Skull and Bones Frigate Build Guide

Frigate Build: DPS-Focused "Destroy Everything" Setup

Weapons

• Port and Starboard (Broadsides): Fire Bombards (Max Ascended, Tier IV)
  • Why: Fire Bombards deal explosive damage and apply Ablaze, causing burning damage over time. With the Frigate’s high gunport count (13-17 per side), these deliver devastating volleys for sustained DPS. Ascend to Tier IV for maximum damage.
  • Alternative: Kallinikos Flame I for fire damage and Ablaze synergy, amplifying damage against burning targets, especially in PvE or multi-target PvP.
• Auxiliary (Dual Slots, 1 fires at a time): Warhammer III
  • Why: Heavy-hitting mortar for long-range explosive damage, ideal for initiating fights or softening up tough enemies. Its AoE damage complements the Frigate’s tank role.
  • Alternative: Royal Custodian for a support-DPS hybrid, providing healing to allies in PvP while maintaining broadside damage.
• Bow: Long Gun IX (Ascended)
  • Why: High-precision, long-range damage to snipe weak points or kite enemies in PvP. Ascend for piercing damage to counter armor.
• Stern: Culverin IX (Ascended)
  • Why: Solid range and damage for defensive kiting when repositioning. Ascend for piercing or explosive effects if available.

Armor

• Ironclad Armor (Tier IV)
  • Why: Maximizes hull strength and damage resistance, crucial for surviving heavy fire. The Frigate’s tank role shines with high armor, allowing prolonged fights.
  • Alternative: Ouroboros Armor for a DPS-focused build with some damage mitigation, especially if anchoring or moving slowly.

Furniture

• DPS-Oriented Furniture:
  • Prioritize furniture boosting hull health (Frigate starts at 100,000 base HP, up to 128,000 at Level 7) and damage output. Examples:
    • Powder Keg Station: Increases explosive damage for Fire Bombards.
    • Gunner’s Quadrant: Boosts cannon damage and accuracy.
    • Ammunition Storage: Increases ammo capacity for prolonged fights.
  • Optional for Survivability: Add First Aid Station or Iron Cladding Station for extra health or damage reduction, especially for solo play.
• Perk Synergy: Equip furniture enhancing Ablaze or explosive damage to synergize with Fire Bombards or Kallinikos Flame. For solo play, consider life steal furniture for sustain.

Playstyle Tips

• PvE: Use Warhammer III to initiate from range, then unleash Fire Bombard volleys to apply Ablaze and maximize DPS. Position to tank heavy hits with Ironclad Armor, using the Grit perk to boost armor and support allies. Avoid over-bracing; focus on destroying enemies quickly with Enhanced Repair Kit IIs (buffed by food for 15% extra healing) every 60 seconds.
• PvP: Prioritize raw damage over healing due to reduced Frigate damage/healing output. Kite enemies with Long Gun IX and Culverin IX, then close in for Fire Bombard broadsides. Pair with a healer ally to become nearly unsinkable, leveraging 155k HP and 50k brace strength (at max rank).
• Positioning: Stick to open waters due to the Frigate’s size limiting river navigation. Use its stability in rough seas to maintain accuracy during storms.

Crafting and Upgrades

• Blueprint: Obtain via Smuggler Pass (free track, 45 tokens) or endgame currency at the Helm Black Market.
• Materials: Requires Deep Iron and Deep Iron Plates. Upgrading to Level IV needs Deep Iron, and Level VII needs Deep Iron Plates.
• Ascension: Ascend weapons to Tier IV for maximum damage. Focus on piercing or explosive ascensions for broadsides to counter armor or maximize AoE.

Notes

• Community Feedback: Some note the Frigate’s damage can feel underwhelming compared to DPS ships like the Sambuk or Brigantine due to its tank focus. Counter this with explosive weapons and a “70/30 attack/brace” approach—brace only for big threats.
• Solo Play: The Frigate struggles with diverse content solo due to its tank role. Pair with life steal furniture or a torpedo build for better solo DPS.

This build turns the Frigate into a floating fortress dishing out massive explosive damage while soaking up hits, perfect for dominating tough enemies or PvP.