Hello Captains,
This update introduces a major overhaul of the physics system, along with a new option to choose between 2D Classic Mode and 3D Mode.
The goal of this update is not simply to change the graphics, but to make the most important elements of age-of-sail combat — **angle, distance, wind, ship class, armor, flooding, and damage location** — matter much more clearly in battle.
---
## 2D Classic / 3D Mode Selection Added
Based on player feedback, a new ship display option has been added to the main menu settings.
You can now choose between:
* **2D Classic Mode**
* **3D Mode**
The default setting is **3D Mode**.
However, players who prefer the original visual style can switch back to **2D Classic Mode** at any time from the settings menu.
The improved physics system applies to both modes.
This means that even in 2D Classic Mode, the new cannon physics, flooding, mast damage, ship durability, and class-based protection systems are still applied.
For multiplayer, matchmaking is separated by graphics mode to ensure stable synchronization.
* Players using 2D Classic Mode can play with other 2D Classic Mode players.
* Players using 3D Mode can play with other 3D Mode players.
Room listings now display **[2D] / [3D] tags**, making it easier to see which mode each room uses.
---
## Cannon Fire System Improved
Cannon fire is now affected much more strongly by **distance and angle**.
Small-caliber cannonballs fired from long range may now fail to penetrate the thick wooden hulls of large ships of the line and can bounce off instead. For example, using small frigate guns to harass a ship of the line from far away is no longer an effective tactic.
Cannonballs can also ricochet when they hit the enemy hull at a shallow angle. To inflict greater damage, it is now much more important to approach the enemy broadside at a more perpendicular angle.
Sea conditions and wind also affect gunnery.
Strong winds, gusts, and storms increase gun dispersion and reduce accuracy.
After a broadside volley, gun smoke now appears on the firing side and drifts with the wind. A ship trapped inside its own smoke may suffer reduced visibility and aiming clarity. Volley timing and wind position now matter more than before.
---
## Sailing Physics Improved
Wind is no longer completely static.
Gusts can now occur during battle, briefly filling the sails and causing ships to accelerate.
In storm conditions, sailing ships suffer a speed penalty and gunnery becomes much less stable. Weather is now not just a visual background element, but a real tactical factor.
Ship turning inertia has also been improved.
Light ships such as brigs and sloops can begin turning relatively quickly, while large ships such as first-rate ships of the line no longer respond instantly to the rudder. Ship size and weight are now reflected more clearly in maneuverability.
Collision behavior has also been improved. Ships can now be pushed and rotated by impact, making close-range engagements between heavy ships feel more solid and weighty.
---
## Mast Damage System Improved
Mast damage is now more detailed.
When a mast is destroyed, the effect is no longer just a simple overall speed reduction. The impact depends on which mast has been damaged.
For example, damage to the foremast reduces the ship’s ability to sail against the wind, while damage to the mizzenmast affects steering support and turning performance.
In 3D Mode, broken masts visibly collapse.
In 2D Classic Mode, damaged masts are indicated with text labels so players can still understand which mast has been destroyed.
---
## Flooding System Added and Improved
If a cannonball penetrates below the waterline, flooding may begin.
As flooding progresses, the ship becomes heavier and slower. If flooding reaches a critical level, the ship will gradually sink.
Crew members automatically work the pumps.
A ship with more crew can resist flooding for longer, while a ship that has suffered heavy crew losses from grapeshot or other attacks becomes much more vulnerable to flooding.
Storms also make flooding harder to control, as waves can wash over the hull and reduce pumping efficiency.
This means that shots below the waterline, crew casualties, weather, and ship positioning are now connected as part of a deeper combat system.
---
## Ship Durability and Protection Rebalanced
Ship durability and rigging durability have been rebalanced by class.
Previously, the difference in rigging durability between small ships and large ships was not clear enough. From this update onward, sails and masts now have durability values that better reflect each ship class.
Large ships of the line now have stronger, thicker hulls and can better withstand small-caliber fire from smaller ships. Smaller ships, on the other hand, must rely more on maneuvering, positioning, and tactical opportunities.
Galleon-class ships have received durability improvements to better preserve the battle tempo of the Armada scenarios.
East Asian ships retain their unique rules while receiving durability and performance values appropriate to their battlefield roles.
---
## Reef and Grounding Damage Improved
Ships that run aground on reefs will now continue to suffer hull damage if left there.
Grounding is no longer just a movement problem. It is now a dangerous situation that must be resolved quickly.
---
## Graphics and Visual Effects Improved
Visual effects in 3D Mode have been improved across the board.
As ships move, water now parts along the hull, and foam trails and wake effects follow behind more naturally. Wave impact effects have also been added on the windward side of ships.
Ship shadows have been improved so that ships feel more grounded on the water surface.
When masts are destroyed, the broken mast, sails, yards, and rigging now disappear together as part of the destruction effect.
---
## Other Fixes
* HP bar colors now reflect the actual remaining durability ratio more accurately.
* Fixed an issue where visibility reduction in fog battles was being applied too heavily.
* 2D Classic Mode now uses the improved aiming guide and broadside reload indicators.
* Room listings now display 2D / 3D mode tags.
---
This update is also an important foundation for future campaign systems, ship upgrades, officer abilities, and crew mechanics.
The original 2D visual style remains available through 2D Classic Mode, while both 2D and 3D modes now share the same improved combat physics system.
Thank you to all players who shared feedback.
I will continue improving the game to make age-of-sail battles deeper, more tactical, and more enjoyable.