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Conquering the Seas: Mastering the Easiest Legendary Ship in Assassin’s Creed 4 Black Flag

The question on every pirate’s mind in Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag – which legendary ship is the easiest to plunder? The answer, without a doubt, is the HMS Prince. While all legendary ships present a significant challenge, the HMS Prince is often considered a glorified Man O’ War, making it a manageable introduction to these formidable naval encounters. This article will delve into the best strategies for defeating the HMS Prince, along with frequently asked questions regarding legendary ships and naval combat in Black Flag.

HMS Prince: Your Gateway to Legendary Battles

The HMS Prince, found in the Navassa Zone, Southeast Corner of the map, serves as an excellent starting point for players looking to test their skills against legendary vessels. Its attacks are predictable, and its overall strength is less imposing compared to the other legendary ships, making it easier to learn the ropes of these intense battles.

Strategy for Defeating the HMS Prince

The most effective strategy is to employ the chain shot and ramming technique. Here’s a breakdown:

Stay Close: The key to success lies in maintaining proximity. Stick as close as possible to the HMS Prince to minimize the effectiveness of its mortar attacks. These attacks are devastating at long range but become less accurate when you’re right on top of the enemy ship.
Chain Shot Barrage: Unleash a constant barrage of chain shots. These shots are designed to cripple the HMS Prince, reducing its speed and maneuverability. This makes it an easier target for your other attacks and reduces the chance of the HMS Prince escaping your close-quarters strategy.
Ramming Speed: Once the HMS Prince is crippled by chain shots, prepare for a ramming assault. Position your ship to strike the HMS Prince head-on. Ramming deals significant damage and further disrupts the enemy’s attack patterns.
Broadside Follow-Up: After ramming, unleash a full broadside attack with your cannons. Time your broadsides to maximize damage, aiming for the HMS Prince’s weak points, which are usually along its sides.
Evade and Repeat: If the HMS Prince manages to create distance, use your ship’s maneuverability to close the gap quickly. Repeat the chain shot, ram, and broadside sequence until the HMS Prince is defeated.

Why This Strategy Works

This aggressive, close-quarters strategy works well against the HMS Prince because:

Mortar Nullification: Staying close negates the accuracy and effectiveness of the HMS Prince’s mortars, arguably its most dangerous weapon.
Chain Shot Dominance: Crippling the ship with chain shots limits its ability to maneuver and retaliate effectively.
Ramming Damage: Ramming inflicts significant damage and disrupts the enemy’s rhythm, opening them up for further attacks.

Upgrading the Jackdaw

While the HMS Prince is the easiest legendary ship, it’s still crucial to have a reasonably upgraded Jackdaw. Prioritize these upgrades:

Hull: A strong hull is essential for withstanding enemy fire and ramming attacks.
Cannons: Increased cannon power and capacity will significantly boost your damage output.
Ram: A reinforced ram will maximize the damage inflicted during ramming attacks.
Chain Shot Storage: Increased chain shot capacity ensures you can cripple the enemy more effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Legendary Ships in Black Flag

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the challenges and rewards of legendary ship battles in Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag.

Do legendary ships respawn in AC4? No, legendary ships do not respawn once defeated. After you conquer each ship, it’s permanently removed from the game world.
What are the names of all the legendary ships? The five legendary ships in Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag are El Impoluto, La Dama Negra, HMS Fearless, HMS Prince, and Royal Sovereign.
What is the hardest legendary ship to beat in Black Flag? Most players consider El Impoluto to be the most challenging legendary ship due to its devastating ramming attacks.
Where are the legendary ships located?
- El Impoluto: Dry Tortuga, Northwest Corner
- La Dama Negra: Northeast Corner, near the edge of the map
- HMS Fearless and Royal Sovereign (Twin Battle): Extreme Southwest corner of the map
- HMS Prince: Navassa Zone, Southeast Corner
Do I need to defeat all legendary ships to get 100% completion in Black Flag? No, for 100% Abstergo Challenges, you only need to defeat one legendary ship. However, for the Platinum Trophy, you must defeat all five.
Can I add legendary ships to Kenway’s Fleet? No, legendary ships cannot be added to Kenway’s Fleet. Only regular ships can be captured and used for trading and missions.
Can I board a legendary ship? No, you cannot board legendary ships. The only way to defeat them is through naval combat, utilizing your ship’s weapons and tactical maneuvers.
What do I get for defeating legendary ships? Defeating legendary ships rewards you with large amounts of Reales and bragging rights for conquering some of the toughest naval challenges in the game.
Is it possible to swim to a legendary ship? No, you cannot swim to a legendary ship during a battle. The ship will detect you and attack, making stealth impossible.
What upgrades are essential for defeating legendary ships? Essential upgrades include a strong hull, powerful cannons, a reinforced ram, and increased chain shot capacity. Investing in these upgrades will significantly increase your chances of success.
Is there a “ghost ship” in Black Flag? The HMS Fearless, encountered in the twin battle in the southwest, often appears in dense fog, giving the impression of a “ghost ship,” but it’s not supernatural.
Can I get a better ship than the Jackdaw in Black Flag? No, the Jackdaw is the only ship you can sail throughout the game. You can, however, upgrade the Jackdaw to become a formidable pirate vessel.
What is the best way to earn money in Black Flag? Capturing ships, completing missions, and using Kenway’s Fleet are all effective ways to earn money. An infinite money glitch is also possible, but its availability may vary.
Is the Jackdaw a real ship? The HMS Jackdaw was a real ship launched in 1806.
How do I unlock a Legendary Ship’s Title in Skull and Bones? To unlock a Legendary Ship’s Title in Skull and Bones, you’ll need to reach Class 50 in a Ship Milestone Alignment. Reaching Class 50 will unlock the corresponding legendary Ship’s Title.

Conclusion: Becoming a Legendary Pirate

By understanding the strategies outlined above and preparing your ship with the necessary upgrades, you can conquer the HMS Prince and begin your journey to defeating all the legendary ships in Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag. This experience provides more than just in-game rewards; it can also be a tool for understanding game design principles and player engagement, topics explored by organizations like the Games Learning Society. Dive into the world of gaming and learning at GamesLearningSociety.org. So hoist the sails, prepare your cannons, and set course for legendary status!

What is the easiest legendary in Black Flag?