Assassin's Creed III
Assassin's Creed III

Naval Basics

Command the Aquila in Assassin's Creed III. Master naval combat and navigation basics to dominate the open seas and secure valuable resources.

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Naval Basics

The open seas are a vast and dangerous place, but mastering naval combat and navigation is crucial for completing many main story missions and unlocking valuable resources. This section will guide you through the fundamentals of commanding your ship, the Aquila, and dominating the waves.

Controlling the Aquila

Your ship, the Aquila, is a formidable vessel, but it requires skillful handling. Understanding its controls is paramount to success:

  • Steering: Use the left analog stick (PS3) or left stick (Xbox 360) to steer the ship. Gentle adjustments are often better than sharp turns, especially at high speeds.
  • Sails & Speed:
    • Full Sails (Fast Travel): Hold down the 'A' button (Xbox 360) or 'X' button (PS3) to unfurl all sails for maximum speed. This is ideal for covering long distances quickly, but reduces maneuverability.
    • Half Sails (Combat Speed): Tap the 'A' button (Xbox 360) or 'X' button (PS3) to set half sails. This offers a good balance of speed and maneuverability, perfect for engaging in combat.
    • Brace for Impact: Hold the 'B' button (Xbox 360) or 'Circle' button (PS3) to brace your crew for incoming fire. This significantly reduces damage taken from enemy cannonballs. Timing is key!
  • Cannons:
    • Broadside Cannons: Press the 'RT' button (Xbox 360) or 'R2' button (PS3) to fire your broadside cannons. Aim for the enemy's hull for maximum damage.
    • Swivel Guns: Use the 'LT' button (Xbox 360) or 'L2' button (PS3) to aim and fire the swivel guns. These are excellent for targeting weak points like masts or enemy crew, and for finishing off heavily damaged ships.

Naval Combat Strategies

Engaging enemy ships requires strategy and quick thinking. Here are some effective tactics:

  • Positioning is Key: Always try to get a broadside advantage. Circle around enemy ships to expose their weaker sides while keeping your stronger broadside facing them.
  • Focus Fire: Concentrate your fire on one enemy ship at a time to quickly incapacitate or sink it. A damaged ship is less of a threat.
  • Utilize Swivel Guns: After a successful broadside, switch to swivel guns to target masts and cripple enemy movement, or pick off exposed crew members to reduce their combat effectiveness.
  • Environmental Hazards: Pay attention to the environment. Storms can create massive waves that make aiming difficult, but also offer opportunities to use the waves to your advantage for surprise attacks or escapes. Rocks and shallow waters can be used to funnel enemies or create choke points.
  • Brace, Brace, Brace! Never forget to brace for impact when an enemy ship fires its cannons. This single action can mean the difference between victory and defeat, especially against larger frigates or Men O' War.
  • Ramming: For smaller, weaker vessels like Gunboats or Schooners, a well-timed ram can instantly sink them. Build up speed with full sails and aim directly for their hull. Be cautious when attempting this against larger ships, as it can damage your own vessel.

Upgrading the Aquila

To tackle tougher naval missions and legendary ships, you'll need to upgrade the Aquila. Upgrades are purchased from the Shipwright at the Homestead or other port locations. Prioritize these upgrades:

  • Hull Reinforcement: Increases the Aquila's health, allowing it to withstand more damage. Essential for prolonged engagements.
  • Cannon Upgrades: Improves the damage and range of your broadside cannons. Look for upgrades like "Heavy Shot" or "Chain Shot" (for disabling sails).
  • Swivel Gun Upgrades: Enhances the power and reload speed of your swivel guns, making them more effective at precision targeting.
  • Sail Upgrades: Increases the Aquila's speed and maneuverability, allowing for better positioning and evasion.
  • Ram Reinforcement: Strengthens the Aquila's bow, reducing damage taken when ramming and increasing the damage dealt to enemy ships.

Remember, a fully upgraded Aquila is a force to be reckoned with. Invest in these improvements as soon as resources allow to make your naval adventures much smoother.