
- Gun reload speed is penalized by 50%
- All incoming damage is reduced by 50% (including from mortars)
- Only one Huracan per squad may activate this mode at a time

Can be built in the shipyard or obtained from the new “Treasure of the Incas” chest in the Shop.

NEW ARTILLERY SYSTEM

Update B15 includes a new artillery system. The number of guns has increased from 20 to 34. They are now divided into three calibre categories:
◈Light Calibres – Can be installed on all ships
◈Medium Calibres – Installed on ships from rank IV and up
◈Heavy Calibres – Installed only on ships of rank II and I
Note: Mortars are not affected by these changes — their installation conditions remain the same.
The most important thing to know: Heavy guns are more powerful than any guns from the old system. As a result, 1st–2nd-rate ships now have unmatched firepower.
Gun stats may be adjusted based on feedback and statistics.
Other important notes:
◈New icons, models, and textures for guns
◈Rare guns can be bought at the Pirate Shop
◈The “Culverin” class has been renamed to “Long Guns”

All existing guns will be converted into Light or Medium calibres. Existing weapons on your ships or in storage will be automatically converted.

GUILDS & FACTIONS

◈Guild creation process changed: now you must first create a Flotilla. Once it has 5+ members, it can be upgraded into a Guild.
◈Flotilla member limit increased to 20
◈The flotilla tag displayed at sea is now dimmer

Pirate Faction:

◈No longer has access to Peace Flags
◈Cannot trade on the exchange while in state-owned cities

Khanfar Caliphate:

◈Port entry may cost more: in addition to mooring fees, players must now pay a “security tribute” of 0.5% of total cargo value.

Empire Raids: Invading ship stats have been increased. Raids now occur during Port Battle windows. The tension meter now fills faster.

PORT BATTLES & CITIES

◈City-level upgrade costs have been reduced.
◈After a port reset, the previous owner cannot reclaim it for 10 days.

VISUALS

◈Added a targeting effect that shows which cannonballs hit.
◈Damaged sails have a new appearance.
◈Fishing boats now go about their business (cannot be sunk, but can be robbed).

PvP PROTECTION FOR NEW PLAYERS

A new system prevents low-rank players from being attacked by high-rank players, and vice versa. Full details are intentionally withheld to make abuse harder.

Attempting to bypass this system is a violation of the User Agreement and may lead to permanent account bans.

OTHER

◈Ships can now be marked as favourites in the dock
◈Shipyard menu now includes a “Built Ships” filter
◈During large-scale battles near a city, respawn points near combat zones will be disabled. Players will respawn at more distant locations.
◈The percentage of loss upon sinking is now determined by cargo load. The fuller the ship, the less the loss – down to 20% minimum.
◈Tournament rewards updated: slightly fewer Influence Points, more Battle Marks and Keys, and a new achievement for bronze placement.


Note: Patch notes may be updated or changed.