The Caribbean of 1720 has many ports belonging to the three great powers: Britain, France, and Spain. Each port is an indispensable source of goods, gear, and mission patrons. Players use PvE missions to weaken a port, making it eligible for capture by their nation. With enough players, the conquest mode begins and the sea for many leagues around the port becomes an open PvP environment. This unlocks new PvE missions to smuggle in goods and equipment, destroy defenses, and tilt the odds in your favor. Scheduled PvP battles culminate in a final battle to either save the port or conquer it.
Every day, each nation receives victory points on the basis of its port assets. The first nation to reach the goal is declared the victor, and carousing and awards ensue. Treaties are then signed, ports revert to their original sides, and a new round of conflict begins.