Choose the Right Wood Type for Your Ship's Purpose

Wood Type Effects

Your ship's wood choice affects speed, durability, and handling. Softwoods (Spruce, Cherry) are fast and responsive—ideal for quick coastal trips and shallow water exploration. Hardwoods (Mangrove, Dark Oak) are slow but extremely durable, perfect for long ocean voyages where durability matters more than speed. Medium woods (Oak, Birch) balance both qualities.

Match Wood to Your Route

For river navigation and island hopping, use softwoods—their agility helps you avoid obstacles and turn sharply. For deep ocean expeditions and cargo runs, choose hardwoods; they withstand storms and ramming better. If you're unsure, medium woods provide reliable all-purpose performance.

Consider Your Crew

Larger ships with full crews benefit from hardwoods, since crew members compensate for slower turning. Solo players should prefer softwoods for better maneuverability. If you're planning combat with cannons, hardwoods' extra health is valuable.

Test Different Types

Build small test ships from different woods in calm water. Practice steering and feel the difference in responsiveness. This helps you decide which wood suits your playstyle before investing in a large vessel.