New Privateering Chapter Debuts

A recent discovery in the Caribbean has unearthed new entries in the Official Pirates of the Carribean Online Player's Guide. The new pages expand the Player's Guide and adds a new Chapter devoted exclusively to Privateering.

Also, included in the update are new entries, information, and brand-new game tips to aid Pirates in their pursuit of Notoriety.
View the updated Player's Guide.

This Week: Privateering

Greetings mates. Carver here. If you haven't heard, Privateering has come to the Caribbean and Pirates from all walks of life have taken up the flag as Privateers. From my perch here in the Faithful Bride on Tortuga, I've managed to gather some information from good sources that may help you on the high seas:

Privateer Battle Strategies

- Looking for a dominating defensive position? Work with other Privateers flying the same flag to form a Line of Battle. This is a formation in which ships form a line from end to end and shower the opposing side with volleys of broadsides. It's an excellent way to defend your home port - and ensure you are not raining iron down on your own men.

- Before setting sail, purchase varying ammunition, such as: Firebrand, Thunderbolt, Fury, and Explosive. These munitions are especially destructive.

- The sea provides little cover but due to the unique location of the Privateer Islands, this sea has rock outcroppings that divide the two sides. Use them wisely. They provide ample cover to ambush the enemy or obstacles to make a quick getaway.

A Good Crew is the Backbone of a Successful Ship

- Crew up and join a Privateering Crew before setting sail. (Use the Crew feature to search for a crew, press "F" to toggle the Friends Panel, select the "Crew" tab, and click on "Search for Privateer Crew.")

- It's in your best interest to hunt for the enemy ship with the biggest Bounty. Sinking a ship with high Bounty will reap you and your Crew larger rewards! Keep a watchful eye on your own Bounty, as well. The longer you're out at sea sinking ships, the more your Bounty goes up. When you port, not only does your Bounty go down, you lose the score you and your Crew has accumulated.

Privateering Etiquette

- Hit the deck - and don't be afraid to get your elbows dirty, sailor! The larger the Crew, the more Privateers you have for making repairs at sea. The faster you can repair your ship, the sooner you can get back into the fight.

- I've seen many a Privateer that likes to drop anchor in the enemy's port ... Aye, this be a fool's gold hunt for it will yield you little result. When your ship spawns, it has an extended protective field which means you can shoot other ships but they can't shoot you!

Until next time, good luck and good travels.

"Man the cannons and lay waste to all those who oppose our flag!"

It's time to choose a side and take to the sea as a Privateer! Aye, Ship Privateering has finally arrived to the Live Game after being docked (temporarily) on our Test Server -- a special thanks to all our Unlimited Access/ Test Server Players who helped us test and debug this great new addition to the game.

Side with the Frenchman Pierre by setting sail from the privateering port of Ile D'Etable De Porc - or side with the Spaniard Garcia by departing from Isla De La Avaricia, then with your "private license" in hand and able crew in tow, set off for some pillaging and plundering on the high seas!

Both Basic and Unlimited Access players can engage in Privateering, just pick a side and take up that flag in battle! Pirate "Lords" on both islands will additionally challenge you with quests that upon completion will gain you gold and reputation points - not to mention a special Spanish or French tattoo! Wear the tattoo with pride, mate, it shows your allegiance and that you're a veteran Privateer!

'Tis a time of feuding as a French and a Spanish "lord" struggle for control over newly discovered territories. The Pirate "Lords" Garcia and Pierre have rallied several able-bodied adventurers -- and turned the attention of those seadogs toward Privateering.

Seeking fame and fortune, one such Pirate swore his allegiance to the Spanish flag. Ye too can turn to Privateering, but you'll need a stout crew. Here be a journal entry made by a Privateer flying the Spanish flag during the midst of battle, now witness firsthand what this Privateer hath faced. Read the journal entry.