Winning naval battles in Sea of Thieves requires mastering cannon projectile drop, wave rocking cycles, and leading moving ships. Here is the definitive formula for consistent long-range waterline hits and chainshot demasts.
At point-blank range (under 50m), aim directly at the enemy ship's waterline. At 150m (medium combat), elevate your barrel 5 degrees above the deck. At 300m, elevate 12 degrees, and at 500m (maximum arc), tilt 22 degrees upward so gravity drops the shell onto the deck.
Never pull the cannon trigger while your ship is rolling downward into a wave trough; the shot will be swallowed by oncoming water. Watch your ship's horizon tilt: fire right as your bow hits the maximum height of the wave.
Chainshots have heavy drag and travel slower than regular iron cannonballs. When attempting to snap an enemy mast at 150-200 meters, lead your crosshair 1.5 to 2 full ship lengths ahead of their bowsprit.
Aim your first 3 shots strictly below the enemy waterline to flood the bilge. Follow up immediately with Blunderbombs or firebombs directed at the top deck to knock cannon operators off their posts and disrupt wood plank repairs.
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Galleons have two decks. Holes in the mid-deck do not take on water until the bottom deck is completely flooded. Always aim strictly at the lowest visible waterline hull to force emergency bilging.
Firing a cursed purple Ballastball forces the enemy ship to sit deep into the ocean for 15 seconds. If a Galleon already has mid-deck holes, a Ballastball instantly floods them and can sink the ship within 10 seconds.
