Should You Sell Sugar and Rum in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag? A Pirate’s Guide to Riches
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Yes, you absolutely should sell sugar and rum in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag, especially early in the game. Think of them as liquid gold (or, well, crystallized and fermented gold). These commodities are primarily designed to be sold for a quick and easy profit. While other avenues for wealth generation open up as you progress, rum and sugar provide a crucial early game boost, letting you upgrade the Jackdaw and turn her into a force to be reckoned with. Don’t hesitate – offload that cargo! Later, Kenway’s Fleet will surpass selling sugar and rum as the best way to earn Reales, but that doesn’t diminish the commodities’ initial importance.
Early Game Economics: Why Rum and Sugar Reign Supreme
In the opening hours of Black Flag, your options for making money are somewhat limited. Looting ships is profitable, but time-consuming and risky, especially when you’re facing tougher vessels with a minimally upgraded Jackdaw. Exploring and finding treasure chests is also a good option but a long way to earning enough for meaningful upgrades to your ship. This is where rum and sugar step in. They are readily available as loot from conquered ships and forts, and their sale prices are significantly higher than other resources like wood or metal. Selling a full cargo hold of these goods can provide the funds needed for crucial early upgrades such as:
- Hull Armor: The Jackdaw’s lifeblood. A sturdier hull allows you to withstand more damage, crucial for taking on stronger ships.
- Broadside Cannons: Increased firepower means quicker battles and fewer repairs.
- Ram Upgrades: For those satisfying moments when you cleave through enemy ships like butter.
By prioritizing these essential upgrades, you’ll be able to tackle more challenging naval encounters, opening up even more opportunities for loot and plunder. Remember: a well-equipped Jackdaw is a profitable Jackdaw.
The Rise of Kenway’s Fleet: A Mid-Game Shift
As you advance through the story and unlock Kenway’s Fleet, the economic landscape of Black Flag changes drastically. Kenway’s Fleet allows you to capture and manage a fleet of ships, sending them on trading missions across the Caribbean. These missions generate significant amounts of Reales, often far exceeding what you could earn by selling rum and sugar directly.
The beauty of Kenway’s Fleet is its passive income potential. Once you’ve established a strong fleet and optimized your trade routes, money flows in even while you’re exploring, completing missions, or hunting for treasure. This passive income provides the resources to fully upgrade the Jackdaw, purchase additional weapons and equipment for Edward, and generally live the high life of a pirate captain.
Making the Transition: When to Stop Selling Rum and Sugar
So, when do you stop selling rum and sugar and rely solely on Kenway’s Fleet? The transition is gradual. As your fleet grows and your trade routes become more lucrative, you’ll find yourself less reliant on selling commodities for income. A good rule of thumb is to reduce reliance on selling rum and sugar once Kenway’s Fleet generates a steady stream of income that covers your upgrade costs and other expenses. At that point, the time spent looting and selling rum and sugar is better spent on other activities, like exploring uncharted islands, hunting legendary ships, or completing side quests.
Late-Game Opulence: Beyond Mere Money
In the late game, with the Jackdaw fully upgraded and Kenway’s Fleet churning out a fortune, money becomes less of a concern. You’ll have more Reales than you know what to do with! At this point, focus on completing all side activities, collecting all the collectibles, and exploring every corner of the map. The true reward in Black Flag isn’t just the accumulation of wealth, but the adventure, the discovery, and the thrill of living the life of a pirate.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does rum sell for in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag?
Rum typically sells for around 15 Reales per unit at most vendors. The price can fluctuate slightly depending on the specific location.
2. How much does sugar sell for in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag?
Sugar generally sells for around 20 Reales per unit, slightly more than rum.
3. What’s the best way to make money in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag overall?
Early game: Selling sugar and rum. Mid-game onward: Kenway’s Fleet. Late-game: Completing legendary ships repeatedly.
4. What is Kenway’s Fleet and how does it work?
Kenway’s Fleet is a naval trading minigame where you send captured ships on missions to generate Reales and other rewards. It’s unlocked by completing certain story missions.
5. How do I capture ships for Kenway’s Fleet?
During naval combat, weaken an enemy ship and then board it. After boarding, you’ll have the option to add the ship to your fleet (provided you have enough capacity).
6. What are the best ships to add to Kenway’s Fleet?
Man-of-Wars and Frigates are generally the best ships to add to your fleet due to their high cargo capacity and strength.
7. What happens if my ships are damaged or sunk in Kenway’s Fleet?
Damaged ships will need repairs, which cost Reales. Sunk ships are lost permanently and must be replaced.
8. What other resources should I sell besides rum and sugar?
Early game: Metal, wood, cloth. These are important for upgrading the Jackdaw. Selling excess becomes more viable mid/late-game, but prioritize Jackdaw upgrades first.
9. Are there any downsides to selling all my rum and sugar?
Not really. Their only purpose is to be sold. You don’t need them for crafting or any other in-game activity.
10. How do I find more rum and sugar?
Loot ships, raid warehouses, and conquer forts. These are the primary sources for these commodities.
11. Should I bother raiding small ships early in the game?
Absolutely! Even small ships often carry rum and sugar. The initial Reales boost is invaluable for early upgrades.
12. Are Assassin Contracts a good way to make money?
Yes! Assassin Contracts provide good monetary rewards and are relatively easy to complete. Aim for these early in the game.
13. What are Legendary Ships and are they worth fighting?
Legendary Ships are incredibly challenging ships scattered around the map. Defeating them yields large amounts of Reales and is a good way to test your Jackdaw’s capabilities.
14. Do I need to find all treasure chests for 100% completion?
No. While finding treasure chests contributes to your overall completion percentage, they are not required for 100% synchronization.
15. How important is upgrading the Jackdaw?
Crucial! Upgrading the Jackdaw is essential for surviving naval combat, accessing new areas, and ultimately becoming a powerful pirate. Prioritize hull armor, broadside cannons, and round shot strength.
Selling rum and sugar in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag is your first step towards building a pirate empire. Use the profits wisely, upgrade your ship, and embrace the open sea. Soon enough, you’ll be swimming in Reales and the Caribbean will tremble at the sight of the Jackdaw.