How to Board and Capture a Boat in Age of Water: A Guide for Wannabe Pirates
Image Credit: Age of Water
So, you want to live out your high-seas fantasy in Age of Water? Capturing a boat might seem like a simple task, but it’s actually a convoluted mix of preparation, skill, and a bit of blind luck. But don’t worry, this guide will help you master the art of boat theft with minimal frustration and maximum loot.
Step 1: Find the Right Boat
Before you charge in cannons blazing, you need to know a few things:
Faction Matters: You can only capture boats from enemy factions. If you’re part of a faction like the Cous, you can’t attack Courier ships from your own faction. Stick to enemy boats for your piracy endeavors.
Best Places to Look: The northern part of the map usually spawns Tier 2 or Tier 3 ships that are easier to capture. Bonus: they’re often near bases, making it easier to restock if things go south.
Escape Plan: If things get hairy, whirlpools are your get-out-of-jail-free card. Jump in, and the chaos resets.
Step 2: Gear Up for the Job
Capturing a boat isn’t just about finding the right target—you need to be properly equipped.
Crew Requirements:
Helmsman Level: Your Helmsman needs the skills to board and operate specific ship tiers. For example:
Boarding medium-difficulty ships requires a trained Helmsman.
Operating a Tier 3 ship demands an even higher level.
Essential Tools:
Boarding Kits: These are critical for taking over a ship. You can buy them at your base. Without them, you’ll just be staring at the enemy ship like a sad sailor.
Cannons and Machine Guns: Equip weapons that can disable enemy ships without sinking them outright. Precision is key—more on that later.
Step 3: Be Smart About Your Faction
Faction allegiance is crucial in Age of Water. If you’re a loner with no faction, congratulations—you’ve just made the entire game harder for yourself. Why?
Without faction support, every ship on the map will want a piece of you.
As a faction member, you’ll at least have backup when enemy players or NPCs attack.
If you want to switch factions, you can—but only once every 24 hours. Choose wisely.
Step 4: Attack the Ship
Now comes the fun part: disabling and capturing the boat.
How to Disable a Ship:
Focus on the Weapons:
Target and destroy the enemy’s weapons first. This prevents them from fighting back and makes boarding much easier.
Be careful with your shots—too many holes in the hull, and the ship will sink faster than your enthusiasm during a repair grind.
Take Out the Helmsman:
Once the ship’s weapons are gone, aim for the Helmsman.
Warning: Helmsmen tend to have more health than you’d expect, so this part might take a while.
Step 5: Board the Ship
When the ship is defenseless, it’s time to make your move.
Approach the ship and hold E to board.
You’ll have two options:
Occupy the Ship: Take control and make it your own.
Loot the Ship: Steal its cargo and leave it for the fishes.
Pro Tip:
Not all ships are worth keeping. Check the cargo hold and stats before deciding. If it’s an empty shell, just loot it and move on.
Step 6: Transfer Your Loot
If you decide to occupy the ship, you’ll need to transfer your stuff from your old boat to the new one.
Press B to access the transfer menu.
Keep an eye on cargo weight—overloading your new ship can make it slow and unresponsive.
Step 7: Upgrade and Maintain Your Ship
Now that you’ve captured your prize, it’s time to turn it into a seaworthy powerhouse:
Upgrade the Hull: Metal hulls provide durability, but they’re heavier and slower. Plastic hulls are lightweight but fragile (and frankly, not worth the risk).
Equip Better Weapons: High-tier weapons are powerful but expensive to repair. Prioritize depending on your playstyle—speed or firepower.
Add Defenses: Protect critical areas like your weapons and Helmsman. A well-placed cabin or shield can make a huge difference in battle.
Tips
Take Your Time: Rushing the process often leads to mistakes, like sinking your target or getting overwhelmed by reinforcements.
Choose Your Battles: Not every ship is worth capturing. Focus on ships with good loot or high-tier upgrades.
Use Double Events: Keep an eye out for events that double loot or boarding rewards. These are great opportunities to stock up on gear and resources.
Repair Wisely: High-tier weapons and hulls are expensive to repair. Balance your upgrades with the resources you have.
Final Blurb
Capturing a boat in Age of Water isn’t just about stealing—it’s about strategy, preparation, and sometimes sheer stubbornness. Whether you’re looting cargo or taking a ship for yourself, each success brings you closer to becoming a true pirate king.
Good luck, captain, and remember: aim for the weapons, not the hull. Unless you want your new prize to become an artificial reef.
