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The Indian Ocean is currently buzzing with one word: frigate. As the first large ship most players unlock in Skull and Bones, the shiny frigate has become the default choice for captains grinding their way to naval dominance Skull and Bones Items. But while everyone is busy maxing out their floating fortresses, a powerful counter-build has emerged-one that can sink a fresh frigate in 10 seconds flat and obliterate smaller ships with a single broadside.
This maximum DPS Schooner build is currently one of the most fun and devastating setups in the game. Not only does it melt other players in PvP, but it also shreds high-level bosses and structures in PvE. Whether you’re challenging Death Tides or farming resources in open waters, this build is designed to push your damage output to its limits.
Let’s break down the full build and explain how to unleash its full potential.
Why the Schooner? Fury and Volatility
The Schooner might not have the raw durability of a frigate, but what it lacks in bulk, it makes up for in sheer firepower and speed. By fully upgrading the Schooner and utilizing its Fury and Volatile perks, this build boosts both explosive and broadside damage to staggering levels.
Fury Perk: Increases broadside damage when consistently attacking.
Volatile Perk: Enhances explosive weapon effects, making every hit pack a punch.
These perks create the foundation for a ship that thrives on aggressive, fast-paced combat-perfect for PvP ambushes or dismantling PvE fortifications.
Weapon Setup: Unmatched Broadside Power
The heart of this build is its weapon loadout, optimized for maximum damage per shot and broadside efficiency.
Port and Starboard: Dardels
Ascensions: Combustion + 2x Amplified Explosive
Damage Output: Each Dardel broadside deals around 8,000 damage, with four Dardels per side for a devastating total of 32,000 damage in a single volley.
These weapons define the build’s killing power. In PvP, one well-timed broadside can cripple or outright sink smaller ships.
Front and Rear: Naga’s Call
The Naga’s Call cannons are now easier to obtain thanks to the latest in-game event, making them an excellent complement to the Dardels.
Recommended Ascensions: Dire Explosive, Amplified Explosive, and Blast Range (ideal rolls would be Combustion + 2x Amplified Explosive for higher synergy).
These cannons excel at long-range engagements and provide critical burst damage.
Auxiliary Weapon: Storm Vigual Rockets
The Storm Vigual rocket launcher is a standout in PvP thanks to its ability to disrupt enemy defenses.
Fires volleys of 60 rockets-if most connect, the damage output is massive.
In PvP, these rockets break enemy brace strength, leaving them wide open for Dardel broadsides.
Recommended Ascension: Combustion (with Amplified Explosive if you can roll it).
Furniture Pieces: Stacking Damage and Survivability
Furniture pieces enhance the ship’s strengths and compensate for its relative fragility. Here’s the optimal setup:
Worm’s Breath Churner (Major Slot)
Boosts both primary and secondary explosive damage.
Applies the Shell Shock debuff, slowing enemy reload times-vital for both PvP duels and tough PvE bosses.
Port & Starboard Powder Kegs
Each piece provides +10% broadside damage.
Since this build revolves around overwhelming broadsides, these are non-negotiable.
Company Screens
Increases ship health.
Reduces incoming AoE damage by 20%, making you more resilient against explosive-heavy enemies.
Alternatively, swap for Bombard Works if you prefer boosting secondary weapon damage further.
Bombard Mineri
+10% bombard damage and an extra +8% vs. structures-handy when farming fortresses.
Breach Lock Furnace
Amplifies secondary weapon damage when you’re within 100m of your target.
Also increases the charge rate and potency of Shell Shock.
Pro Tip: Maintain the 100m sweet spot to maximize damage without losing the Breach Lock bonus.
Hull Armor: Buccaneer’s Oath
When it comes to armor, Buccaneer’s Oath synergizes perfectly with this build.
For every kill, it grants a 25% boost to weapon damage and armor.
With this Schooner’s insane DPS, you’ll trigger this buff constantly, effectively keeping your damage and defense on overdrive.
The Hunter Ultimate Ability
For Death Tides PvP, pair this build with the Hunter ultimate ability.
Hunter ramps your damage to absurd levels, letting you nuke enemy ships in seconds.
Think of it as temporary “naval steroids” (minus the bad side effects).Performance in PvP and PvE
PvP: Frigate Slayer
The Schooner build shines brightest in PvP. Most frigates crumble in 10 seconds under a full broadside followed by Storm Vigual rockets. Smaller ships? They rarely survive a single volley. The ability to break bracing with rockets ensures you can deliver uninterrupted damage.
Timing is everything:
Open with Storm Vigual rockets to disrupt defenses.
Follow with a full Dardel broadside while the enemy is vulnerable.
Keep circling and alternating sides to chain broadsides.
PvE: Boss and Structure Melter
Against PvE bosses like Leot Tiang, this build performs just as well. Its high explosive output tears through armor plating and static defenses. The Bombard Mineri furniture and Breach Lock Furnace buffs make it easy to farm forts and farm high-value resources like Deep Iron quickly.
Tips for Mastering This Build
Learn to Aim Dardels at Range:
These cannons hit like a truck, but landing all shots requires practice, especially on moving targets.
Stay Mobile:
The Schooner isn’t as tanky as larger ships, so positioning and evasive sailing are critical.
Watch the Distance:
Stay within 100m to benefit from the Breach Lock Furnace buff but avoid being rammed or focus-fired.
Ascension Rolls Matter:
Perfecting this build means chasing rolls like Combustion + Amplified Explosive. Don’t settle for weak rolls if you want true top-tier DPS.
Final Thoughts
The current Skull and Bones meta might be dominated by shiny frigates, but this Schooner build proves that speed, precision, and insane DPS can outclass brute force. With its 8,000+ damage per Dardel broadside, Storm Vigual rocket synergy, and explosive bonuses stacked across furniture and perks, this setup is a nightmare for any opponent who underestimates it.
Whether you’re diving into Death Tides PvP or raiding forts in PvE, this build offers a fast, fun, and devastatingly effective playstyle. It’s straightforward enough for beginners to pick up but has enough depth to reward skilled captains who master timing and positioning skull and bones boosting for sale.