OSRS Sailing Cannonballs Guide | New Cannonballs

© gamerblurb.com | Published on 11/23/2025 at 11:29 PM CST (USA)

OSRS Sailing Cannonballs Guide | New Cannonballs

Ship combat now uses new types of cannonballs, giving sailors more ways to fight sea monsters and rival ships. Each cannonball type has unique effects that make naval battles more tactical and rewarding.

Regular Cannonballs

These are your main ammo for ship cannons. They deal direct damage and can be bought or smithed, depending on the metal type. You gain both Sailing and Ranged XP for firing them manually, while crewmates only give Sailing XP.

TypeSmithing LevelMax HitNotes
Bronze Cannonball59Sold at charter ship shops and by Iron Bill in Port Roberts
Iron Cannonball2011Available after Dwarf Cannon
Steel Cannonball3515Commonly crafted mid-game
Mithril Cannonball5519Strong option for advanced crews
Adamant Cannonball7522High-tier damage for harder encounters
Rune Cannonball9030Top-tier smithed ammo
Dragon CannonballDrop OnlyUntestedExclusive monster drop, not smithable

Chainshot Cannonballs

Chainshot cannonballs deal standard damage but have a chance to bind enemies, slowing or stopping their movement. These are crafted by combining two regular cannonballs of any type with a single chain.

  • Same Smithing level and max hit as the base version

  • Useful against fast-moving sea monsters and fleeing pirate ships

Incendiary Cannonballs

Incendiary cannonballs ignite targets, dealing burn damage over time. They’re made by combining two regular cannonballs with ten Rubium Splinters.

  • Same Smithing and max hit as regular cannonballs

  • Great for stacking extra damage during long fights

  • Rubium Splinters come from Strange Rocks and Rubium Geodes found in Sailing mines

How to Get Them

  • Buy bronze, iron, and mithril types from Iron Bill at Port Roberts

  • Smith steel through rune at anvils after completing Dwarf Cannon

  • Dragon variants drop only from certain sea bosses (except for Burbs) and rare Sailing encounters.

Final Blurb

Cannonballs are the backbone of naval combat in Sailing. From basic bronze shots to fiery Rubium-powered incendiaries, mastering your ammo choice means smoother voyages and faster kills. Keep your ship stocked, your aim steady, and your barrels hot… the open sea waits for no one.

FAQ

Where do I unlock cannons for my ship?

Cannons can be built once you upgrade your vessel with a combat facility at the shipyard.

Do cannonballs stack in inventory?

Yes, they stack by type, making them easy to store in bulk.

Can incendiary damage spread between enemies?

No, burn effects stay on the primary target only.

How do I get Rubium Splinters?

Mine Strange Rocks or open Rubium Geodes found during Sailing exploration.

Do crew-fired cannonballs give XP?

Yes, but only Sailing XP… not Ranged.

© 2025 GamerBlurb. Linking is welcome with credit to GamerBlurb.com. Copying or reproduction without permission is prohibited.


More Old School RuneScape

GamerBlurb Team

We’re a group of gamers from the United States. We write about the games we love, from big releases to niche hits, with a focus on clear guides and tips to help you level up.

https://gamerblurb.com/about-us
Previous
Previous

OSRS Sailing New Resources & Items Guide

Next
Next

OSRS Sailing New Trees & Logs Woodcutting Guide