The answer isn't as simple as pointing to a map marker. It depends on your ship, your rank, your Skull and Bones Items and your playstyle. Are you a brawler who charges into the fray? A long-range sniper? Or a fire-focused menace with a barge of sea-fire weaponry? No matter your style, this guide will walk you through the top places to find high-end gear and blueprints that'll carry you well into endgame.

Step One: Know Your Ship Rank and Player Rank

Before you go hunting for Tier 3 blueprints and exotic armor, understand your current rank. Most high-tier items are locked behind ship or player level requirements, and you won't be able to equip them until you reach those thresholds.

 Early Game: Focus on Tier 1 and 2 gear, accessible via merchants and loot.

 Mid Game: Once you're pushing into Africa and Dragon's Back, Tier 2-3 blueprints become key.

 End Game (Kingpin): Access to the best-of-the-best, including rare armor like Royal Custodian and Ouroboros.

Red Isles: Best Starter Weapon & Armor Blueprints

If you're just getting your sea legs, head to St. Anne and travel west to Verona Falls in the Red Isles. Here, a Sea People's merchant stocks a treasure trove of useful early- and mid-game blueprints, including:

Weapons to Watch For:

 Tearing Covers-Perfect for ripping sails, ideal for disabling fleeing ships.

 Brick Breakers-High damage and great for knocking down fortifications.

 Fire Culverins-Niche but deadly when used on fire-themed ships like the Barge.

 Explosive Covers-Devastating when paired with high-damage builds like schooners.

 Furniture You Shouldn't Ignore:

 Projectile Speed Boosters

 Iron Cladding Stations-Bonus 25% ramming damage.

 Double Plank Hulls-Increases base ship health significantly.

Pro Tip: Always prioritize buying blueprints over finished gear. They're a better long-term investment and allow you to build the item repeatedly for other ships.

Navigator's Cross: Demic Cannons, Armor & Fire Gear

For those advancing toward Africa, travel north along the coast from Dragon's Back to Navigator's Cross. This area is rich with Tier 2 and 3 blueprints, including explosive variations of the fan-favorite Demic Cannons.

What to Pick Up:

 Explosive Demic Cannons I-III-High burst damage with added status effects like burning and vulnerability.

 Zamma 2s and 3s-Amazing close-range DPS, ideal for boarding or burst-heavy builds.

 Sea Fire Weapons-Specially tailored for ships like the Sandbuck or Barge.

 Sticky Fuel Station-A must-have for enhancing Ablaze effects.

Great Armor Finds:

 Gamma Coba Armor-Strong midgame option.

 Scales Armor-Balanced stats, good resistance.

 Boatswain's Call-Boosts your crew's melee damage during boarding.

If you're struggling to find the blueprints in the wild, use your Codex Tracker to locate the exact merchants that sell them.

Sacred Tree & Royal Burial Ground: Furniture & Utility Gear

Moving deeper into the eastern regions? Check out Sacred Tree and Royal Burial Ground, especially for utility-focused furniture and gear enhancements.

Must-See Gear:

 Ballista Works-Enables long-range siege capability.

 Storage Compartments-Increases weight capacity (not inventory slots).

 Tool Smithy Stations-Buff your repair capabilities.

 Torpedo Blueprints-Essential for mines, rippers, and underwater attacks.

Again, these vendors may also offer food, cosmetics, and cannonball variations, so don't rush through these islands-explore them fully.

Elders' Cave: Bastion Armor and Endgame Bombards

If you've reached Elders' Cave, you're likely ready for late-game content. This is where you can find one of the best pieces of armor in the game:

Bastion Armor III:

 Offers Burning and Piercing Resistance

 Perfect for navigating Africa, where fire-damage ships dominate

 Highly useful when tackling fire convoys and flame-based forts

You'll also find:

 Flooding Bombards

 Mine Spring Loaders

 Ripper Buoys

 Healing Grace Kits-Keeps your ship afloat during sustained fights.

How to Track Blueprints Using the Codex

One of the most underused tools is your Codex Tracker. Here's how it works:

1.Open your Knowledge Tab

2.Go to the Blueprint Section

3.Select the item you want (e.g., Explosive Demic Cannon I)

4.Hit TrackConvoys: The Endgame Farm for Rare Armors

For players aiming to become a Kingpin, Convoys are your next best friend.

These high-level roaming ships often drop Royal Custodian Armor, Ouroboros Armor, and other rare finds.

Look for ship-shaped icons on your map-these represent convoys. Check the level rating before engaging:

 Level 8-10 Convoys: Ideal for mid-level groups

 Level 12+ Convoys: Bring allies or an upgraded warship

Defeating them can yield:

 High-tier blueprints

 Rare crafting materials

 Massive silver payouts

Choose Your Build, Not the Meta

One final reminder: There's no one "best" ship or weapon in Skull and Bones.

Just because a streamer prefers long guns doesn't mean they're right for you. Some players prefer:

 Sniping from range (long guns)

 Brawling at close range (Zamma, Brick Breakers)

 Setting everything on fire (Sea Fire + Sticky Fuel)

 Ramming and boarding (Padars + Iron Cladding)

Find what you like, then build your gear and ship around that.

Final Thoughts

Exploring Skull and Bones is about more than just shooting ships-it's about finding your playstyle, hunting down the perfect blueprint, and building a ship that reflects you.

Use this guide to:

 Explore key merchant locations

 Grab the right blueprints early

 Track gear using the Codex

 Upgrade smartly based on your rank

And most importantly-don't forget to have fun. Whether you're sinking convoys or customizing your barge with sea fire weapons or want to get more cheap Skull and Bones Items, the high seas are full of loot, danger, and opportunity.