Skull and Bones Shellac Farming Guide
In Skull and Bones Silver, progression is built around upgrading your ship, unlocking stronger equipment, and crafting advanced components that improve your effectiveness in naval combat. As you move beyond the early-game wooden hulls and basic cannons, you'll begin encountering refined crafting materials in blueprint requirements. One of these materials is Shellac. While it may not seem particularly rare at first glance, it becomes increasingly important in mid- to late-game upgrades. Knowing exactly how to get Shellac efficiently can save you time and keep your ship development on track.
What Is Shellac?
Shellac is a refined crafting material used in higher-tier blueprints. Unlike basic raw resources that you gather directly from the world, Shellac usually needs to be processed or obtained through specific activities. It is commonly required for advanced ship components, furniture upgrades, and certain trade goods that increase durability, resistance, or cargo efficiency.
As you unlock stronger ships and better equipment, the demand for refined materials grows. Shellac is often required in multiple units per blueprint, so relying on random drops alone is rarely enough. Developing a consistent method of acquiring it is essential if you want to progress smoothly.
Refining Raw Materials
The most reliable way to obtain Shellac is by refining it at a Refinery. Throughout the map, you'll encounter pirate dens and settlements that offer refining services. After gathering the necessary base materials, you can convert them into Shellac through the refining menu.
To refine Shellac:
Dock at an outpost that has a Refinery.
Open the refining interface.
Select Shellac from the available recipes.
Confirm the required materials and begin processing.
Refining takes time, so it's smart to queue materials whenever you dock instead of waiting until you urgently need them. Some recipes may only unlock after reaching certain Infamy ranks, so if Shellac does not appear in your list, you may need to advance further in the main progression.
For long-term efficiency, make it a habit to collect the base resources used in Shellac production whenever you pass through relevant regions. Stockpiling raw materials ensures you can refine in bulk later.
Plundering Settlements
Plundering is another effective way to acquire Shellac. Coastal settlements often reward players with refined materials upon successful completion of a plunder event. Higher-level settlements have better loot tables, increasing your chances of obtaining Shellac alongside other valuable resources.
However, plundering is risky. You'll face waves of enemy ships, defensive towers, and escalating resistance. Make sure your vessel is well-equipped before attempting tougher targets. Strong hull upgrades, upgraded cannons, and sufficient repair supplies are highly recommended.
If you're playing cooperatively, teaming up with other players significantly improves your survival chances and speeds up plunder completion. This not only increases efficiency but also reduces the risk of losing valuable cargo if your ship is sunk.
Purchasing from Vendors
Certain vendors in pirate dens and larger settlements occasionally sell refined materials, including Shellac. Inventory rotates over time, so checking back periodically can pay off. While buying Shellac directly can be expensive in terms of Silver, it's sometimes worth it if you only need a small quantity to complete a key blueprint.
Be cautious not to overspend. Investing too heavily in direct purchases can slow down your overall economic progression. Refining your own materials remains more cost-effective in the long run.
Contracts and World Events
Some contracts and world activities offer refined materials as rewards. Faction-related missions and seasonal events may provide Shellac directly, especially at higher difficulty levels. If you consistently complete side contracts instead of focusing solely on combat or trade routes, you may accumulate Shellac naturally over time.
These rewards are not always guaranteed, but they serve as a useful supplementary source.
Best Farming Strategy
The most efficient approach is combining gathering and refining. Collect raw materials during voyages, refine them whenever you dock, and supplement your supply through plundering and occasional vendor purchases. Planning ahead is key-always check blueprint requirements before committing to major upgrades.
Shellac may not be the most glamorous resource in Skull and Bones Items, but it plays a vital role in strengthening your ship and expanding your capabilities. By refining consistently and choosing your battles wisely, you can maintain a steady supply and keep your pirate fleet ready for whatever challenges the Indian Ocean throws your way.