Empire: Total War - Game Mechanics - Naval Battles - Side volley - game guide, walkthrough, secrets, game tips & strategies

Sometimes it may happen that formation of both armies will be broken. Then the battle will become into a series of isolated clashes between individual ships. You have to be perceptive and look for any opportunity to damage enemy hulls.

During this type of fights you can use as many side volleys as you want. By clicking the appropriate buttons in the right lower corner of the screen, you can order to load cannons on the left or on the right side of the ship.

During that time your ship cannot shoot. With loaded cannons fire is more focused and precise.

Whack with volley can severely damage the enemy ship. However, you should be careful with it. When vessels are close to each other missiles have a strange tendency to miss their target. Especially with larger units where cannons are placed high above the deck of the smaller ships.

Generally, I do not recommend this trick. Standard fire can be precise too, firepower is similar and it has much greater firing arc.