New World Aeternum: How to Defeat Admiral Blackpowder

In New World: Aeternum, the corrupted pirate Admiral Blackpowder stands as one of the more memorable and dangerous bosses in the game's early to mid-game content. Found in the Pirate stronghold of the Deadman's Cove and later featured in expeditions and events like the Amrine Excavation or Mutated Starstone, Admiral Blackpowder blends cannon-based area denial with aggressive melee attacks and dangerous ranged volleys. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to defeat Admiral Blackpowder, including his location, mechanics, best team composition, and tips for solo and group encounters.

Boss Overview: Who is Admiral Blackpowder?

Admiral Blackpowder is a corrupted pirate captain infused with dark magic and cannon-wielding fury. Known for his explosive temper and literal explosives, Blackpowder commands a small army of corrupted pirates, often calling for reinforcements mid-fight. He's heavily armored and wields a cutlass in one hand and a flintlock pistol in the other. When cornered, he unleashes barrages of cannon fire that make positioning critical.

Level Range: 25-35 (varies depending on zone)

Location: Deadman's Cove (Monarch's Bluffs), sometimes appears in mutated expeditions.

Type: Elite/Named Boss – Corrupted

Weaknesses: Thrust, Nature, Arcane Damage

Strengths: Slash resistance, High Physical Defense

Drops: Corrupted gear, medium armor, named weapon"Blackpowder's Cutlass", and expedition keys

How to Find Admiral Blackpowder

You'll find Admiral Blackpowder in Deadman's Cove, located in Monarch's Bluffs. This pirate-infested dungeon is often tackled by groups looking for corrupted enemies, elite gear, and faction quests. The boss is typically found deep within the cove, in a small cove-like arena near shipwrecked cannons.

If you're running an expedition, Blackpowder may appear as a mutator boss variant or special event boss during seasonal corruption breaches. His mechanics are more lethal in those appearances.

Phase Breakdown and Mechanics

Admiral Blackpowder's fight is split into two distinct phases, with reinforcements, cannon blasts, and melee threats throughout.

Phase 1: Cannon Suppression

Cannon Blast (Frontal AoE): Blackpowder fires a ground-targeted cone in front of him. This deals high burst damage and applies knockback.

Gunshot Combo: He targets a random player and fires 3–4 quick pistol shots. Dodge or block.

Pirate Reinforcements: Around 70% HP, he calls in 2–3 corrupted pirate adds. These are fast dual-wielders or musketeers.

Flintlock Dash: A targeted dash attack with bleed effects.

 Strategy Tips:

Have a tank stand in front to soak and position Blackpowder away from the group.

DPS should focus on the adds immediately as they can overwhelm healers.

Healers must stay at max range due to the random gunfire mechanic.

Use stun, stagger, and slow abilities when the reinforcements appear.

Phase 2: Fire and Fury (Below 40% HP)

At 40% health, Admiral Blackpowder enters a rage phase. He shouts, summons a corrupted cannon behind him, and begins alternating between melee strikes and cannon AoEs.

Cannon Volleys (Rotating AoEs): Rotating circular AoEs fire from the cannon. They cover almost 50% of the arena if not dodged.

Explosive Shot: Targeted AoE with burn. A red circle appears under players – move ASAP.

Cutlass Frenzy: Melee combo with bleeding and stagger. The tank must block and use cooldowns.

Corrupted Anchor Slam (Mutator variant only): Slams the ground and creates shockwaves.

 Strategy Tips:

Movement is essential. Watch the cannon's direction and pre-emptively dodge roll out of AoEs.

Don't stack – spread out to reduce splash damage from Explosive Shot.

Healers should keep Regeneration active and pre-cast Beacon in safe zones.

Ranged DPS should stay mobile and time attacks between volleys.

Best Team Composition

A balanced 5-player group is ideal:

1 Tank: Sword and Shield with taunt skills (Defender tree)

2 DPS: One ranged (Bow/Musket) and one melee (Great Axe/Spear)

1 Healer: Life Staff with Beacon and Orb of Protection

1 Flex/Utility: Can be CC-focused (Hammer/Ice Gauntlet) or support DPS

Make sure your tank uses taunt gems and stays topped off with fortify buffs. DPS players should use thrust weapons like the spear or musket to exploit his weaknesses.

Recommended Gear and Buffs

Damage Type: Thrust weapons are highly effective. Musket, spear, and rapier shine.

Buff Foods: Use Corrupted Coating, Weapon Oil, and Seasoned Roasted Rabbit for max damage.

Trophies: Place Corrupted Combat Trophies in your house to increase boss damage.

Potions: Stock up on Corrupted Ward Potions and Health Potions.

For mutated versions, consider gear with Corruption Resistance and Ward Perks.

Rewards and Drops

Defeating Admiral Blackpowder can reward you with:

Blackpowder's Cutlass: Named Sword with a powerful"Keenly Empowered" perk.

Medium Pirate's Jacket/Boots: Corrupted-themed armor with constitution or dexterity stats.

Tuning Orbs: For mutated expeditions (Amrine, Starstone, etc.)

Corrupted Shards and New World gold

Faction Mission Progress & Rare Materials

During seasonal events, he may also drop cosmetic skins, event tokens, or legendary upgrade mats.

Mutated forms, soloing is not viable without exploiting terrain or boss pathing.

Final Tips

With practice, awareness, and proper team synergy, Admiral Blackpowder becomes a rewarding and challenging boss in New World: Aeternum. Whether you're chasing his loot, completing faction quests, or farming corrupted tokens, this encounter is a fun test of PvE coordination. Equip your best thrust weapon, dodge the cannon fire, and send the Admiral back to the briny deep.

MMOexp New World Team