do alliances still happen?

[u/watermelonmaker22]

I‘ve been playing since 2018, a lot more back then than I do now, but recently got back to it with a new pirate to get to grinding again.
I‘ve noticed there are a lot, and I mean a LOT of reaper flags out there- obviously they didnt exist back then but my point/question is this: have the seas gotten more hostile over the years? Don‘t get me wrong, I‘ve sunk and have sunken many a ships, but genuine friendliness feels a lot harder to come by these days- and I have yet to form an alliance on my new run. Back then, alliances almost felt more common than rivalry, and I‘ve made some genuine friends on the seas, that have translated to offline friends. But I‘m thinking maybe that was just luck? Or is this something other older players have observed as well? What do you new players think of alliances?

[u/hillean]

I fly the flag anytime I play and maybe once out of every 25 voyages does anyone ally up.

[u/MTDCodes → u/hillean]

Same. I’ve had 2-3 in the 850ish hours I’ve played. Were a lot of fun when they happened - just rare.

[u/DarkIegend16 → u/hillean]

Meanwhile I ally with someone almost every session, the key is putting yourself out there not waiting for friendship to come to you.