The Rough Guide to Sea of Thieves: Become a Pirate Legend

Think you’ve got what it takes to become a Pirate Legend in Sea of Thieves? It’s a long old journey. A voyage that includes reaching level 50 of the game with all three factions, solving a mysterious riddle, and encountering plenty of perils along the way.

This swashbuckling game is set across four realms — The Shores of Plenty, The Ancient Isles, The Wilds and The Devil’s Roar — and flanked by the perilous Devil’s Shroud on the map’s periphery. It’s a game of fun and high seas adventure, which also requires determined skill to get the best out of your character. 

Don’t worry, though — we’re here to help. From the best islands to stop-off at and taverns to down grog in, to weapons to source and Trading Companies you’ll want to stay on the good side of, our guide will ensure you leave no treasure chest unturned. 

Islands

In Sea of Thieves, the ocean is your proverbial oyster, and islands present opportunity… if you know where to look. 

Its islands are wild, uninhabited places generally split into three categories: outposts, where goods are sold and Trading Company quests are tackled; forts, where danger meets rewards; and treasure islands, which are pretty self explanatory. 

If you’re reading this, it’s likely you’re familiar with the game. Chances are, you’ll also be aware that getting to know the islands is one of the more important early challenges in the game. Each one is different and comes with its own reasons to stay alert, whether that’s avoiding creature attacks or simply hunting for treasure.

While many islands offer bountiful goods worth looting, it’s worth knowing that some seem to be barren. Don’t be fooled by appearances, though. The Reaper’s Hideout (I12), for example, may look desolate, but it’s actually home to a faction. Happy hunting… 

Others, like the uncharted island at K9, have endless nooks and crannies to explore, including an old shipwreck at its heart, and important signs of former life in the form of two slumped skeletons. Hmm…

Keep an eye out for one of the outposts like Ancient Spire (V21), whose merchants, shops and taverns will undoubtedly become useful in your pirate’s journey. 

Tip: keep your eyes peeled for occupied Skeleton Forts. These can be raided to acquire untold riches, providing you defeat the fort’s leader. Upwards of 70 separately charted treasure islands also exist, which is where you’ll spend most of your time hunting, fighting, gathering gold and exploring. 

Coves 

If it’s coves you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. A trio of coves are there to be explored, and searching their intricate island clusters will often lead you towards riddle clues. 

Take Shark Bait Cove (H19) in The Ancient Isles, for example. Its seven crescent-shaped islands boast notable landmarks like several stone shark sculptures, a shrine to the sea creature, with a deep coral basin at its heart. Plenty of animals roam here too, including pigs and chickens. Just don’t sail too close to shore — these waters are perilously shallow.

Over in The Shores of Plenty lie, arguably, the two most popular coves in the game. Not surprising really, given that this is where you’ll find powder-soft, Caribbean-esque white-sand beaches. 

First up is Lone Cove (H6), a large island that’s best known for the pirates’ graveyard at its centre, and a cave accessible from the north west corner. Then there’s Cannon Cove (G10), named after the outward facing rock which resembles (you’ve guessed it..) a cannon.

Tip: the famed beacon is accessible via the cannon. Combined, both coves offer countless riddles, animals, ammo chests and sandy beaches. It wouldn’t be such a bad idea to be marooned on either of these…

Weapons

To swerve creature attacks and win battles you’ll certainly need weapons in your armoury. At first you’ll be automatically equipped with a sailor pistol and cutlass.

There are two key points surrounding weapons. Firstly, the beauty of Sea of Thieves is that all weapons are available to new players from the beginning. Secondly, players can only carry two weapons on them at any given time, and one slot should usually be taken by the cutlass. 

Nonetheless, a blunderbuss should be on the radar of any skilled pirate. Super-skilled seadogs should be looking at a Sailor Eye of Reach — the hardest gun to master — or the Ashen Skull, which blasts flames from a burning skull. This can be looted from the corpse of an Ashen Lord. Have fun with this one…

Taverns

Us travellers all need a little downtime, and Sea of Thieves’ taverns offer exactly that for weary pirates. 

Some of the best boozing on the entire map is found in The Ancient Isles, a sprawling network of mysterious, often abandoned isles that were once the hideaways of many a long-forgotten pirate crew. 

Even the skeletons would be able to point out the Drowned Rat. Backed by a jagged outcrop, it’s the tallest building in Plunder Outpost. Ask tavernkeep Tanya for a jar of her finest grog, called Chapman’s Old Bilge Sniffer. It probably tastes better than it sounds, but that’s the only thing on the menu so you’d better like it anyway. 

The Unicorn tavern at the Ancient Spire Outpost is another of our favourites. It takes a little effort to get to, but you’ll thank us when you’re there.

Finally, as The Tavern of Legends’ name suggests, you’ll need to be regarded as a bit of a legend to drink at this secret pirate hideout, as it’s invite-only. You can receive an invite by keeping your nose clean with the Trading Companies, which leads us nicely onto…

Trading Companies

To drink grog at the Tavern of Legends and earn respect from your pirate peers, you’ll need to gain reputation from Trading Companies. 

These organisations focus on varying types of in-game content including voyages, treasure and themed cosmetics, with most Trading Companies often found lurking around outposts. Each company sets commendations for players to achieve, with rewards available at the end of each task.

The most obvious company to be involved with at the beginning is The Gold Hoarders, who deal strictly in shiny treasure found locked away in chests. 

Tip: Voyages will see you venture far and wide across the Sea of Thieves. To maximise your chance of a successful Voyage quest, download your free Rough Guide to the Sea of Thieves — it includes itineraries that’ll help you plot a prosperous journey. You can thank us later.

Sunsets

As travellers ourselves, we’ve never met a sunset we didn’t like. And, quite frankly, the sunsets in this game are ludicrous. Head for the highest point on any island at 8pm and relax as a glorious glow transcends the scene. Who knows, you may even unlock some achievements…?

Tip: Complete commendations like Adventurer’s Eve simply by travelling to The Shores of Plenty and setting sail for Smuggler’s Bay ahead of 8pm. Find the highest peak on the north of the island, select ‘take in the view’ and relax as the sun sets. 

You’re now safe in the knowledge that you’ve completed another commendation on your journey to legendary status. 

With the above tips and guidance in tow, you’ll be on your way to becoming a Pirate Legend in no time.

Download your free Rough Guide to Sea of Thieves to start your adventure today.