To survive the dangerous world of Corsair Cove, you’ll need to build up all types of defenses to protect your island. From pirate hunters to mythical sea creatures to just drunken fights at the tavern, you’ll need to contend with a lot when managing this safe haven for scoundrels.
At the crux of it, especially early on, is the resource Black Powder, which is used to give ammo to your various defense placements throughout the island. However, making gunpowder can be a bit tricky if you’re new to this type of game, as it requires not only multiple resources, but an easily accessible supply chain to ensure your fortifications can be quickly armed.
Here is what you need to know about this material, how to acquire it, and the best ways to manage your supplies.
How To Make Black Powder
When it comes to creating Black Powder, you will first need to have access to several resources. These are Guano and Charcoal, as well as Stone and Wood. Starting with Guano, this can be acquired by building a Guano Gatherer structure, which can only be constructed at designated construction points tied to that material.
Guano material points are not nearly as plentiful as places where you can gather wood, stone, or water, so make sure to always consider where they are when placing additional Pirate Camps. Guano Gatherers require 2 Greenhands to operate, have a construction cost of 30 Planks, and an upkeep cost of 2 Stew.
Once the Guano Gatherer is built, next on your list should be a Charburner to make Charcoal. This can be placed mostly without restriction, but you usually want it right next to where the Guano is to ensure a steady, quick supply line. Costing 2 Fetchers, 2 Greenhands, and 30 Planks to make, this also has an upkeep price of 2 Stew. Additionally, Charburner’s need access to both Stone and Hardwood to function, so you’ll want to ensure they’re close to a Woodcutter and Quarry.
With both our Guano Gatherer and Charburner constructed, you will not want to make a Powdermill. This is the building that will actually create Black Powder and will require both Guano and Charcoal to actually make this explosive substance. Because of this, we will want to make the Powdermill as close to these structures as possible to ensure a swift transfer of materials.
Remember, you can increase the amount of Black Powder you make by unlocking the Powder Monkey skill in the Warrior Path on the Compass!
Ideally, you want the Powdermill either sandwiched between these two structures or extremely close. Also, try to limit the number of ladders leading between these buildings and stick to connectors such as bridges or cliffpaths to speed up material transport. Black Powder is a key resource, so you’ll always want to ensure you’re making good use of the Guana deposits whenever possible.
Finally, you can earn Black Powder as a reward for various events outside your island, such as Smuggler’s Runs. While this isn’t a guaranteed or consistent method of earning this material, you can supplement your supply by completing these events to build up a nice stockpile for emergencies.
How To Use Black Powder
Now that we have a steady flow of Black Powder, it’s time to actually use this resource. Your main use will be for the defenses you scatter around your island, mainly the large Gun Towers you construct to protect the various inlets around your city. These massive towers can fire mortars that will destroy the ships attempting to enter and are vital structures you’ll need to build.
Similar to the Guano Gatherer and Charburner, we will want to ensure our Gun Towers are near the Powdermill whenever possible. This is because the amount of ammo they have is directly tied to having a steady supply of Black Powder. Ensuring you have a short and efficient supply route to the tower is critical, so always try to build the Gun Towers after you set up a Powdermill.
