Ship rank, once a peripheral concern, has emerged as a central gameplay mechanic with the advent of the season, prompting players to question its design and impact on their experience. Let’s delve into the intricacies of ship rank and explore potential solutions to address its shortcomings.
Previously, ship rank held little sway over gameplay, as reaching the cap was attainable with various setups, particularly on the versatile brig. However, the introduction of higher-level content has accentuated the disparity between ship ranks, relegating certain builds to inferior positions based on arbitrary criteria. This imbalance becomes glaringly apparent when attempting to tackle challenging encounters like the new boss battle, hinting at potential issues as the game progresses.
A straightforward remedy presents itself: provide players with the means to upgrade lower-tier ships. By allowing players to enhance the furniture slots of ships like the Snow and Padewakang through in-game materials and specialized blueprints, balance can be restored. This solution not only offers players greater flexibility in their builds but also levels the playing field among medium-sized ships, ensuring that no vessel is inherently disadvantaged due to its starting rank.
Moreover, the marginalization of small ships highlights another area ripe for improvement. Currently, these vessels are rendered obsolete in later stages of the game, overshadowed by their larger counterparts. Introducing a similar upgrade system for small ships, albeit with more challenging requirements, could rejuvenate their relevance and provide players with additional options for gameplay progression.
Implementing these changes would not only promote balance but also enhance player agency and customization. Allowing players to invest additional effort into upgrading their ships fosters a sense of achievement and ownership, empowering them to tailor their vessels to suit their preferred playstyles. Furthermore, it mitigates the disparities between ship ranks, ensuring that progression is determined by player skill and dedication rather than arbitrary limitations.
Ultimately, ship rank should serve as a tool for progression and diversity rather than a barrier to player choice. By embracing a system that fosters balance and customization, developers can enrich the gameplay experience, empowering players to chart their own course on the high seas of Skull and Bones. Players can also choose to buy Skull and Bones Items directly from MMOexp, as well as cheap Skull and Bones Silver for smoother sailing.
