The Build Triangle
Combat in Tricorne's Legacy follows a rock-paper-scissors system. Each build type has a natural advantage over one type and a weakness against another. Having type advantage grants bonus damage dealt and reduced damage taken.
Perk System Overview
Every level-up offers 3 random perks to choose from. Perks fall into three categories:
| Category | Chance | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stat | 60% | Permanent stat boosts that cycle through each build tree |
| Skill | 20% | Active abilities (replaces your current skill) |
| Ammo | 20% | Special ammunition types (replaces normal cannonballs) |
Stat perks cycle within their tree in order. Each time you pick a stat perk from a tree, you advance to the next tier. After tier 3, it cycles back to tier 1 at a higher level.
Artillery Build
The Artillery build excels at long-range combat. Maximum damage output at distance, devastating broadsides, and crowd control. Best against Boarding builds. Weak to Ramming builds that can close the distance.
Stat Perk Cycle
Skills
| Skill | Effect | Cooldown |
|---|---|---|
| Anchor Shot | Stop movement, 2x reload speed, 1.5x damage for 3s | 8s |
| Swift Shot | 1.5x bullet speed for 5s | 6s |
| Broadside Barrage | Fire 20 bullets in all directions (360°) | 7s |
Recommended Ammo
Incendiary Shot - Hull damage + burn DoT. Fire stacks up to 5 times, dealing increasing damage over time. Excellent for sustained damage at range.
Strategy Tips
Keep enemies at maximum range. Broadside ships should present their side to maximize cannon coverage. Use Anchor Shot when you have a clear shot - the 1.5x damage multiplier is devastating. Against Ramming builds, use speed skills to maintain distance.
Boarding Build
The Boarding build focuses on crew-based melee combat. Get close, overwhelm with superior crew numbers and attack power. Best against Ramming builds. Weak to Artillery builds that can fire before you close the gap.
Stat Perk Cycle
Skills
| Skill | Effect | Cooldown |
|---|---|---|
| Smoke Screen | Block enemy vision, speed boost, enemies slowed in smoke for 5s | 15s |
| Broadside Barrage | Fire 20 bullets in all directions (360°) | 7s |
Recommended Ammo
Grapeshot - Reduced hull damage, kills enemy crew. Weakens enemies before boarding by depleting their crew, making melee combat one-sided.
Strategy Tips
Close distance quickly and engage in melee. Use Smoke Screen for approach cover - it boosts your speed while slowing enemies. Grapeshot softens targets before boarding. Against Artillery, use terrain and smoke to block line of sight while closing in.
Ramming Build
The Ramming build uses high-speed collisions to deal massive damage. Charge at enemies and crush them with your reinforced hull. Best against Artillery builds. Weak to Boarding builds that can engage in melee.
Stat Perk Cycle
Skills
| Skill | Effect | Cooldown |
|---|---|---|
| Ramming (Invincible) | 2x speed, invincible during charge for 3s | 8s |
| Full Sail Dash | 2x speed burst for 2.5s | 5s |
| Broadside Barrage | Fire 20 bullets in all directions (360°) | 7s |
Recommended Ammo
Chain Shot - Reduced hull damage, slows enemy movement. Perfect for preventing enemies from escaping after a ram, setting up follow-up collisions.
Strategy Tips
Use Ramming (Invincible) to charge directly at targets - you take no damage during the charge. Stack HP and Ram Damage perks for devastating hits. Chain Shot prevents escape after initial contact. Against Boarding builds, avoid prolonged melee contact - hit and run with charges instead.
General Skills
These skills are available to all builds:
| Skill | Effect | Cooldown | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Sail Dash | 2x speed for 2.5s | 5s | Default skill for all ships. Great for escaping or chasing. |
| Broadside Barrage | 20 bullets in 360° | 7s | Available to all builds. Massive burst damage at close range. |
Crew Speed Mechanic
Your crew count affects ship speed. At 80%+ crew capacity, you maintain 100% speed. Below 80%, speed decreases linearly down to 50% at 0 crew. Losing crew in combat directly reduces your ability to escape or chase. Keep your crew healthy!
Practice Your Build
Use the PvP Duel Arena to test different builds against AI, or the Boss Test Arena to optimize your boss-fighting builds.