Ahoy there, pirates! First of all I love this game a lot: the art, the concept of PvEvP and the feeling in general. Thanks for tons of hours having fun!
This game has so much potential but unfortunately I got burned out too fast due to the lack of actual content and that makes me sad. I have some general ideas, as how to fix that problem:
PROGRESSION
I think one of the main issues this game has is the use of gold. In my first few hours I was sooo proud of getting just one or two simple chests for around 100g and I had never that much adrenaline in any game as when I did my first skull fort. Of course the more time I played the less exciting I got and that is totally normal.
But my friends and I got burned out so quickly, because there is really nothing to work on but cosmetics. Cosmetics are cool for showing off but it should never be the focus of a game on its own!! I think there should be more "weight" to gold, something that makes is worth fighting for. So I can be scared again if I see that Galleon on the horizon.
So my suggestion to fix this is adding some kind of progression with gold. I know that this game is based on everybody having the same tools available and that should never change. But here a few things that can be added:
More alternatives (NOT ADDITIONS) to weapons or ships
For example next to the normal sloop which is available for everybody and as good add a "Hunter Sloop and a "Tradesman Sloop":
Hunter sloop has more fire power and agility but is slower (for PvP players) where the Tradesman sloop is faster and always has a rowboat at the start of the session (for PvE players). This could maybe implemented with a point system aswell just on the normal sloop, but when you add points in one category you have to lose some points somewhere else. That would have even more depth, but it would be harder to balance.
Unlocking actual Content through progression
In my opinion there should be more Content which is exclusive for players, who invest the time into the game. THE ONLY thing for now we have like that is Athena. Even that isn't new content! It is just more of the same: missions from the three main factions, even getting the Athena chest itself is just another treasure chest map! Except the Athena shop there is nothing new to it at all. In my opinion only a true pirate legend is worthy enough to go on tall tales for example. So make at least some content special. That is just my view..
WORLD DESIGN
Although the feeling is already great I think there is still room for improvement. Each island has a unique look but not a unique feel to it. Every island is lonely and feels empty except for a few vulcanos and skeleton forts. For most islands that's totally fine, but I think some could feel more alive. So here my idea:
A pirate city/housing
I think it would be great to have a city where all pirates can come together and play games, fight duels etc. Add some NPCs, a tavern, a harbor, a market etc... It should be a resting place where no fighting is allowed, but nothing can be gained either.
This also would be the perfect place to add things like housing. Purchase your own pirate hideout, where you can buy stuff to put into, this would be a great addition to cosmetics.
At last, I just want to mention that I see a lot of other pirates disagreeing with my point of view and that's fine! But I want to remind everyone, that most people in this forum are still playing and enjoying the game as it is, but don't forget all the other people who quit really fast! I have 9 friends which I played with but all of them got bored quickly. The only one out of 10 people, who is still playing is myself. This is just sad, especially because all of them think it is a really great game just lacking things to do.
What do you think? Please let me know and remember always stay sober out on the sea! ;)