Sequence 3-4: Raise the Black Flag

Optional Missions:

- Plunder a hunter ship

- Plunder 30 sugar

Before sailing out, I suggest completing all activities and collecting all collectibles while you're still in Salt Key Bank to get more money that you can use to buy the available upgrades at this point. Sail out of the village when ready then press RB to use the spyglass and find target ships.

Find the schooners that carry sugar, they will be your main targets for the optional mission in case you haven't collected enough sugar from your previous plundering. For the other optional mission, you have to increase your wanted level to get the attention of a hunter ship. They are easily distinguishable because of their trademark bright-red sails; besides, the game will show their icon on the map and on your screen. Hunter ships are more powerful and armored compared to their ordinary counterparts. As you increase your wanted level, more powerful hunter ships will appear to hunt you down.

Since your Jackdaw isn't that upgraded yet, combating LV1 hunter ships should suffice. To increase your wanted level, keep plundering ships or destroying them. Once a hunter ship appears, approach it to get into firing range then use your broadside cannons and swivel guns to weaken it. Once weakened, you can proceed with the boarding process similar to ordinary ships. For future battles, it help having upgrades such as tougher hull armor, mortars, and more powerful cannons for the Jackdaw.

When you have enough metal and sugar, go back to Salt Key, talk to the local officer by the beach and pay 200 reales to bribe him and clear your wanted level. You're basically able to free roam now using your ship. When you're ready to continue with the main story, sail to Andreas Island next.