Black Desert Online: Your Guide To Buying Ships
What's up, BDO adventurers! Ever looked out at the vast ocean and thought, "Man, I need to get my galleon on"? You're not alone! Buying a ship in Black Desert Online can feel a bit daunting at first, but trust me, it's totally achievable and opens up a whole new world of content. Whether you're aiming for a speedy fishing vessel or a mighty warship, this guide is going to break down exactly how you can snag your own sweet ride on the high seas. We'll cover everything from the initial requirements to the actual purchase and even a little bit about what you can do once you've got your hands on the helm. So, grab your sea legs, and let's dive in!
Getting Started: Pre-requisites for Ship Ownership
Alright guys, before we even think about sailing off into the sunset, there are a few pre-requisites for owning a ship in Black Desert Online. It's not as simple as just walking up to a dock and handing over some silver. First off, you'll need a certain level of Sailing proficiency. Yes, BDO has skills for everything, and sailing is no exception! You'll need to reach Apprentice 1 Sailing before you can even consider buying a ship. Don't sweat it if you're not there yet; sailing is gained by actively sailing your current boat (even the starting ones!), fishing from a boat, or completing specific sailing quests. The more you do it, the faster you'll level up. Another crucial element is Silver. Ships, especially the higher-tier ones, are not cheap. You're going to need a substantial amount of in-game currency to make a purchase. Start saving those coins early, maybe by doing some active fishing, trading, or tackling some of those lucrative world bosses. Finally, you'll need to be near a major port city. The main places you'll be looking to buy ships are Velia, Epheria, and Altinova. These ports have the necessary NPCs and facilities to get you set up with your new vessel. So, make sure you've got your Apprentice 1 Sailing, a hefty sack of Silver, and you're chilling in one of these key locations. Ready for the next step?
Where to Buy Your First Ship: The Shipyard NPCs
So, you've met the requirements, you're stacked with Silver, and you're standing in a bustling port like Velia or Epheria. Now, where do you actually buy the boat? You're looking for the Shipyard NPCs. Each major port city has a specific NPC who handles all things related to ships. In Velia, you'll want to find Sailor Jim. In Epheria, it's Ship Builder Johann. And in Altinova, you'll be talking to Shipwright Boss Marong. These are your go-to guys for purchasing new vessels. When you interact with them, a special ship marketplace window will pop up. This window shows you all the ships you're currently eligible to buy, along with their prices and stats. It's pretty straightforward once you're there. You won't be able to buy any ship right away; your Sailing proficiency and sometimes your character's level might gate certain higher-end vessels. But for your first boat, like the Epheria Sailboat, these NPCs are where the magic happens. Remember to check the stats and choose a ship that best suits your current goals, whether that's faster travel, better fishing capacity, or just looking cool. Don't be afraid to ask other players for advice on which ship is best for beginners. These Shipyard NPCs are the gatekeepers to your maritime adventures, so make sure you know who to look for!
Types of Ships and What They're Good For
Alright, let's talk about the different kinds of ships you can get your hands on in BDO, guys. It's not just a one-size-fits-all situation here. The main types of ships you'll encounter early on and aim for are Fishing Boats and Sailboats. Fishing boats, as the name suggests, are primarily designed for, well, fishing. They often have perks that make your fishing life easier, like more inventory space for your catch or buffs that increase your fishing speed or success rate. If your main goal is to reel in those valuable fish and make bank, a dedicated fishing boat might be your best bet. However, if you're looking for something more versatile, something that can handle travel, trading, and maybe even a little bit of combat, then you'll want to set your sights on a Sailboat. The most iconic starter sailboat is the Epheria Sailboat. These are fantastic all-rounders. They're faster than most fishing boats, have decent cargo space for trading goods, and can be equipped with cannons and other upgrades for potential naval skirmishes. As you progress further into the game, you'll eventually unlock access to even more powerful vessels like Carracks and Galleys, which are massive, require significant investment and teamwork (especially Galleys!), and are designed for endgame content like large-scale sea monster hunting and guild activities. For now, focus on getting a solid fishing boat or an Epheria Sailboat. Consider your playstyle: are you a patient angler, or do you crave adventure across the waves? Your choice here will shape your early oceanic experiences.
The Epheria Sailboat: Your First Real Ship
When most players think about their first real ship in Black Desert Online, they're usually thinking about the Epheria Sailboat. And for good reason, guys! This bad boy is the quintessential starter sailboat that bridges the gap between basic fishing boats and the behemoth vessels of the endgame. The Epheria Sailboat is a fantastic all-rounder. It's significantly faster than any basic fishing raft, making your journeys across the vast BDO oceans much more bearable. It comes with a decent amount of cargo space, perfect for hauling trade goods between ports or transporting your gathered materials. What really sets the Epheria Sailboat apart for beginners is its upgradeability. You can craft or purchase various upgrade components – like better sails, cannons, rudders, and hull reinforcements – to significantly boost its speed, durability, and even combat capabilities. This means you can tailor your sailboat to your needs. Want to be a speed demon? Focus on sail upgrades. Planning to trade a lot? Prioritize cargo space. Thinking you might want to dabble in sea monster hunting? Get those cannons ready! Acquiring an Epheria Sailboat typically involves gathering specific materials through various activities like fishing, trading, and sailing quests, and then using those materials to 'build' it at the Epheria Port's Shipyard. Alternatively, you can sometimes find them listed on the Central Market, though they can be quite pricey. The journey to building or buying your own Epheria Sailboat is a rewarding rite of passage in BDO, marking your true entry into the world of naval exploration and commerce. It's your ticket to exploring distant islands, engaging in profitable trade routes, and maybe even defending yourself against pesky pirates!
Fishing Boats: For the Patient Angler
If you're more of a patient angler in Black Desert Online, then a dedicated fishing boat might be exactly what you're looking for. While the Epheria Sailboat is great for general adventuring, specialized fishing boats offer unique advantages that make the fishing life even more lucrative and enjoyable. These vessels are often designed with fishing in mind, featuring increased inventory space specifically for your catches. This means you can fish for much longer periods without having to constantly return to shore to offload your goods, maximizing your time and potential profit. Some fishing boats might also come with passive buffs or unique skills that enhance your fishing experience, such as reducing the time it takes to get a bite or increasing the chance of catching rarer fish. While they might not be the fastest ships on the water or the best for hauling large quantities of trade goods, their focus on maximizing fishing efficiency is unparalleled. You can usually acquire basic fishing rafts very early in the game through quests or cheap purchases. As you progress, you can upgrade these or purchase more advanced fishing vessels. If your primary goal in BDO is to master the art of fishing, accumulating wealth through the bounty of the sea, then investing in a good fishing boat is a decision you won't regret. It's all about optimizing your chosen profession, and for anglers, this is the key.
The Purchase Process: From NPC to the Docks
So, you've found your dream ship at the Shipyard NPC, and you've got the Silver. What's the actual purchase process like? It's pretty straightforward, guys. Once you interact with the Shipyard NPC (like Sailor Jim in Velia or Johann in Epheria) and select the ship you want to buy, a confirmation window will pop up. This window will clearly display the Silver cost of the vessel. If you have enough Silver in your inventory, you'll simply click the purchase button. Poof! The ship will be yours. It will then be registered to your account and will appear in the Ship Dock of the port city where you bought it. You'll need to go to the Dock Manager NPC in that same port to 'summon' your ship to the water. They'll usually have an option like "My Ships" or "Manage Ships." Select your newly purchased vessel, and voilà – it'll appear right there in the water, ready for you to board! It's a pretty seamless process. Just make sure you have the required Silver in your character's inventory, not in your bank or storage. Sometimes, especially for more expensive ships, you might need to move your Silver over from storage to your character before you can complete the purchase. So, double-check that before you head to the NPC. Once it's docked and ready, you can right-click its icon in your Ship Dock interface to board it and start your seafaring adventures. Easy peasy!
Post-Purchase: Ship Management and Upgrades
Congratulations, you've got a ship! But the journey doesn't end at the purchase, guys. Now comes the fun part: ship management and upgrades. Your new vessel isn't just a static item; it's a functional part of your BDO life. First off, you need to understand how to manage your ships. You can have multiple ships docked at various ports. To switch between them or see where they are, you'll interact with the Dock Manager NPC in any major port. They'll show you a list of all your registered ships. You can summon any of them to the water from their respective docks. Keep an eye on your ship's Durability. Like your gear, ships can take damage, especially if you bump into things or get into combat. If durability gets low, you'll need to repair it at a Shipyard NPC or sometimes with specific items. Now, for the exciting part: upgrades! Ships can be significantly improved by equipping various parts. For the Epheria Sailboat, these include things like improved sails for speed, a better rudder for maneuverability, stronger hull plating for durability, and cannons for defense or offense. You can obtain these upgrade components through various means: crafting them yourself (which requires specific worker processing and materials), buying them from other players on the Central Market, or sometimes through specific quests and events. Each upgrade piece has stats that will directly impact your ship's performance. Choosing the right upgrades can make a massive difference, turning your humble sailboat into a swift trading vessel or a capable explorer. Don't neglect your ship; maintain it, upgrade it, and it will serve you well on the vast oceans of Black Desert Online!
Conclusion: Embrace the Oceanic Life!
So there you have it, crew! We've covered the essential steps on how to buy a ship in Black Desert Online. From hitting that Apprentice 1 Sailing mark and stacking up that precious Silver, to finding the right Shipyard NPC and choosing between a nimble fishing boat or a versatile sailboat like the Epheria Sailboat, you're now equipped with the knowledge to embark on your own maritime adventures. Remember, owning a ship isn't just about transportation; it's about unlocking a whole new dimension of gameplay. It's about the thrill of exploration, the steady income from fishing or trading, and the potential for epic sea battles. Don't be afraid to experiment with upgrades, explore uncharted waters, and truly embrace the oceanic life. The seas of BDO are vast and full of opportunity. Happy sailing, adventurers!
