Harpooning unlocks early and provides rare crafting materials needed for high-tier pistol holsters and armor. You need the whaling boat upgrade (purchased at harbormaster). When you see a whale/shark icon on water, sail over and lower the boat.
How Harpooning Works
- You're in a rowboat with a harpoon gun.
- The animal surfaces nearby. Aim and throw harpoons to deal damage.
- After being hit, it dives and drags the boat. Watch rope tension — if it goes red, the rope snaps and you lose a harpoon.
- The animal resurfaces; you get another throw window.
- Repeat until dead.
Species Behavior
Humpback Whale
Slow, predictable, large target. Beginner-friendly. Occasional tail-slap (damages the boat if too close). Aim for the body as it surfaces.
Great White Shark
Fast, aggressive, and charges the boat when enraged. When it turns toward you at high speed, land a harpoon directly in its head to interrupt the charge. A successful charge costs multiple harpoons and heavy boat damage.
Orca (Killer Whale)
The toughest target. Fast, erratic swimming, can breach (jump) onto the boat. Also tail-slaps. Keep hitting it whenever it surfaces; always interrupt charges.
Crocodile (rivers/marshes)
In river mouths and marshy areas (not open ocean). Similar to great white but smaller — easier to hit but faster charges.
Boat Damage
Your rowboat has a health bar. Tail slaps, charges, and breaching all deal damage. If destroyed, you return to the Jackdaw with no loot. Play defensively at low boat health — land remaining harpoons carefully rather than missing and getting hit.
Loot
Harpooned animals provide rare materials (whale bones, shark skins, orca teeth) used for highest-tier pistol holsters and armor. For 100% completion or the fourth pistol, you'll need to harpoon at least a few of each species.
