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Privateer is an unofficial Windows save editor for Rule the Waves 3. This wiki explains how to configure the editor, manage a campaign, and save or restore complete campaign folders.

New user? Begin with Installing and updating Privateer, then follow A first edit on a separate copy.

Current stable release: Privateer 0.9.10

This wiki documents Privateer 0.9.10, the latest stable release. Download the Windows package.

It includes submarine spawning, renaming, deletion and repair, dark mode, diplomacy actions and the compact relations matrix, improved technology selection, corrected ship and colony handling, first-aircraft creation, and the simplified economy interface. See Versions and feature status for remaining limitations.

Download Privateer 1.0 Beta adds cross-save ship copying for users who want to try the beta.

Before editing

Close RTW3 and keep a known-good copy of the complete campaign folder. Apply changes inside a manager (or use Create in Aircraft Manager), then use Save or Save As in the main window. For experiments, begin with a separate copy. Validation checks file consistency; it does not guarantee every scenario will behave as intended in-game.

Start here

• Installing and updating Privateer
• First launch and settings
• Opening a campaign and making changes

Managers

• Economy and Unrest Manager

• Infrastructure and Fortifications Manager

• Admiral Manager

• Technology Manager

• Caliber Manager

• Relationship Manager

• Colony Manager

• Transfer Ships

• Aircraft Manager

• Submarine Manager

• Ship Spawner — 1.0 Beta

Saving and help

• Validation and saving
• Restoring a backup
• A first edit on a separate copy
• Troubleshooting and current limits

Current limits

Aircraft creation still needs further in-game validation. The budget calculator shows estimates, including a ±10% monthly-balance planning range; actual results may fall outside that range. Submarine statistics use fixed built-in values. Ship Spawner is a placeholder in 0.9.10. Version 1.0 Beta adds Copy from another save; built-in designs remain unavailable.

Feature requests, changes, and bug reports

See Feature requests and bug reports for how to submit a request through GitHub and what details to include. If you cannot submit through GitHub, you can email [email protected].

Project links

• Source and development
• Report a problem
• Technical and research guides

Privateer is not affiliated with the developers or publisher of Rule the Waves 3. The core software was developed using ChatGPT Codex with human research, testing, and design direction.