The player views a large world map while sailing between colonial ports, settlements, and landmarks. At sea, navigation leads to ship-to-ship combat, boarding actions, and encounters with merchants, pirates, and naval forces.

In towns, players trade cargo, recruit crew, gather information, and accept or pursue opportunities. Sword fights are direct one-on-one encounters, while dances, map searches, and political decisions provide additional activities. Progress comes from capturing ships, earning money and rank, improving the fleet, and managing crew morale and aging.

Choose a target nation and keep your political status in mind before attacking ships or towns. A strong crew is important for both boarding and morale, so avoid recruiting beyond what your finances can support.

Trade profitable cargo between ports, repair damaged ships regularly, and use smaller captured vessels until you can maintain a better flagship. Keep notes about treasure-map clues and do not postpone family and aging-related objectives indefinitely.