Common Commands
If you are not in a group, it will create a group with you as the leader (if the player accepts). You cannot use this Command unless you are group leader.
The friend list is viewable via the Social Window, under the Friend tab. Default Key: O.
The ignore list is also viewable via the Social Window under the Friend Tab.
Also available by clicking on the spammer's name, then selecting 'Report Spam'.
In-Game Communication
The comma is important. You have to enter the full name of the player. (Eg. /tell Jason Stonewall, Hello!) It is important to note there is no /reply command. If you wish to reply to a character you can use the reply key (CTRL+R or Backspace). You are also able to double-click a player's name in the chat window to have the game automatically fill out the tell information for you.
For Nation Chat, it doesn't matter in which Region (also called Area) you are in. This is the most common form of chat between players in the game.
This is a global channel and sends to everyone on your nation. Only Freetraders can view this channel. It requires the Freetraders Skill Trade Connections to talk over this channel.
Basic Port Information
This is the basic port information every player should know to help understand what affects Ports and how they influence the game. Ports with Regional Markets and New Player Auction Houses give a free Warehouse. This means you can store Items there without building a warehouse at that port.
Ports & Economy
One of the most important aspects of Ports is they are the back-bone of the Economy. Providing Resources and Public Docks that allow the construction of Buildings. This means any and every port with resources is Capturable by your enemy. If this happens you will not lose your structures, but you will however have to pay higher Taxes. Freetraders have a skill known as Tax Evasion which will cut taxes in half. While Pirates get the skill known as Black Market which cuts the taxes by 60%.
Ports & PvP
When ports have hit a certain level of Unrest, a red circle appears around the port. Inside these red circles is a Player vs Player (PvP) area. This means if you enter any red colored circle you may be attacked by another player. The first, smaller circle, is Pirate PvP, which means Pirates and Privateers may attack anyone or be attacked by anyone. The second, larger circle, means Free-For-All. These red PvP circles will be clearly marked on your Map (the globe) as well as your Local Map (the square one opened by pressing the "L" key) on the Open Sea. So if you are using these to navigate you will be able to avoid them.
There are several strategies to minimize your risk while sailing in red. If you join a society, talk to your society mates to learn them.
Important British Ports
Important French Ports
Important Pirate Ports
Tortuga has a quest line that gives Pirates a Pet: a yellow parrot!
Important Spanish Ports
Ship Basics
Ships come in the form of Ship Deeds. To use the deed you simply right-click the deed and choose "Trade this deed for a ship." Once you do, the ship will automatically be added to your Drydock. All Captains Club and Premium members can hold 5 ships in their drydock at a time. Free-to-Play (F2P) players only get 2 Ship Slots, so you have to Scuttle the ship you are replacing. To do this you must have both ships in the same port, transfer to the ship you want to keep and then scuttle the ship you are replacing. You can then right click on the deed to get your new ship.
Durability is how many times your ship can sink without being totally destroyed. If your durability reaches 0 that ship will be gone forever. You are able to refill durability at the Harbor Master if you have a deed for the exact same ship. If the deeds aren't the same variant or type, it will not work to refill the durability.
Ship Types
There are 3 main types of ships that you'll see. Merchant Ships, Scout Ships, and Warships. All have their strengths and weaknesses. Which ship is the right one for you? Warships generally have better Armor, Guns and Top Speed. Scout ships turn and accelerate better, while merchant ships have larger Holds for transporting Goods. Asking in Nation chat or talking to your society members will get you many opinions on the best ship for your level.
Ship Variations
Careers
With all the careers out there, it's hard to figure out exactly which one to play. Hopefully these highlights on what makes each career special will help you make up your mind.
Naval Officer (NO)
Naval Officers have excellent defensive and offensive capabilities. They are designed to take damage and dish it out. They have access to some of the most powerful ships in the game, the First Rates and Second Rates. Many people feel this is the easiest class to level up for your first character and they are a formidable foe when grouped into small squadrons. Naval ships tend to have better armor and guns with the highest top speeds.
Privateer (PR)
Privateers have access to some excellent Damage 'spikes' and several crippling skills to disable their opponent. This class is generally thought of as the most challenging to play and mastering the Unpredictability skill line is the key to being a successful privateer. Privateer ships tend to be quicker and more maneuverable than other ships with lighter guns.
Freetrader (FT)
Freetraders are the economic engines of the Burning Seas. They get many abilities to avoid Combat on the open sea but once caught they can be deadly fighters. They are the only class that gets access to advanced structures/recipes. They can also search every Auction House no matter where they are at. If you want to have a 'fighting' freetrader, stock up on your reloading skills. Freetrader ships have massive cargo capabilities and top open sea speeds.
Pirate (CT/BU)
Pirates don't truly master one area of combat. They are the jack of all trades. Having abilities from all careers, even better at avoiding taxes than freetraders. Their biggest plus is the ability to take command of an enemy ship they capture. In essence getting themselves a free ship. Pirates have the most flexibility in their skills compared to other careers. Pirates can sail all classes, but their specific ships tend towards lighter armor and guns, very similar to privateer's ships.
Basic Skills
Everyone gains the ability to claim ships at level 5. These will earn you Commendations/Pennants which you can turn in for great items. If an enemy ship abandons or you Board them, the ship will become Derelict. When it is in that state, you are able to claim it. Earning you the item, which will then be placed in your Lootbox.
You earn skill points for every Level. Every odd level, you will receive a Captain Skillpoint (yes at level 1 when you start, you have a point to spend already.) And every even level, you will gain a Swashbuckling Skillpoint to spend.
Every 5 levels you will have a quest from the Career Trainer. (Any career trainer around the world will do, as long as it's your career.) At level 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 the mission you receive from them will unlock a Career Skill. These are automatically given to you when you complete the mission. Career skills are very helpful and often overlooked by players ignoring the quests from their career trainer.
Managing Money
One way to make sure you keep your money is to watch the Auction House. When you're looking at an item. Many of you may feel quick to bid the price listed on the recently purchased list. It's recommended you start lower and gradually work your way up. Sure it takes a minute extra, but could save you thousands when buying anything.
The best way to make money without selling on the auction house: pure and simple are missions. Go around Port looking for EVERY mission inside of a port. Churches, Taverns, Magistrate's Office, Admiralty Office, Auction Houses, Company Offices and all of the people outside in the streets. You will not only make money for the turn-in of the quest. But you'll be making money killing the NPCs, be it sea or land Combat. It's also the quickest way to gain your Experience (XP) and level.
Another tip to managing your money is remembering to turn in your commendations/pennants. These are turned in at your Capital. They can save you money in Ammunition as well as save you from buying a whole new ship. So remember to claim those ships!
User Interface (UI)
Don't forget to change the Options exactly the way you want them! Check under the Preferences to change all various User Interface (UI) options. Such as adding Hotbars, moving all of the UI manually. Changing Chat Colors, turning off the chat filter. Even reconfiguring the button keys to help you access the game easier. Like changing CTRL+R to R to reply to tells. And while you're looking through those, don't forget to check the boxes for Firing Arcs as well as Wind Indicator. They will help you command your ship better while in combat, especially in those stressful situations.
Final Notes
If you ever find yourself stuck on a subject in-game. You can always ask over nation chat. And they will generally answer your question. Don't ever be afraid to explore or try new missions. It's fun and if you lose, it's okay, it's only a game. And always try to find your style of gameplay to fully enjoy the game.