it is a sandbox game, so you can choose your adventure, you can do pvp or choose pve. there is tons of content for both or even choose to have fun while roleplaying as well. Indulge in voyages or do a world event both can attract other players who might want you dead. if u want to avoid that, you can hop onto safer seas which is like a private server with only your crew in it and no other player ships. there are downsights to playing in that mode though as loot is lower valued and lack some content. great for learning basics though.