Developer Rare have announced Sea of Thieves will now have new content via seasons, rather than the monthly updates.
In the latest video on the game’s updates (found below) executive producer Joe Neate revealed that 11 million players played the game this year alone. In addition, the game’s playerbase is said to be an equal split between Windows PC and console (Xbox One and Xbox Series X). The game had a total of 15 million players in in late July since launch.
Further, Neate stated that 97% of playtime had been spent in adventures. As such, that will be the focus of the game’s updates and new content, rather than the arena mode (though that will still be maintained).
Creative Director Mike Chapman also discussed the game’s future. After a year and a half of monthly updates, Sea of Thieves will begin seasonal content starting January 2021. The first season will have a merchant-aligned event, attempting to track down a missing ship and its cargo. There will also be three live events.
Each season will last around three months, each beginning with new content and ways to play. There will also be regular and live events, new rewards, and improvement patches. There will also be a seasonal progression system; with players earning renown for taking part in activities old and new to earn rewards for reaching each of the 100 milestones.
There will also be a premium tier for the season content, the Plunder Pass. This will grant some unique and exclusive rewards in addition to the aforementioned renown rewards.
Finally, the Festival of Giving events will launch December 9th, along with the return of Gilded Voyages.
You can find the full rundown on the game (via Steam) below.
About the Game
Sea of Thieves offers the essential pirate experience, from sailing and fighting to exploring and looting – everything you need to live the pirate life and become a legend in your own right. With no set roles, you have complete freedom to approach the world, and other players, however you choose.
Whether you’re voyaging as a group or sailing solo, you’re bound to encounter other crews in this shared world adventure – but will they be friends or foes, and how will you respond?A Vast Open World
Explore a vast open world filled with unspoiled islands, sunken ships and mysterious artefacts. Take on quests to hunt for lost treasure, seek out cursed Skeleton Captains or gather valuable cargo for the Trading Companies. Go hunting and fishing or choose from hundreds of optional goals and side-quests.Unforgettable stories
Play through the Tall Tales to experience Sea of Thieves’ unique take on a story-driven campaign. With 11 tales to play through across two epic storylines, these immersive and cinematic quests provide around 30 hours of the ultimate pirate fantasy.Become Legend
On your journey to become a Pirate Legend you’ll amass loot, build a reputation and define a unique personal style with your hard-earned rewards. Adventurer. Explorer. Conqueror. What will your legend be?A Game That’s Always Growing
With five major expansions and almost a year’s worth of monthly updates, Sea of Thieves is a service-based game that is continually growing and evolving. Check back each month to see what new content has been added.
Sea of Thieves is available for Windows PC (via the Microsoft Store, and Steam), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. If you missed it, you can find our review here (we can’t recommend it enough!!)
Image: Steam
