Another Theory!
 

I am starting to think that loot is like rep: The more attacks landed, the better the loot.

I have tested this by attacking Claude D' Arcis with Kleos Sunsutter (Lvl. 10, so Claude is an easy match for me). Using a Sharp Cutlass (16 attack, critical strike), he dropped a pouch 3 of 5 times of defeating him. Not bad, but not good, either. Using a Rusty Sabre (7 attack), he dropped 5 of 5 times, a Chest for 2 of those, pouches for 3. Every time I opened the loot, I got a weapon or clothing item of at least common rarity. I also got a War Cutlass (rare, 39 attack, healing boost, flourish +1) and a Freebooter's Sea Chart (rare) from the chests. Both I cannot use quite yet and they are very good for a level 10 to loot (although I have gotten a famed with Dan, way back when). The sabre, which killed in about 28 hits, got the better loot. The cutlass, which killed in about 17 hits, got a bad haul. What do you think? Coincidence, or have I found something here?

5 times doesn't amount to much in terms of pattern. When I rank with CC (50) I sometimes get chests and rare items whether I need to hit my enemies 3 times or 1 time. These Enemies are ranging from 4-10.

A very interesting theory... I will have to spend some time looking into this. Btw, Claude D'arcis? Never heard of 'em. Can you please tell me where I can find this boss so I can train my baby pirate?

He's inside Thieve's Den on Tortuga.

Interesting theory, but in my case it is not likely for me.

I attacked Dark Hart with the original cutlass that we quested for (level 25 I think), the sword available before El patron, the new inventory system, etc. That is what I used to get it. I was thinking the drop is based on the number of enemies defeated, and plain old fashioned luck.

When I'm looting alone I use my high level blunderbuss which can take down most enemies on tormenta with one shot and I have many famed weapons and 2 legendary weapons doing this. The weapon you use doesn't matter IMO it's just pure luck and stamina.

Completely agree with him! I also use my blunderbuss which CAN take down any enemy with one shot, I have had over 46 famed weapons and 3 legendary on my mastered pirate. Weapon doesn't matter really but just the fact that you can kill them one shot with the blunderbuss allows you to kill more enemies faster I think.

well, the pattern didnt worked for me, so far loot told me you get the same thing however much attacks you land. I tested this at smash, I took out pistol and shot him like crazy, he dropped a skull and had 1 rare, 1 common. The second kill I only shot him at the end and found silver freeze :laughks2::laughks2:

Try going to a regular enemy alone. THIS THEORY 9 TIMES OUT OF 10. WORKS FOR ME. So it's worth a try :)

I'll look into this on Lyze of Kiel (almost 26). A good boss for him would probably be Sandspine, the grenadier boss in Rats Nest...

Yes, maybe pouches with ammo and such in them, but bosses usually give better loot. Not always true, since all but one of my Famed came from regulars, but here lately boss loot seems to be getting more profound.

I think it was supposed to work on any enemy, not just some enemy

You have found something. Ive noticed the same thing. Whenever I one hit ko an enemy they give no loot. If they do... Its rather rare. I do think the more hits landed, higher level bosses with more health, damage done, time taken... if you can find the right combo. of these you could get famed and legendarys... but it really comes down to luck

For me, getting a loot skull chest is like getting a legendary weapon.

I think that explains it all.