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Galleons are large, multi-decked sailing ships used primarily for war or commerce. In Pirates Online, Galleon-class vessels are the bulkiest ships with largest cargo holds, sporting numerous cannons and strong below-deck broadside capability as well as the strongest armor.

They are floating tanks. Slow moving but pack a punch and withstand assaults. They tend to weakest in the bow, but have strong armor aft.

Galleons have two or three main masts and a small fore mast with a mid-deck lower than the front and aft upper decks. The mid-deck houses most of the cannons (larger versions two additional cannons near the helm).

Structurally, the Galleon suffers from limited firing angles for its gunners. With the high bow and stern, nearly all gunners are restricted to only ships on the direct left or right. The upper deck guns do provide some more forward firing arcs but otherwise a Galleon captain should always make effort to put enemies directly on their sides.

History[]

The galleon was an ocean going ship type which evolved from the carrack in the second half of 16th century. A lowering of the forecastle and elongation of the hull gave galleons an unprecedented level of stability in the water, and reduced wind resistance at the front, leading to a faster, more maneuverable vessel. The galleon differed from the older types primarily by being longer, lower and narrower, with a square tuck stern instead of a round tuck, and by having a snout or head projecting forward from the bows below the level of the forecastle. In Portugal at least, carracks were usually very large ships for their time (often over 1000 tons), while galleons were mostly under 500 tons, although the Manila galleons were to reach up to 2000 tons.

It was the Spanish captain and naval architect, Álvaro de Bazán, who designed the definitive model of the galleon in the 1550s. They were used in both military and trade applications, most famously in the Spanish treasure fleet, and the Manila Galleons.

They helped fuel the new world exploration by providing a means for transport of goods between the new world and the Iberian peninsula. They were the driving force behind much 15th and 16th century exploration. In fact, galleons were so versatile that a single vessel may have been refitted for wartime and peacetime roles several times during its lifespan.

The principal warships of the opposing English and Spanish fleets in the 1588 confrontation of the Spanish Armada were galleons, with the modified English "race built" galleons developed by John Hawkins proving decisive, while the capacious Spanish galleons, designed primarily as transports, showed great endurance in the battles and in the great storms on the voyage home.

Light Galleon[]

Catalog Light Galleon

These small workhorses ply the waters in service of the Royal Navy and East India Trading Company, but are also very common among independent traders and privateers just making their start.

Ship Profile

*The original Pirates Online hull & sail value vs the updated value in The Legend of Pirates Online.

Medium Galleon[]

Catalog Regular Galleon

The medium galleon has the best broadside firepower and cargo space at this size for its modest price. While a bit faster than the light galleon, it is still notably slower than other classes.

( Unlimited Access only )

Ship Profile

*The original Pirates Online hull & sail value vs the updated value in The Legend of Pirates Online.

War Galleon[]

Catalog War Galleon

This hulking ship is a menace on the sea, with its thunderous broadside firepower (most in this class). But, the War Galleon is an incredibly large, slow-moving target. However, it has substantial armor to fight its way out of trouble.

Like all galleons, the War Galleon has a limited firing angle and requires the ship be almost a perfect 90 degrees to its target. However, a pair of cannons on the aft deck have a wide forward-shooting angle.

( Unlimited Access only )

Ship Profile

*The original Pirates Online hull & sail value vs the updated value in The Legend of Pirates Online.

Galleon Models[]

Navy Bulwark clearer

Royal Navy: While the mainstay light and standard Galleons flying Navy flags aren't particularly a threat, the Colossus can be dangerous to the unwary pirate.

EITC:

EITC Sentinel clearer

As with other East India ships, their galleons carry more firepower than their Navy counterparts, starting with Firebrand rounds.

Killyaded

Bounty Hunters: Like all Bounty Hunters, these ships are MUCH faster and much more deadly than traditional galleons. Do not underestimate them. Especially, their Explosive broadsides. And their speed seems unaffected by any damage their sails and masts take.

Game Note[]

Pirates Online intended the Galleons to have notably stronger hulls to compensate for their lack of speed and maneuverability. However it was noted that their original versions did not delineate enough. The Legend of Pirates Online increased the base hull strength for all Galleons to correct this issue.

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