FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I can't attack a player. Why?
    Users under Level 9 have Novice protection. They can attack any player but no one can attack their Haven. Users under Level 15 (or the ones registered for less than 5 days) can only attack players under Level 15 (or the ones registered for less than 5 days). Users of Level 15 and higher can only attack players of Level 15 and higher.

    You can't launch any act of Piracy until you have constructed the Pirate Stronghold and the Tavern. You must also have researched the Order of Battle and Swordplay Discoveries and purchased at least one Unit.

    NOTE: If a player returns to the game after an extended period of absence, the Brethren Court will place this Captain under 7 days of protection to allow them to get their Haven back to a battle ready state. Players under this protection can initiate an attack on any player, but no one can attack their Haven unless the protected player attacks them first.
  • How do I start the game over?
    You can't. There are no dead ends in the game, and there is also no restarting on the same account. Don't worry: even if you make some mistakes in the beginning, you can always develop your Haven up to a higher level and fulfill all of Captain O'Malley's Tasks. Be sure to follow the instructions in the order that they're given or you'll slow down your Haven's development by using up your resources too fast. If this happens, just wait awhile until you collect enough to continue.
  • Where did Cpt. O'Malley's Reinforcements go?
    The Cpt. "Bonnie" Anne O'Malley's Reinforcements are in your Pirate Haven. Open the "My Haven" tab at the Pirate Stronghold to view them. You can't command someone else's Reinforcements.
  • Can I cancel an attack/construction/upgrade/trade offer?
    You have 50 seconds to cancel any action. 80% of the construction or upgrade cost will be returned to your account.
  • Why did I acquire 0 Resources after my last Raid?
    There is a weekly cap of 50,000 Resources that can be gained from looting (or gifting) between two Havens. You may sail back and Raid this Haven again next week. Resources are recalculated every 7 days.
  • Can buildings be destroyed?
    No, they can't. You lose only Crew and Resources if you fail to defend your Haven. The stronger the enemy force is, the more units and Resources you will lose during a defeat - but your buildings will be untouched. You can re-position all buildings and improvements on your Haven, but the only things you may permanently destroy are Fortifications (to make room for higher level replacements).
  • How do I modify or destroy existing buildings?
    Click the "Edit" button in the top right-hand panel. You can move all of your structures, but only Fortifications and Improvements can be permanently deleted once they have been constructed. Remember that you can expand your Haven if you find yourself running out of space. You can also upgrade Fortifications to higher levels.
  • When can I attack other Havens?
    Users under level 9 have Novice protection. They can attack any player but no one can attack their Haven. Users from level 9 through level 14 (or the ones registered for less than 5 days) can only attack players up to level 14 (or the ones registered for less than 5 days). Users of level 15 and higher can only attack players of level 15 and higher. You must also have researched the Order of Battle and Swordplay Discoveries and purchased at least one unit.
  • What does "Blockade" mean?
    Blockading other Havens proves you're stronger than your rivals, and allows you to place in the Blockade and Ransom Rankings and ransom a percentage of your enemy's resource production. The Top 10 Captains in the Invasion and Ransom Rankings may also earn Crystals for holding their positions each week. Blockading an opponent does not eliminate them. You may also choose to ransom Havens you are currently blockading. Once held for ransom, these Havens will offer you a percentage of their Gold or Lumber production.

    The "Territories" tab displays information on:
    - All currently occupied Targets and Ransomed Havens
    -The amount of Resources currently ready for collection
    - Time remaining until next collection
    - Time remaining until the Ransomed Haven or Target's storage is full
    - Number and type of Units at each Ransomed Haven or Target
    To collect all Resources accumulated in a Territory, click "Collect" when the button is active.

    To select a different Blockaded Haven to ransom, remove one from your Territories list and add the desired Haven from your "Territories" tab.
  • I'm a Novice. Why do I get attacked?
    Users under level 9 have Novice protection. They can attack any player but no one can attack their Haven. Users under level 15 (or the ones registered for less than 5 days) can only attack players under level 15 (or the ones registered for less than 5 days). Users of level 15 and higher can only attack players of level 15 and higher. However: If you attack ANY player above Level 9 - YOU LOSE YOUR NOVICE PROTECTION! If you initiate a war with another Haven while you're both below Level 15, it will continue even if one develops to the Senior levels above Level 15.

    You can't initiate any act of piracy until you have constructed the Pirate Stronghold and the Tavern. You must also have researched the Order of Battle and Swordplay Discoveries and purchased at least one unit.
  • My Galleon is missing!
    Go to the Market and open the "Galleons" tab. Cancel expired trade offers to release your Galleons.
  • Why do I need Rubies?
    Rubies give you extra advantages in the game. You can:
    - Get a 3-day 25% boost to your Rum, Gold or Lumber production.
    - Boost the rate of your building construction, Discoveries research, and Unit production.
    - They allow you to produce Veteran units.
    - Purchase Fortifications and Improvements.
    - Expand your Haven.
    Purchase additional Rubies at the Bank by selecting the "Bank" button in the top right-hand corner of the screen. You can get Rubies in lots of ways if you: Complete the game tasks. Play the game 90 days in a row. Take top Ranking positions. Get rewards for Foul Deeds.
  • Why does the game switch from full-screen mode?
    Whenever you enter text, the game will automatically switch out of full-screen mode. There is an unfortunate Aztec curse upon the network platform what cannot be lifted. Our shamans are working hard with Quetzalcoatl's representatives to find an appropriate sacrifice.
  • Why did my Sketches disappear?
    When you sell or exchange Sketches, they're gone. You do not retain a copy. Seawater does not agree with printing presses, and McCallan doesn't believe in making backup doodles. They will also disappear after you research the Discovery for which they were required.
  • Why do I get identical Sketches?
    Your Tinker randomly doodles one new Sketch each day. If you receive 2 or more identical Sketches, you trade the extras for other Sketches you need at the Market.
  • How to keep track of my Crew?
    Go to the Pirate Stronghold and open the "Underway" tab to check current information about your Crew's location and progress.
  • Can I skip the tutorial?
    You can complete the Captain's tasks at any time you choose, but it is HIGHLY recommended that you follow the instructions in the order that they're given or you risk slowing down your Haven's development by using up your resources too fast. You'll also be passing up an easy opportunity to earn Rubies early in the game. Some of the rules and instructions are complex, so take the time to learn how to complete basic tasks. If you wish to skip ahead you can refer to the Help menu.
  • I run out of Rum all the time. Why is this happening?
    If you constantly find yourself asking "Where's the rum gone?!", you're either carousing too much for a healthy pirate, or may simply need to up your production. All Buildings and Crew slowly consume Rum. You get a warning in your Naval Buildings if you don't have enough Rum to support new Units. Place your mouse over the "Resources" panel in the top left-hand corner of the screen to find out how many Resources you're acquiring or expending. Upgrade your Rum Distilleries to keep the grog flowing.
  • How do I increase the rate of my Rum production?
    Upgrade your Windmill and Distilleries to produce more Rum. You can also use Rubies to temporarily boost Rum production by 25% for 3 days.
  • Are there any bonuses in the game?
    Free Gold Chests, Rum Barrels, and Piles of Lumber will appear around you and your friends' Havens once a day. You also get a new Sketch from your Tinker each day. There is a Ruby reward every time you play the game 90 days in a row, and you will be rewarded with Rubies when you complete each of the tutorial tasks or earn Medals for Foul Deeds.
  • How do I get more Rubies?
    You can purchase additional Rubies at the Bank by selecting the "Bank" button in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
    You can also get Rubies by actions within the game:
    - Completing the game tasks.
    - Playing the game for 90 days in a row.
    - Placing in the Top Ranking positions.
    - Earn rewards for completing Foul Deeds.
  • How do I expand my Haven?
    Invite more Friends to expand your Haven up to 3 times for free! Use Rubies for further Haven expansion.
  • Why don't I get instructions from Cpt. O'Malley?
    Because you've completed your training! You've finished all of her tasks and are now ready to face the big bad world on your own two feet...or one foot and peg-leg, or whatever. You will still periodically get dispatches from Cpt. O'Malley about changes in the game, new events, etc. in your inbox. Get out there and plunder, loot, and ransack your black little heart out!
  • Why didn't I earn any Raid Ranking Points?
    Raid Points are the amount or Resources you carried off during Raids minus the amount of Resources carried off from your Haven by raiders. If you get a negative number of Raid Points as a result, you can't place in the Raid Rankings.
  • I have reached my limit of 10 Raid attempts!
    You will be permitted one new Raid attempt every 2.5 hours.
  • How can I know if I'm about to be Scouted?
    Flying Dutchmen cannot be detected while they are en route, so there is no warning. Your Master at Arms will tell you whether you were successfully scouted only after the fact.
  • How do I defend my Haven from Enemy Scouting?
    The more Flying Dutchmen you have in your Haven, the higher your chances are of repelling an Enemy Scouting attempt. You can also install Crow's nests along your beachhead to increase your Haven's Stealth Bonus and the defensive capabilities of your Haven's Flying Dutchmen.
  • What is a Haven Defense Bonus?
    Defense Bonuses increase the defensive rating of your Haven's defenders. Build Fortifications (Walls, Towers, Gates, etc.) and Improvements (Brick roads, Planks, etc.) to increase your Haven's overall Defense Bonus. Each 100 Defensive points increase your Units' Defensive stats by 1%.
  • Where can I view a unit's stats?
    Click "More" above each unit when purchasing to view its characteristics.
  • How do I liberate my Haven from Blockade?
    One of your Friends can liberate your Haven by sending you offensive Reinforcements or you can overthrow the blockader yourself - just build enough offensive Crew and click "Liberate" under the Blockader's name.
  • How do I expand my Haven if I have installed the Walls?
    Expanding your Haven does not affect the number of Fortifications you have installed. But after you expanded your Haven, each side of the Beachhead will be longer so you may notice unfilled spaces. You will be able to purchase more Fortifications in order to fill the gaps and you can move and edit your emplacements to look more contiguous. These gaps do not negatively affect your Defensive Bonus.
  • How do I create a Brotherhood?
    You must attain Level 10 and pay a set number of Rubies in order to create a Brotherhood.

    To create a new Brotherhood, go to the Brethren Court, open the "Create a Brotherhood" tab, enter a unique name for your Brotherhood, and design a unique custom flag using the flag generator.
  • How do I control more Targets?
    Build the Lighthouse and upgrade Whitmore & Co. to Level 6 to control 2 Targets. To control an additional Target, use Pearls to upgrade the required Skill Tree bonus up to Level 30, for a total of 3 Targets (including Relic Targets).
  • I didn't get any Bonus from a Prize!
    Prize bonuses are based on a few different variables. The value of the Units, Resources, or items that you receive is roughly proportionate to the combined Resource value of the Units you've lost when fighting Prizes. That value may be subject to a Bonus multiplier, (offering you more or higher-level bonus units, Resources, or special game items), and also a chance of landing on "no Bonus". Each time you don't get a bonus, your previous "winnings" that weren't paid out are carried over to the calculation on the next higher level you engage. Every Prize you win increases the odds of receiving a payout, and the potential size of the total payout - so don't give up! If you get frustrated, remember that these missions are optional - you may prefer taking your chances in open battle.
  • Haven Defense Bonus and friendly Reinforcements
    Relic Attributes affect only your own Units. Haven Defense Bonuses influence all friendly Units currently stationed within your Haven, including friendly Reinforcements.
  • What are King's Pardons and where do I get them?
    The Spanish Crown has vowed to secure its Presidios, preserve its stranglehold over the New World, and regain total control of the Caribbean - if it means hunting down every last Pirate alive. Any Brotherhood that captures a Presidio must be ready to defend it against waves of attacking Spanish forces (not to mention fellow Pirate Brotherhoods). In exchange for undermining the Spanish, the British have set aside their differences with the great pirate Brotherhoods and arranged Letters of Marque secretly granting them full King's Pardons for each successful defensive victory against the Spanish Armada. The more Spanish Units you kill, the more Pardons your Brotherhood will acquire. Access to Pardons is controlled solely by your Brotherhood's top-ranking leadership.
  • What are Voodoo Dolls and where can I get them?
    Voodoo Dolls are magical objects that can be used by Brotherhood Members in secret pirate rituals to expand their Brotherhood's maximum membership limit. (Max. 150 Members)

    Brotherhood Members will automatically begin receiving Voodoo Dolls for every 5th new Level attained (starting with Level 50) and can be applied to the Brotherhood Interface.
  • How do I become Shipmates with other players?
    Becoming Shipmates with other Captains allows to take advantage of some of the best social features in the game:
    - Create an invincible army of Dark Corsairs;
    -Trade resources and Sketches 24x faster with your shipmates;
    - Defend your Havens together;
    - You can summon up the spirits of your Shipmates' Dark Corsairs at the Haunted Cemetery.

    To become Shipmates, build the Brethren Court. There you can see those who have already accepted your requests, and those who are still considering your proposal. Becoming Shipmates is ever easier:
    1. When on the map, place your mouse over the other Captain's Haven and click "Parley".
    2. When in other Captain's Haven, find the "Parley" button on the "Actions" menu.
    Once you've sent your offer, you will become Shipmates as soon as the other Captain accepts it.
    If somebody has sent you a Shipmate request, you will receive a report from your Envoy.

    Find a faithful Captain and rule the Seven Seas together!
  • Why can't I contribute Resources towards upgrading a Presidio?
    You will be able to contribute Resources towards upgrading a Presidio your Brotherhood currently holds only after you have been a member of that Brotherhood for 7 days or more.
  • What are Prestige Points and where do I get them?
    Your Prestige Status gives you powerful boosts, bonuses and helps you increase different capabilities of your Haven within the sea lanes. You can earn Prestige Points by logging in to the game from day to day. The more often your login to the game, the more Prestige Points will acquire.

    Earn Prestige Points to increase your Prestige Level and gain powerful bonuses. The higher your Prestige level, the better your rewards. You can earn Prestige Points by logging in from day to day or purchase them at the Smuggler's Den. If you log into the game on consecutive days, you will earn more Prestige Points each time. Level up to new Prestige Levels by filling up your Prestige bar.
  • What is Prestige and how do I activate it?
    Prestige Status gives you powerful boosts, bonuses and helps you increase different capabilities of your Haven and your Units' stats.

    Your Prestige Status must be "Active" in order for you to reap its benefits, so remember to check your Prestige Status stats and activate it. If you run out of time, you should manually activate your Prestige Status. Go to the Smuggler's Den, open the "Misc." tab and click the "Apply" button next to the Prestige Status Activator.

    You can earn Prestige Activators as rewards by participating in game events or purchase them at the Smuggler's Den by opening the "Misc" tab. Once you've activated your Prestige Status, you can't cancel it.

    Prestige Status features multiple Levels. Upon completion of each Prestige Level, you will be rewarded with increasingly large bonuses, boosts and other rewards. After completing the next Prestige Level, it will automatically be activated for 24 hours.
  • What is the Daily Crew Roster?
    The Daily Crew Roster is a special loyalty program which will help you to earn valuable rewards just for logging into the game every day.

    Visit the game every day to receive huge bonuses. Those who log in for 30 days consecutively will also be eligible for special bonus prizes at the end of each 30 day period. Logging in for 60 or 90 days in a row makes these bonus prizes even bigger! Be aware: If you skip a day your reward will be lost, so don't forget to claim your reward on time and keep coming back! The days are separated by 00:00, UTC time. or Daily rewards refresh at 00:00, UTC time

    All you need to do is log into Pirates: Tides of Fortune every day in order to receive huge bonuses and rewards!

    As you progress through each Daily Crew Roster period, your rewards and prizes will get bigger and better, so it is worth your time not to skip days.

    Unfortunately, if you miss just one Daily Crew Roster day, your balance will be cancelled and you will need to start over. If you would like to view your Daily Crew Roster progress, all you need to do is go to the Prestige Status window and open the Daily Crew Roster Tab.
  • How do I maximize space in my Haven?
    You can use the "Edit" button to move around objects and buildings so that they use your existing space more efficiently, or expand your Haven by using Rubies or inviting more friends.
  • Who pays to maintain Reinforcement Crew?
    Your Crew will always consume only YOUR Rum, no matter where they are. All other Crew are maintained at their owner's expense.
  • Why didn't I earn any Raid Ranking Points?
    Raid Points are the amount or Resources you carried off during Raids minus the amount of Resources carried off from your Haven by raiders. If you get a negative number of Raid Points as a result, you can't place in the Raid Rankings.
  • How do I liberate my Haven from Blockade?
    One of your Friends can liberate your Haven by sending you offensive Reinforcements or you can overthrow the blockader yourself - just build enough offensive Crew and click "Liberate" under the Blockader's name.
  • When do I get my Blockade Points?
    Blockade points are given immediately, but you may have to wait a few minutes until they are displayed in your Diary.
  • How do I upgrade my Units?
    You can upgrade your Crew by either going to the Workshop progress tree in the Discoveries window and upgrading the Discovery that unlocked the unit, or by clicking "More" above the unit's icon in the description window and selecting the desired level.
  • How do I accelerate Unit production?
    You speed up Unit production by clicking the "Boost" button - but only for one production line at a time, and only for the one currently in progress.
  • I have reached my limit of 10 Raid attempts!
    You will be permitted one new Raid attempt every 2.5 hours.
  • Why are there different Resource Field ratios?
    Some Havens have more Gold Ores while others have more Stacks of Lumber. The number of Gold and Lumber sources available in each Haven is varied in order to encourage Trading with other players at the Market. Exchange excess resources for ones you need - or sell them for additional Rum.
  • How can I know if I'm about to be Scouted?
    Flying Dutchmen cannot be detected while they are en route, so there is no warning. Your Master at Arms will tell you whether you were successfully scouted only after the fact.
  • How do I create my own Brotherhood?
    At the current stage of the game Bortherhoods are not available. You can still organize your networks of Accords through the mail function by recruiting and organizing other Captains. Some groups indicate their affiliations within their Haven name, which you can edit from your Captain's Quarters.
  • How do I expand my Haven if I have installed the Walls?
    Expanding your Haven does not affect the number of Fortifications you have installed. But after you expanded your Haven, each side of the Beachhead will be longer so you may notice unfilled spaces. You will be able to purchase more Fortifications in order to fill the gaps and you can move and edit your emplacements to look more contiguous. These gaps do not negatively affect your Defensive Bonus.
  • Why did I stop getting new Campaign Adventures?
    To unlock further Campaign Adventures, you must first complete the indicated Prize missions, located on the Lighthouse Interface. Go to your Lighthouse and select the Adventure" tab to see how to unlock further Missions.

    If you have completed all 24 of the Campaign Adventures, then there are no further Adventures to unlock for the moment.
  • I earned additional Raid Attempts, but I can't use them. Why?
    You can increase your daily limit for Raid attempts by:
    1. Activating your Prestige Status (at higher Prestige levels, this is one of the bonuses; check the Prestige Bonuses window to see if you qualify)
    2. Completing Achievements in the Pirate's Den (inviting your friends)
    3. Upgrading the "+1 Raid Attempt" attribute in your Witch Doctor's Hut.

    If you earn, for example, 4 extra Raid attempts, it does not mean that you can go raid 4 Havens right away. What these "extra Raid attempts" mean is that the cooldown between Raids is reduced.

    Without these "extra Raid attempts", you receive a new Raid attempt only every 2.5 hours. This means that you could only perform a maximum of 10 in a day. Now, for example, with your Prestige Status activated for 24 hours, the cooldown time between Raid Attempts is decreased to the point where you could fit in 4 additional Raid Attempts in a 24 hour period, and you can now raid your enemies 14 times instead of 10 in one day!
  • Differences between Treasure Islands and Targets?
    Both Targets and Treasure Islands are sites on the Map where you can get of one of the three main types of Resources (Rum, Lumber or Gold), or special Resources like Rubies or Gears.

    RESOURCES AVAILABLE

    There are three sizes of Targets: large, medium and small. The rate of Resources offered up by the citizens of a Target, and its storage capacity, depend on its size. The bigger a Target, the more Resources it yields per hour, and the larger its capacity.

    You will find Treasure Islands of different sizes on the Map according to your level in the game. The speed at which you can load Resources from a Treasure Island depends on the upgrade Level of your "Levers an' Axles" Discovery, and the amount of Resources you can collect in one trip is determined by the collective carrying capacity of the Defensive Units you have stationed at the Island.

    TARGET AND TREASURE ISLAND DEPLETION

    When a Target is emptied of all its goods, it is removed from the Map. The time remaining until a Target's depletion is displayed on the pop-up Map menu and in your Administrative buildings (your Pirate Stronghold and Lighthouse). A Treasure Island doesn't have a set lifetime. It will be removed from the Map when all its Resources have been dug up, or if no one has attacked or captured it for an extended period of time.

    When new Targets or Lighthouses appear on the Map, they are vacant and unguarded – so try to be first to capture one! Any player can view the number of Resources currently hidden there by positioning their cursor over the site.