Phase 2: Militarization (2-5km)
As you venture beyond 2km, the threat matrix shifts aggressively from environmental hazards to heavy PvP engagements and specialized boss encounters.
Capturing a Naval Cannon
The Naval Cannon is the absolute primary inflection point of any successful run. It features infinite ammunition, making it the pinnacle of anti-vessel weaponry. However, it cannot be crafted or purchased—it must be hijacked from enemy rafts.
To capture a cannon:
- Locate a weaker, underprepared enemy raft
- Execute a boarding action using Shotguns for close-range dominance
- Neutralize defending crew members
- Dismantle their cannon and integrate it into your raft
Obtaining the Light Tower
Operating at night without a Light Tower is mathematically guaranteed failure against stealth boarding parties. However, Light Towers are submerged assets located exclusively at the bottom of the ocean.
To retrieve one:
- Ensure you have a Pumper class member (+100% oxygen) or a full oxygen tank
- Dive to the ocean floor
- Navigate carefully—sharks patrol the benthic zones
- Secure the Light Tower and return to your raft
- Install it for broad-spectrum nighttime illumination
Phase 3: Industrial Siege & Boss Annihilation (5-8km)
In the extreme late game, organic survival requires massive automation and coordination.
Military Base Raid
The Military Base is the most strategically significant Point of Interest (POI) in the game. It is fiercely defended by NPC elements but yields unparalleled rewards:
- Defensive Turrets — Automate your raft's defense, repelling boarding parties while you focus on navigation
- Flashbangs — Blinding devices for close-quarters combat
- Healing Pads — Rapid health regeneration during sustained sieges
Boss Encounter Guide
Captain Saltbeard
Win Rate: Only 2.7% of players defeat him
Location: Mid-Game (Approx. 3-5km)
Strategy: Requires heavily fortified raft and sustained, coordinated cannon fire. The extreme difficulty is mathematically verifiable through global player metrics.
Exterminator
Drops: Minigun (the game's most overpowered handheld weapon)
Location: Late-Game (Approx. 5-7km)
Strategy: High-tech armored entity. Engage with Defensive Turrets providing cover fire. The Minigun's devastating DPS can shred enemy players and raft infrastructure.
HIM?
Status: Mysterious final boss
Location: 8km Safehaven (endgame)
Strategy: Lore suggests a multi-phase raid encounter. Positioned near or directly blocking access to the northern safehaven. Mechanical specifics remain heavily shrouded.
Optimal Class Composition
For coordinated crews, the ideal class setup is:
- 1 Pumper — Essential for deep-sea scavenging and light tower retrieval
- 1 Janitor — Efficiency in maintenance tasks
- 1 Co-Pilot — Balanced combat and navigation capabilities
Minigun + Defensive Turrets + Naval Cannon + Barometer + Light Tower = Maximum theoretical DPS and structural resilience for the final push to 8km.