High Tides is a pirate-themed PvP game on Roblox developed by Synesthetics, combining classic naval combat with class-based strategy. Featuring intense ship-to-ship battles and a visual style reminiscent of Team Fortress, this game challenges players to work together as crews, complete objectives, and dominate their opponents through coordination, combat, and timing.
Whether you’re boarding enemy ships or defending your own, this guide will walk you through the core gameplay, all available classes, and how to succeed across different game modes.
What Is High Tides?
In Classic Mode, players are split into two teams—Red and Blue—each starting on their own ship. The goal is simple but thrilling: destroy the enemy ship using Dynamite while defending your own from incoming attacks.
Players must choose a class before entering the match, each with distinct weapons and roles. Movement between ships is made possible through small boats called Dockers, which players summon to cross the open sea.
Besides Classic Mode, the game also features several unique modes including Bloody Buccaneers, Freedom Corsairs, and Flying Dutchman, offering fresh challenges and objectives.
Basic Controls (PC and Console)
To succeed in High Tides, you’ll need to understand the control system. Below are the core controls for PC and console platforms:
PC:
Move: WASD
Camera Lock/Unlock: Shift
Zoom: Mouse scroll
Select Weapon: 1, 2, 3 (or inventory click)
Melee Attack: Left Click (M1)
Ranged Attack: M1
Aim: Right Click (M2) or Q
Reload: R
Dodge: Q
Deflect: F
Xbox:
Dodge: Y
Deflect: X
Aim: LT
Ranged Attack: RT
Reload: X
PlayStation:
Dodge: Triangle
Deflect: Square
Aim: L2
Ranged Attack: R2
Reload: Square
Mobile:
Uses virtual joystick and on-screen buttons for actions such as attack, dodge, and camera control.
Class Overview – Classic Mode
Choosing the right class is essential to fulfill your role effectively. Here’s a breakdown of each one:
Crewmate
Role: Defense
Primary Tool: Repair Hammer
Key Abilities:
Defuse Dynamite placed on your ship.
Repair damaged parts of your ship.
Why Use: Essential for maintaining ship durability and defending against destruction.
Raider
Role: Offense
Weapons: Flintlock (primary), Cutlass (secondary)
Key Abilities:
Place Dynamite on the enemy ship.
Engage in close-to-mid-range combat.
Why Use: Best for aggressive pushes onto enemy ships.
Duelist
Role: Melee Specialist
Weapons: Melee-only (Cutlass), Smoke Bomb
Optional Gear: Grappling Hook
Key Abilities:
Use smoke bombs to escape or reposition.
Highly mobile, can move fast and engage/disengage quickly.
Why Use: Ideal for players who prefer close combat and speed.
Demolitionist
Role: Heavy Offense
Weapons: Blunderbuss, Cutlass
Key Abilities:
Use Dynamite and heavy weapons to inflict major damage.
Can withstand more damage in combat.
Why Use: Great for breaking defenses and leading boarding actions.
Bagman
Role: Support
Tools: Bandage Kit and buffs
Key Abilities:
Heal teammates during battle.
Provide buffs to improve team survivability.
Why Use: A critical class for sustaining the team during extended fights.
Game Modes Explained
Each mode in High Tides offers a different experience and playstyle.
Classic Mode
Teams: Red vs Blue
Objective: Destroy the enemy ship using Dynamite
Mechanic: Players use Dockers to cross between ships
Strategy Tip: Balance offense and defense—secure enemy decks while protecting your hull.
Bloody Buccaneers
Variant: Similar to Classic Mode
Difference: Ships are connected by wooden planks
No Dockers: Players can cross instantly
Strategy Tip: Expect nonstop combat and faster pacing.
Freedom Corsairs
Mode Type: Free-for-all
Objective: Score the most kills before time runs out
Strategy Tip: Stick to mobile classes like Duelist and Bagman for survivability and speed.
Flying Dutchman
Teams: Marauders vs Zombies
Objective:
Zombies: Infect Marauders
Marauders: Survive for 6 minutes
Strategy Tip: As a Marauder, prioritize evasion and group defense. Zombies should coordinate ambushes.
Final Thoughts
High Tides is more than just a pirate game—it’s a well-balanced mix of strategy, team coordination, and action-based combat. Each class plays a vital role, and understanding the mechanics of movement, weapon usage, and map awareness is essential for winning battles.
Whether you’re defending with a Repair Hammer or leading an attack with Dynamite in hand, every role contributes to your team’s success. Try different classes, experiment with game modes, and find the playstyle that suits you best.