Jackdaw Ship Upgrades Guide

Introduction to the Jackdaw

The Jackdaw is Edward Kenway's ship throughout Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. As you progress through the game, you'll have the opportunity to upgrade various aspects of the ship to make it more powerful and efficient in naval combat.

Upgrades can be purchased at shipyards located in major ports. Each upgrade category offers different improvements that enhance your ship's combat capabilities, speed, and storage capacity.

Essential Upgrades (Prioritize First)

Cannon Upgrades

Cannon Type	Cost	Damage	Range
Light Cannons	500 Reales	Low	Short
Medium Cannons	2,000 Reales	Medium	Medium
Heavy Cannons	5,000 Reales	High	Long
Elite Cannons	10,000 Reales	Very High	Very Long

Hull Armor

Armor Type	Cost	Protection	Weight
Basic Plating	800 Reales	Low	Light
Reinforced Plating	3,000 Reales	Medium	Medium
Heavy Armor	7,000 Reales	High	Heavy
Legendary Armor	15,000 Reales	Very High	Heavy

Advanced Upgrades

Sail Upgrades

• Basic Sails: 300 Reales - Standard speed
• Improved Sails: 1,500 Reales - +20% speed
• Large Sails: 4,000 Reales - +40% speed
• Legendary Sails: 8,000 Reales - +60% speed, unique design

Special Weapons

• Swivel Guns: 1,000 Reales - Close-quarters anti-personnel weapons
• Mortar: 3,500 Reales - Long-range area damage
• Heavy Shot: 2,000 Reales - Penetrates multiple ships
• Chain Shot: 2,500 Reales - Disables enemy sails
• Depth Charge: 4,000 Reales - Underwater attacks
• Naval Mine: 5,000 Reales - Explodes when enemy ships pass

Storage Upgrades

• Small Hold: 500 Reales - 500 cargo capacity
• Medium Hold: 2,000 Reales - 1,000 cargo capacity
• Large Hold: 5,000 Reales - 2,000 cargo capacity
• Massive Hold: 10,000 Reales - 4,000 cargo capacity

Upgrade Strategy

Early Game (Sequences 1-4)

• Upgrade to Medium Cannons
• Add Basic Plating
• Upgrade to Improved Sails
• Add Swivel Guns

Mid Game (Sequences 5-8)

• Upgrade to Heavy Cannons
• Add Reinforced Plating
• Add Mortar and Heavy Shot
• Upgrade to Large Sails

Late Game (Sequences 9-12)

• Upgrade to Elite Cannons
• Add Legendary Armor
• Add all Special Weapons
• Upgrade to Legendary Sails
• Upgrade to Massive Hold

Tip: To defeat legendary ships, you'll need a fully upgraded Jackdaw with Elite Cannons, Legendary Armor, and all special weapons unlocked.