Economy & Trading
Mastering the economy in Assassin's Creed Rogue is crucial for upgrading the Morrigan, acquiring new weapons, and purchasing essential supplies. Unlike previous titles, Shay's journey as a Templar brings a unique perspective to resource management, focusing on both plundering and strategic investment.
Generating Income
There are several reliable ways to fill Shay's coffers:
- Looting Chests: Throughout the North Atlantic, River Valley, and New York, numerous chests contain varying amounts of Reales. Always keep an eye out for these, especially in restricted areas or after clearing gang hideouts.
- Naval Combat & Plundering: Engaging enemy ships is not just for fun; it's a primary source of income and resources.
- Strategy: Prioritize larger, more heavily armed vessels for greater rewards. After disabling a ship, board it to claim its cargo and Reales. Remember to choose between adding the ship to your fleet or salvaging it for immediate resources.
- Targeting: Look for British Man O' Wars or French Frigates for the best payouts.
- Hunting & Selling Pelts: Animals roam the wilderness of the River Valley and North Atlantic. Hunt them for their pelts and animal parts, which can be sold at any general store.
- Valuable Pelts: Keep an eye out for rarer animals like Arctic Wolves or Black Bears, whose pelts fetch higher prices.
- Warehouse Raids: These land-based activities involve infiltrating and securing enemy warehouses. They often contain significant amounts of Reales and valuable trade goods.
- Renovating Buildings: In New York and other settlements, you can invest in renovating dilapidated buildings. This provides a steady income stream over time. The more buildings you renovate, the higher your passive income.
Trade Convoy System
The Trade Convoy system is your primary method for long-term wealth generation and resource acquisition. This system allows you to send captured ships on trade routes, earning Reales and various goods.
- Acquire Ships: During naval combat, after disabling an enemy vessel, you have the option to "Add to Fleet" instead of salvaging. Prioritize capturing larger ships for better trade capacity.
- Access the Convoy Map: From the Captain's Cabin on the Morrigan, or at any harbor master, interact with the Trade Convoy map.
- Select a Route: Choose from available trade routes. Each route displays its potential profit, required cargo, and the risk of attack.
- Risk Management: Higher risk routes offer greater rewards but also a higher chance of your convoy being attacked. You'll receive a notification if a convoy is under attack, allowing you to intervene.
- Cargo: Ensure your ships have the necessary cargo (e.g., Sugar, Cotton, Tobacco) to fulfill the route's requirements. These goods are acquired through plundering, warehouse raids, or purchasing from general stores.
- Assign Ships: Assign available ships from your fleet to the chosen route. Stronger ships with higher combat ratings are better suited for high-risk routes.
- Collect Profits: After a set amount of time, your convoy will return with its earnings. Remember to regularly check the convoy map to reassign ships and collect profits.
Purchasing & Selling
General Stores are your go-to locations for buying and selling goods. They are marked on your map with a shop icon.
- Purchasing:
- Ammunition: Stock up on Pistol Ammo, Grenades, and Air Rifle Darts.
- Health Potions: Essential for tough encounters.
- Ship Upgrades (Limited): Some basic ship upgrades can be purchased here, though most are crafted at the Captain's Cabin.
- Trade Goods: If you're short on specific cargo for a trade route, you can purchase it here, though it's generally more cost-effective to acquire it through raiding.
- Selling:
- Animal Pelts & Parts: Your primary source of income from hunting.
- Loot: Any miscellaneous items acquired from looting chests or defeated enemies can be sold for a small profit.
- Excess Trade Goods: If you have an abundance of certain trade goods not needed for current routes, selling them can provide quick Reales.
Upgrading the Morrigan
A strong economy directly fuels the Morrigan's power. Prioritize these upgrades:
- Hull Reinforcement: Increases the Morrigan's durability, crucial for surviving naval battles.
- Broadside Cannons: Enhances your offensive capabilities.
- Mortars & Puckle Guns: Provides powerful ranged and close-quarters options, respectively.
- Ram: Essential for quickly disabling and boarding enemy ships.
Remember, a well-managed economy ensures Shay is always prepared for the challenges ahead, whether it's a fierce naval engagement or a daring infiltration.