There was absolutely no reason to nerf the gunpowder barrels so severely. What once was a deadly explosive to be feared has turned into a popcorn f@rt. My friend and I did several tests last night and they have reduced the damage and range by what seems to be almost 50%. Hitting a sloop with a barrel from below will no longer drop the mast, hitting a barrel while holding the ladder will not drop the mast and does only 1 damage to the capstan and wheel. Planting a barrel at the top deck in front of the cannons will no longer drop the mast either, likewise by planting the bomb on top of the wheel. The only way to drop the mast is to plant it within a very small radius. The effects on Brigantines and Galleons are even more noticeable and disappointing.
Was the power of the powder kegs really that much of an issue? The only complaint I heard about them recently was the random spawn ones floating alongside supply barrels. If that was the case why not just remove those barrels? I would like to see the barrels set back to their previous strength, or at the least add a higher probability of finding mega kegs in the wild.
What do you guys think?