Naval Action Beginner Guide

Naval Action has two live servers: the PvP Caribbean Main server and the PvE Peace server. On the Peace server other players cannot attack you, so you can learn the ropes, run cargo missions and grind out your first ships without the risk of being sunk by another player.

We strongly recommend that new players start on the Peace server. Once you are comfortable with sailing, combat and the economy, you can decide whether you want to test yourself against real opponents on the Caribbean Main server.

When you create your character, choose the Peace server at the server-selection screen.

As a new player you have a Basic Lynx, which can always be obtained for free, but you need money to hire crew and keep your ship loaded with cannons and supplies.

Cargo missions are how you can earn the money you need to operate in the game. Click on the JOURNAL icon at the bottom of the screen to view and accept cargo missions. Press the M key to open your map and plan your route.

Tip: You can take two cargo missions at a time in your Basic Lynx.

Advanced tip: After your first cargo mission, you can hire your full complement of 50 sailors and add a second Lynx to your fleet to take two more cargo missions at a time. This means that you will be under-crewing your ships -- the minimum crew of the Lynx is 24. DO NOT GO INTO BATTLE UNDER-CREWED!

Your initial goal is to raise 50,000 reals so that you have plenty of funds to keep your ships supplied with crew, cannons, ammunition and repairs.

Once you have accumulated some capital from cargo missions, you can open an outpost in Nassau. Click on the Docks icon at the bottom of the screen when you are back in Nassau.

With the outpost, you will now have a warehouse where you can safely store items such as Doubloons and consumables.

Move the contents of your reward chest into the warehouse so that your items are stored safely and ready to use.

The in-game tutorials cover the basics of how to sail and fight your ship. By basic, we mean very rudimentary -- just enough to get you started, but you need to learn a lot more to be effective in the game. When you are ready to move beyond the basics, we have included several videos that will help you.

NOTE: Don't sweat the exams. Treat them like practice sessions that you can repeat again and again. Even veteran players have difficulty with the exams.

Brigs are a good target for your Basic Lynx because they are not overpowering and they sit high in the water, making them an easier target for your broadsides.

After sinking six brigs, you will have ranked up to command 100 crew and accumulated over 1200 doubloons. With 100 crew, you can move up to the Snow, which is a small but powerful 6th rate. With the doubloons you can add a dock to your outpost and expand the warehouse.

NOTE: DO NOT purchase a ship until you have open dock space for it.

We try to keep inexpensive 6th rate ships in stock for new players at Nassau. Purchase the cheapest ship on offer. Arm it with medium guns, load gunpowder, round shot and repairs, and you are ready to go to war.

Here is a suggested loadout:
Ball ammo: 600
Gunpowder: 3000
Hull repairs: 14
Rig repairs: 24
Medicine: 20

You need to sink ships to get xp to gain rank and command larger crews. The bigger the ships that you sink, the more xp you gain.

Once you have leveled up to command 400 crew, you can now purchase/equip an inexpensive Trincomalee. The Trinc is a free dlc that veteran players received some time ago, and it is the only dlc ship that can be traded among players. Look for a low cost Trinc at the ship auction in the capital, or feel free to ask in nation chat if someone has a ship to sell.

Naval Action is a challenging game to play. There are skills to be mastered and knowledge to be gained to play this game at a high level. Seek out other players and don't hesitate to ask for help. Join us here at NavalGaming.com -- our raison d'etre is to help people like you who are just starting out.