Every port has local specialties. Check the market prices and transport goods to regions where they are scarce.
However, if you are looking to master the game's mechanics or "crack the code" on how to progress quickly, 1. Master the Trading Loop
The game scales difficulty quickly. If you're struggling with a boss, hang around a popular port and join a fleet. Shared XP and loot make progression much faster. 4. Leveling Skills
Don't just focus on one thing. To unlock better ships and gear, you need to balance: Earned by traveling and discovering new areas. Farming: Earned by harvesting crops. Combat: Earned by defeating monsters and other ships.