Naval decision guide
Last updated October 4, 2026
Boarding vs Sinking: Choose the Prize Without Losing the Jackdaw
Board a disabled ship when the deck is safe and its cargo, crew, or contract reward matters. Sink when an escort is closing, the Jackdaw is already damaged, or the encounter goal is simply to break contact. Make the choice from the same three signals every time so a lucky payout does not hide a bad survival decision.
Route decision
Disable → decide → prove
Before the final volley, check Jackdaw hull, nearby escorts, the target's disabled state, and whether the route needs cargo or a clean escape.
The target outcome is visible in the save: boarding rewards are collected, the ship is removed, or the Jackdaw reaches the next waypoint with its planned resources intact.
A blanket board-everything rule can turn a profitable fight into a second broadside while a blanket sink-everything rule leaves useful upgrade money and materials behind.
Player workbench
Disable → decide → prove
Use the three checks below after the target is disabled. The route keeps the economic choice separate from the survival choice.
- StabiliseRepair or create distance until no escort can interrupt the deck phase.
- BoardStart the boarding objective and keep one escape heading in mind.
- SpendMatch the recovered cargo to the upgrade or map reward that caused the route.
Decision table
Choose from the situation in front of you
| Situation | Decision | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lone disabled ship, hull stable | Board | You have time to take the deck and collect the larger route value. |
| Escort closing or two angles exposed | Sink | Remove the immediate threat before a boarding animation creates a second fight. |
| Jackdaw is one exchange from sinking | Break contact | A surviving ship and a saved route are worth more than one uncertain cargo roll. |
| Contract target is isolated | Board if the contract asks for it | The controlled window is the right time to satisfy a deck objective. |
| Practising a legendary encounter | Use the safer finish | Record the enemy pattern first; optimise loot after the opening exchange is repeatable. |
Board-or-sink preflight
Check the prize and the escape before the final volley
Boarding is the higher-value finish when the deck is manageable; this quick pass keeps cargo goals from hiding a hull or escort problem.
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Target
Confirm the ship is actually disabled
Wait for the boarding state and read the contract condition before closing distance.
Proof: The target prompt and contract requirement agree on what counts as a finish.
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Jackdaw
Keep a survival margin
Check current hull and the first exchange that would still be safe if another enemy fires during the deck phase.
Proof: The Jackdaw has a planned exit after the boarding encounter, not only enough health to reach the target.
-
Water around you
Count escorts and attack angles
Look for a closing escort or a second ship with a clear broadside; remove that pressure or choose the shorter sink route.
Proof: No visible hostile can turn the boarding interval into a second fight you did not budget for.
-
Reward
Name the reason to board
Choose cargo, contract completion, or crew recovery before selecting the post-battle outcome.
Proof: The reward screen and contract/save state show the named result before you sail away.
Stop ruleIf the Jackdaw is already inside a dangerous exchange or an escort has a clean shot, do not board for a speculative cargo gain; finish the immediate threat or break contact first.
How to use it
Use the same opening exchange
Write down the target class, starting hull, and the first pressure that forced the choice. On the next run, repeat the approach and change only the board-or-sink decision. That small experiment tells you whether the reward, escort, or ship state was the real blocker.
Recovery path
If the deck phase collapses
Keep the target marked as partial and save the last confirmed state. Return to Naval for the encounter setup, then to Jackdaw Upgrades only if the same pressure ends a second controlled attempt.
Open next
Keep the route moving
The target outcome is visible in the save: boarding rewards are collected, the ship is removed, or the Jackdaw reaches the next waypoint with its planned resources intact.
Common Questions
Does boarding always beat sinking?
No. Boarding is the stronger resource choice when the deck is safe; sinking is better when escorts, low hull, or an escape objective make the extra phase dangerous.
What should I record after a failed boarding?
Record hull state, escort position, target state, and the deck objective. Keep the confirmed naval setup and change one variable on the next attempt.
Should I board during a legendary ship practice run?
Prioritise survival and pattern recognition. Take the deck only when the encounter is already under control and the reward is part of that attempt's goal.