Given that this is a multiplayer game, there are different ship types that can accommodate for up to four players: a Sloop can be manned by two people, a Brigantine by three, and a Galleon by four. Also, given that this is an open world sandbox game, players are practically allowed to play however they want. If a player wishes for an adventure with a compelling story, they can play through various Tall Tales that lead the player down a route to the Shores of Gold. If a player simply wishes to relax with an activity like fishing, the Hunter’s Call organization will be quite useful. And, on the topic of trading companies, another way for players to have fun, and even make a little dough, is by working for various trading organizations on their quest to become a true pirate.

 

Within Sea of Thieves, there are different trading companies that players can work and make money for. The three main ones that players will most likely gravitate towards first are the Gold Hoarders, the Order of Souls, and the Merchant Alliance. Each of these companies have different quests for pirates to go on that will earn them some gold.

 

The Gold Hoarders will give out treasure maps and riddles that could lead to chests, the Order of Souls have skeleton bounties that make players track down undead pirates to slay for their valuable skull, and the Merchant Alliance will have delivery contracts that make players travel to certain locations to deliver precious cargo like silk and rum. However, these aren’t the only companies players can earn fortunes for.

 

While doing business with the various organizations on the sea, they will not only earn a hefty sum of gold for their effort, but also experience points that increase their pirate reputation for said company. If a player reaches a reputation level of 50 for at least three companies, they’ll be awarded the honor of “Pirate Legend,” and be invited to join Ramsey in a secret underground area to join Athena's Fortune. On the other hand, if some players wish to spread chaos amongst the seas, and just make as much money as possible, the Reaper’s Bones, sworn enemies to Athena’s Fortune, will satisfy the heart of any mischievous pirate.

 

One aspect of this game that truly makes it stand out is the idea that there’s never nothing to do. When sailing the Sea of Thieves, players will always have something to take part in, and a story to tell friends and other pirates alike. There are various world events for players to combat like skeleton forts and ghost ship fleets, thousands of customization options like pirate and ship cosmetics, and even ways to combat, or form friendships with, other players through systems like hourglass PVP and guilds.

 

Another great aspect is how well it can immerse players into an authentic, yet very unique, pirate experience. Many of the game’s NPC’s (Non Playable Characters) talk like pirates with different accents and annunciations, and a majority of it’s music is played through old instruments like drums and hurdy-gurdy’s. The sailing is also very realistic as in order to get the best speed, the player must angle their ship’s sails into the wind to make it go faster. Also, when a player is slain in battle, they will be transported to the Sea of the Damned, and taken back to their battle by the Ferryman, a representation of Davy Jones who guided the souls of dead pirates.

Overall, Sea of Thieves may be an oldie, but it’s definitely a goodie earning a solid 9/10. The gameplay is exhilarating, the environments are gorgeous, and m0st importantly, it provides a definitive experience for any gamer who’s always wanted to live out their pirate fantasies.