Skull And Bones – How To Unlock The Helm Empire And Black Market

TL;DR

  • Unlock the Helm Empire at Marauder rank through the ‘A Covert Initiation’ quest chain
  • Manage supply networks to process raw materials into profitable illicit goods
  • Complete daily Order Registry missions while defending against Rogue ship attacks
  • Use Pieces of Eight currency for Black Market items or empire upgrades
  • Master the endgame loop of resource collection, production, and delivery for maximum profit

Transform your pirate career from simple plunder to sophisticated empire building by mastering Skull and Bones’ Helm trading system. This comprehensive guide reveals the mechanics that separate casual pirates from true trading magnates.

The journey to becoming a Helm Empire lord begins when you achieve Marauder rank, though the exact trigger conditions may vary. Most players report receiving the initial mission, A Covert Initiation, shortly after reaching this milestone. The quest chain unfolds systematically:

  • Check your mail in Sainte-Anne for the initial invitation
  • Seek out Yanita Nara, the barkeep at Le Pont Muet in the pirate haven’s rear section
  • Gain entry to the Helm, a clandestine chamber concealed behind the tavern
  • Access specialized missions and trading functions through this hidden headquarters
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Read the letter in the mail (left), then talk to Yanita (right).

Yanita’s inaugural assignment, Taking the Helm, introduces you to the foundation of your trading empire. The Supply Network map displays specific resources like sugar cane or poppy that must be collected from designated liaisons. Strategic navigation becomes crucial:

  • Utilize fast travel to previously discovered outposts for efficiency
  • Prepare for extended voyages to unfamiliar locations requiring manual sailing
  • Purchase raw materials from liaison NPCs to fuel your production chain

Upon completion, Yanita reveals your first Helm facility: the Distillery. This establishment converts sugar cane into various rum types. Later expansion unlocks the Smuggler’s Hideout in the East Indies, where poppy collection enables opium production. The late-game economy revolves entirely around these illicit commodities.

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Acquire a resource for your Supply Network (left), then use a facility to create finished goods (right).

Pro Tip: Always prioritize unlocking fast travel points near resource liaisons during early exploration. This strategic foresight saves significant time during repeated supply runs.

The subsequent mission, A Tight Ship, requires executing smuggler orders from the Order Registry. These assignments reward the coveted Pieces of Eight currency but come with significant challenges:

  • Fast travel becomes completely disabled for mission destinations
  • Mandatory manual sailing to marked outposts regardless of distance
  • Transportation of specific processed goods to complete deliveries
  • Constant attacks from Rogues faction ships during transit
You can't fast travel when these daily missions are active, so you have to sail to the marked location instead.

You can’t fast travel when these daily missions are active, so you have to sail to the marked location instead.

Rogue vessels frequently patrol waters near Sainte-Anne, posing threats even to inexperienced pirates. Eliminating these hostiles serves dual purposes: securing your cargo and protecting novice players attempting to leave the haven.

Upon returning to Yanita, the “Attacks” tab unlocks in your Supply Network interface. This feature enables targeted assaults on Rogues faction ships to acquire resources directly, offering an alternative to purchasing from liaisons.

Take out the Rogues that spawn, and make sure they don't accidentally grief low-level players.

Take out the Rogues that spawn, and make sure they don’t accidentally grief low-level players.

Common Mistake: Many players underestimate Rogue ship strength and fail to properly equip their vessels for combat. Always ensure your ship has adequate firepower before accepting Order Registry missions.

Completing Yanita’s initial assignments grants access to the Helm Black Market, the premier destination for elite pirate acquisitions. Speak with Yanita at Le Pont Muet to activate this exclusive marketplace.

The Black Market inventory features premium items unavailable through conventional means:

  • Exclusive cosmetic outfits and character accessories
  • High-performance weaponry and ship equipment
  • Unique ship mascots and companion pets
  • All purchases require Pieces of Eight, the specialized currency exclusive to Order Registry mission completion.
Amass Pieces of Eight so you can buy some cool stuff.

Amass Pieces of Eight so you can buy some cool stuff.

Strategic Insight: Pieces of Eight represent the lifeblood of your empire expansion. Every currency unit must be strategically allocated between immediate gratification (Black Market items) and long-term growth (Helm upgrades).

Beyond the foundational systems, the Helm Empire offers sophisticated features that elevate your trading operations:

  • Smuggler’s Hideouts – Yanita directs you to Telok Penjarah in the East Indies, the same location housing the Padewakang ship blueprint. Here you’ll encounter Houma, leader of the East Indies smuggling operations.
  • Upgradable Perks – The den’s central table provides access to the Helm Empire Overview with upgrade categories including:
    • Enhanced production output from distilleries and manufactories
    • Increased rewards from Helm Chests and Legendary Heists
    • Enhanced profitability from faction interactions
    • Improved efficiency for trade routes and supply missions
  • Hostile Takeovers – Competitive PvPvE events where teams battle to capture settlements containing manufactories
  • Legendary Heists – High-stakes PvPvE operations targeting exceptionally durable objectives. A single participant receives the primary reward, creating opportunities for other crews to intercept and claim the prize.

Critical Decision Point: Perk upgrades demand Pieces of Eight investment, forcing strategic choices between immediate power and delayed gratification. Additionally, manufactories under your control generate passive Pieces of Eight income at fixed hourly rates, establishing reliable revenue streams.

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Visit other Smuggler Hideouts (left), and unlock Helm perks (right).

Advanced Strategy: Seasoned players should prioritize manufactory control early, as the passive income significantly accelerates future progression.

The Helm Empire endgame revolves around a meticulously optimized cycle of resource management and strategic execution:

  • Resource Acquisition – Secure poppy and sugar cane through Supply Network liaisons or aggressive attacks on Rogue vessels.
  • Production Processing – Convert raw materials into finished commodities using your specialized facilities.
  • Order Fulfillment – Execute daily Order Registry missions to transport goods to smugglers, navigating without fast travel capabilities while defending against persistent Rogue assaults.
  • Event Participation – Engage in Hostile Takeovers and Legendary Heists, preferably with coordinated teams for maximum efficiency.
  • Currency Management – Accumulate Pieces of Eight through completed orders and controlled manufactories.
  • Investment Allocation – Strategically distribute currency between Black Market acquisitions and Helm upgrade investments.

This comprehensive system transforms your pirate career, enabling unprecedented wealth accumulation through sophisticated trading operations. As you advance your Kingpin rank, the profitability of this endgame loop increases exponentially.

Skull and Bones delivers an immersive open-world pirate adventure where mastering these advanced economic mechanics separates legendary pirate lords from common sea bandits. For deeper exploration of game systems, consult our comprehensive Complete Guide covering all essential mechanics.

Action Checklist

  • Reach Marauder rank and check mail in Sainte-Anne to begin ‘A Covert Initiation’
  • Complete initial Supply Network missions to unlock production facilities
  • Establish fast travel points near all resource liaison locations
  • Upgrade ship combat capabilities before accepting Order Registry missions
  • Balance Pieces of Eight allocation between Black Market items and Helm upgrades

No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Skull And Bones – How To Unlock The Helm Empire And Black Market Master the endgame Helm Empire trading system to build your pirate fortune in Skull and Bones