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Before you set sail, however, you’ll want to check out the tutorial. It’s a little strange that sandbox mode still forces you into these four archetypes, but you rarely see your captain so it’s almost a moot point. For example, the Merchant doesn’t require a trade license, and can trade with all nations at all times, but combat vessels cost twice as many fame points to unlock, so you’ll be working extra hard for the Viceroy. These characters have two advantages and one disadvantage. You’ll also get to choose a flag color, as well as a standard to emblazon upon it. Starting your campaign you are greeted with four archetypes - a Buccaneer, Piratess, Adventurer, and Merchant. Your trade fleet starts with a single boat that you are granted at the start of the game, but you’ll need a Captain to run the crew. Before you can have any of that fun, legitimate or otherwise, you’ll need a fleet.
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Trade is your primary source of revenue and power to grow, but that doesn’t mean you can’t traffic in a bit of side hustle to line your pockets, right? Pirates can’t have all the fun. Port Royale 4 puts you into the cavalier boots of an ambitious governor of a small port town in the Caribbean during the 17th century, also known as the Age of Sail.
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