Unique aiming system where you can assign a target to focus your gunner's aim on any part of a ship.
Thickness based planking system where protection degrades as the planking is damaged. Planking penetration is also influenced by shot angle and material quality.
Detailed damage model that allows for the destruction of all ship components.
Realistic ballistics and impact physics that account for energy, penetration, obstacles, and ricochets.
Ship roll and capsizing. When at full sail your relative position to the wind can cause your ship to roll and block your guns from firing effectively. Moving with full sails in strong winds can also capsize your ship. When sailing against the wind ships can be pushed backward.
Realistic sailing physics replicates the behavior of actual ships where yard position changes based on the chosen course and direction of the wind.