Developing naval combat rules for Sunken Stars has taught me a lot. One key insight from playtesting stood out clearly: naval combat often felt like a one-player game, leaving the rest of the players bored and waiting.

Initially, my solution was to simplify the rules to speed things up, thinking quicker combat meant less downtime for the others. The original system was streamlined and looked like this:

Opposed Sails Checks (3D6 + Sails): winner picks the engagement (Broadside, Boarding, Ramming, or Escape). Then a quick opposed roll determined damage.

While it is fast, it lacks excitement and player involvement. Instead of feeling like high-stakes naval battles, these fights quickly become repetitive and mechanical, with just one player (usually the captain) making meaningful decisions.

A Better Approach: Engaging Everyone

Realizing speed wasn’t the real issue, I changed my approach. Instead of going simpler, I embraced adding details—careful and meaningful complexity that involved everyone at the table.

The revised rules introduced Battle Stations, each offering distinct roles and choices for all players:

• Helm (Wheelhouse): Maneuvering the ship strategically.
• Gun Deck: Firing broadsides and special ammunition.
• Forecastle: Leading boarding parties, dueling enemy officers, and grappling ships.

To encourage teamwork and tension, both sides now secretly select their Battle Station each round and reveal simultaneously. One way to go about this is to have the GM picks theirs first so the players can confer once the GM is done.

Secret Station Selection: Each side (the players & the GM) secretly pick their Battle Stations, then reveal them at the same time.

Finding the Balance

Balancing engaging mechanics with smooth play is tricky. Too much complexity can slow down the game, while too little leads to boredom. Figuring out synergies and having players discover them in game is a very rewarding process.

Lessons from Playtesting

Regular playtesting revealed key insights:

• Keeping every player engaged is more important than rapid resolution.
• Adding meaningful detail boosts immersion and enjoyment.

Designing naval combat for Sunken Stars has reinforced how vital playtesting is. The updated rules may require more active player involvement, but the payoff in excitement and group participation has proven worth the effort.