Until auto battle becomes available, you will have to manually activate your pirates' attacks. Each pirate has their own unique special attack that can be used once their special meter fills. This is indicated by the yellow bar below their health. Special attacks can be single or multi target abilities, and can either function in attack to support roles. Use the special attacks as soon as they are ready.
As you level, additional formation slots will become available. These will let you to bring more ships into battle, up to a total of nine.
A gold chest can be opened for free every ten minutes, up to five times a day. They will reward you with items such as ship upgrade components or pirate recruitment items.
There are three classes of ships.