In Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, boarding enemy ships after engaging in naval combat is a crucial aspect of gameplay that significantly enhances your resources and ship fleet. Below is a concise guide on how to effectively execute a successful boarding.

Steps to Board Enemy Ships:

1. Disable the Enemy Ship:
– To initiate a boarding, you first need to disable the enemy vessel. This can be achieved by diminishing its health through damaging its sails, hull, or crew. Your objective is to render the ship vulnerable enough for boarding.

2. Position the Jackdaw:
– Once the enemy ship is incapacitated, maneuver your ship, the Jackdaw, close enough to the target. The ideal position is alongside or in front of the enemy ship. This positioning facilitates a seamless transition to boarding.

3. Climb Aboard:
– After positioning, climb out from the Jackdaw onto the enemy ship to trigger the boarding sequence. This transition marks the switch from naval combat to on-foot engagements.

4. Engage in On-Foot Combat:
– During the boarding segment, engage the enemy crew in combat. The number of crew members you need to defeat varies by ship type:
– Schooner: Defeat about 5 crew members
– Brig: Defeat about 10 crew members
– Frigate: Defeat about 15 crew members
– Man o’ War: Defeat about 20 crew members along with completing multiple objectives
– Optional objectives may include eliminating the ship’s captain or officers, destroying powder reserves, or cutting down the enemy flag to fully claim the ship.

5. Utilize Swivel Guns (Optional):
– Prior to boarding, you have the option to fire the Jackdaw’s swivel guns to weaken the enemy crew further. However, many players find this strategy somewhat ineffective, as the final phase of boarding relies heavily on direct combat.

6. Collect Loot:
– Successfully boarding a ship gives you access to the full complement of loot onboard. Conversely, if you decide to sink the enemy ship instead, you will only receive half of the loot that floats to the surface. Therefore, boarding is a beneficial tactic for maximizing your rewards.

Summary:
To maximize your objectives in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag:
– First, disable the ship through naval combat.
– Navigate the Jackdaw close to the enemy vessel and board it.
– Engage and eliminate the required crew while completing secondary objectives during on-foot combat.
– Optionally use swivel guns to diminish enemy numbers prior to boarding.
– Remember that boarding nets you full loot, while sinking the ship yields only partial rewards.

By following these steps, players can enhance their naval dominance and enrich their gameplay experience in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.