Due to the Sloop’s specific strengths and weaknesses, the "best" weapons for it depend on how you want to approach combat. Here are some options to consider, taking into account the Sloop’s agility and potential limitations:
General Loadout (Balanced Approach):
Main Cannons:
2x Demi-cannons: Offer good mid-range damage and the ability to inflict flooding, hindering enemy movement.
2x Swivel Guns: Provide quick-firing, close-range defense against smaller ships and boarding attempts.
Auxiliary Weapons:
2x Smoke Mortars: Create smoke clouds, enabling strategic retreats or flanking maneuvers in close-quarter encounters.
2x Chain-shot Rockets: Effective against multiple enemies sailing in close formation, ideal for taking out smaller ships or inflicting heavy damage in swarms.
Strengths of this loadout:
Versatility: Covers various combat situations, from mid-range exchanges to close-quarter defense.
Maneuverability: Smoke mortars aid in escaping larger ships while chain-shot rockets help clear smaller threats.
Efficiency: Demi-cannons offer decent damage and flooding utility, while swivel guns provide good value for their cost.
Alternative Loadout (Aggressive Approach):
Main Cannons:
2x Long Guns: Offer excellent long-range damage and accuracy, allowing you to harass enemies from afar before engaging.
2x Swivel Guns: Maintain the close-range defense capability.
Auxiliary Weapons:
2x Heavy Mortars: High area-of-effect damage, ideal for striking multiple enemies at once, especially effective against tightly packed groups.
2x Fire Rockets: Set enemy sails on fire, inflicting continuous damage and potentially disorienting the crew.
Strengths of this loadout:
High damage potential: Long guns and heavy mortars deal significant damage, while fire rockets can cripple opponents.
Surprise attacks: Long-range harassment and fire rockets can weaken enemies before engaging in close combat.
Considerations:
Playstyle: Choose the loadout that best suits your preferred tactics and skillset.
Enemy composition: Adapt your weapons based on the types of enemies you encounter.
Resource management: Upgrading higher tier weapons can be expensive, so plan your resource allocation strategically.
Additional Tips:
Utilize the Sloop’s agility to your advantage. Engage in hit-and-run tactics, using your maneuverability to dodge enemy fire.
Master the art of aiming and firing your cannons, as precise shots are crucial for maximizing damage output.
Coordinate with your crew (if playing in co-op) to optimize your offensive and defensive capabilities.
By understanding the Sloop’s characteristics and the strengths of different weapons, you can craft a loadout that empowers you to dominate the seas in Skull and Bones.