What to know
- Mortar Joe is a Powderman NPC who boosts gunpowder production by 50%.
- You can find him near the Coastal Jungles biome camp.
- The recommended level to reach him safely is around level 12.
- Hiring him costs 500 piastre and unlocks future personal quest content.
If you’re looking to scale your crafting efficiency in Windrose, hiring Mortar Joe is one of the smartest early-mid game investments you can make. His passive bonus directly impacts your ability to produce gunpowder faster, which becomes increasingly important for crafting, combat preparation, and progression.
Right from the moment you unlock access to the Brethren of Coast Camp near the Coastal Jungles biome, you gain the opportunity to recruit a specialist NPC that significantly enhances your production capabilities. Mortar Joe isn’t just another recruit—he is a production multiplier that directly improves resource efficiency, making him extremely valuable for players focused on crafting and progression.
Here is a quick overview of Mortar Joe in Windrose:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| NPC Name | Mortar Joe |
| Role | Powderman |
| Main Bonus | +50% Gunpowder Production |
| Location | Brethren of Coast Camp near the Coastal Jungles biome |
| Recommended Level | Around Level 12 |
| Hiring Cost | 500 Piastre |
| Extra Feature | Personal quest (future update) |
Windrose Powderman NPC location
Mortar Joe, the Powderman NPC, is located in a camp positioned close to the Coastal Jungles biome, which sits beyond earlier starter regions. As you explore further south on the map, especially near swamp-adjacent areas, you’ll start encountering tougher enemies and denser terrain, signaling that you’re approaching the right zone.
The camp itself is relatively easy to spot once you’re nearby, often marked by NPC activity and basic structures. If you’re under-leveled, reaching this area on foot can be risky, so using your ship to approach from safer routes is highly recommended. This allows you to bypass dangerous encounters while still accessing the recruitment location.
How to reach and hire Powderman NPC in Windrose
Here is how you can recruit the Powderman NPC, Mortar Joe, in Windrose:
Step 1
Ensure your character is at least level 12 before attempting the journey. This significantly improves your survivability in the Coastal Jungles region.
Step 2
Head toward the southern regions of the map, near a port-like area adjacent to Coastal Jungles. This is where the NPC camp is located.
Step 3
Use your ship if possible to approach the area from a safer angle. This helps avoid unnecessary combat with high-level enemies.
Step 4
Locate the camp and interact with Mortar Joe to open the crew hiring interface. You’ll immediately see his Powderman role and bonuses.
Step 5
Pay 500 piastre to recruit him into your crew. Once hired, his passive bonus is automatically applied.
Why you should hire Mortar Joe in Windrose
A 50% increase in gunpowder production is not just a small buff—it’s a major efficiency upgrade. Over time, this bonus compounds your crafting speed, allowing you to stockpile resources faster than normal.
This means you can:
- Spend less time farming raw materials
- Produce more items in shorter periods
- Focus more on exploration and combat rather than grinding
Additionally, he comes with a personal quest that is expected to expand in future updates, making him not just a functional NPC but also a potential source of additional content and rewards.
Rewards and benefits of hiring Mortar Joe
Recruiting specialized NPCs like Mortar Joe is part of optimizing your crew and gameplay loop in Windrose. As the game expands, crew members with unique bonuses will play a bigger role in shaping how efficiently you progress.
| Benefit Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Production Boost | +50% Gunpowder output |
| Efficiency Gain | Reduced farming time |
| Future Content | Personal quest (upcoming update) |
| Progression Support | Helps crafting and combat readiness |
Mortar Joe specifically supports players who rely on crafting-heavy builds or explosive-based combat strategies. Even if you’re not heavily focused on gunpowder early on, having this bonus active prepares you for later stages where demand increases significantly.
Mortar Joe stands out as one of the most impactful early-to-mid game NPC hires in Windrose. His ability to boost gunpowder production by 50% provides immediate and long-term value, especially if you prioritize crafting and efficiency.
By reaching the Coastal Jungles area at the right level and investing 500 piastre, you unlock a powerful passive bonus that saves time, reduces grind, and enhances your overall gameplay experience. If you’re planning your progression smartly, recruiting Mortar Joe should be one of your top priorities.
