Sea of Thieves recently rolled out a substantial update, weighing in at approximately 100 GB on both Xbox consoles and PC. While the update brings numerous improvements and fixes, the primary reason for its considerable size is the integration of the latest Xbox Game Development Kit for future user benefits.

Excitement among fans of the open-world pirate adventure surged with speculations hinting at a potential multi-platform release for Sea of Thieves. The game's possible arrival on PlayStation and Switch could significantly expand its player community and motivate Rare and Microsoft to develop fresh and thrilling game content. Other Xbox exclusives like Hi-Fi Rush, Pentiment, and Grounded are also rumored to follow suit, although official confirmations are still pending. Amidst this promising news, players can dive into the newest update of Sea of Thieves.

The latest update of Sea of Thieves requires a considerable download, favoring Steam users with a more modest 10.5 GB size. The PC Game Pass edition necessitates the largest download at 102 GB, while Xbox console users face downloads ranging from 88 to 90 GB. Rare clarified that the incorporation of the latest Xbox Game Development Kit, the main factor behind the update's size, will pave the way for substantially smaller future updates. Apart from performance enhancements, PC players will notice the most significant improvements. The update recommends PC users to update their graphics drivers for optimal performance. Furthermore, the update enhances various Voyages and elevates the already remarkable water visuals of Sea of Thieves, notably enhancing the distant water appearance.

Sea of Thieves also announced the upcoming Community Weekend from February 24 to 26, packed with bug fixes, gameplay enhancements, UI refinements, and audio improvements. Players can explore the new Pirate Emporium and the updated Outpost equipment selection post-update. Returning players can jump back into Sea of Thieves, experiencing the Season 11 update's new Trading Company features and revamped quest system.

The recent network difficulties on Xbox causing impediments in Sea of Thieves downloads for PC users have been reportedly resolved by Xbox, addressing a range of issues.

Sea of Thieves Update Patch Notes

Game Enhancements

Integration of GDK

• Sea of Thieves now operates on the latest Xbox GDK (Game Development Kit), urging PC players to update graphics drivers for optimal performance.
• Support for DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 is now available where hardware permits, with the game automatically optimizing the experience while granting players the option to select settings within the game.
• General performance enhancements are noticeable across all platforms, with PC players benefiting the most.
• Although the initial download size is substantial for console and Microsoft Store users, future updates will be significantly smaller.
• The PC Microsoft Store experience is enhanced, signaling the need for updates and allowing players to set the install location through the Xbox app.
• PC users on the Windows Store may require additional steps to initiate downloads, with support available on the official Sea of Thieves Support site.

Updates

Improved Athena’s Fortune Voyages

• The Voyage of Legends and Ashen Voyage of Legends have been revamped, offering shorter sessions and consistent rewards for the Athena’s Fortune Trading Company.

Enhanced Raid Voyage Rewards

• Raid Voyages now yield a more concentrated array of high-value items, making them easier to transport, with increased item quantity, value, and visual impact following player feedback.
• Players completing Raid Voyages for the Athena’s Fortune Trading Company will exclusively receive Athena’s Fortune treasures.

Skull of Siren Song Guild Reputation

• Guild Reputation is now obtainable by participating in the Skull of Siren Song Voyage when active on the server.
• Crews earn modest Guild Reputation by selling an empty Chest of Siren Song and a substantial boost by delivering the Skull of Siren Song to Briggsy, while retaining existing gold and Renown rewards.

Emissary Voyage Improvements

• Starting an Athena’s Fortune Emissary Voyage in The Devil’s Roar now rewards players with an Ashen Chest of Legends upon completion.

Ashen Winds Skull Value

• The Ashen Winds Skull retains its value upon usage, allowing pirates to engage freely.

Access to Tall Tales

• All Tall Tales within the Shores of Gold arc, Sea of Thieves: A Pirate’s Life, and the recently introduced Sea of Thieves: The Legend of Monkey Island are now accessible and playable in any order.

Water Visual Enhancements

• Water visuals have been improved, making the surface appear smoother when viewed from a distance, enhancing its overall look.

Pirate Emporium

Embrace your unique style with purchases from the Pirate Emporium! Acquire exclusive cosmetics like ship liveries, costumes, weapons, pets, and emotes using Ancient Coins, available for real money. Visit the Pirate Emporium page to explore and purchase the latest additions!

New Items – Now Stocked!

• Reaper's Heart Fox
• Reaper’s Heart Instrument Bundle
• Reaper’s Heart Lantern Bundle
• Reaper’s Heart Equipment Bundle
• Islehopper Outlaw Big Bundle
• Infinite Depths Big Bundle
• Wailing Barnacle Pet Outfits
• Toe Reach Emote (free!)
• Reaper’s Reserve Bundle (Microsoft, Xbox, and Steam Stores only)

Outpost Cosmetics

New Outpost Inventory!

• The Outpost equipment shops now feature instruments from the Maestro set!
• Players can also acquire the stylish Low Bun Hair from the clothing shops.

Events

Season 11 Community Weekend

• From Saturday, February 24th to Monday, February 26th (11am UTC), all pirates are invited to participate in the latest Community Weekend, offering free gifts, Twitch Drops, player stories, and exciting Pop-Up Plunder!
• Increasing the Community Emissary Grade (by watching streamers in the Sea of Thieves category on Twitch) unlocks benefits like gold, reputation, Seasonal Renown, Allegiance, and Guild Reputation boosts for all players.
• Find detailed information in our Season 11 Community Weekend news article.

Resolved Issues

Gameplay

• If a player fails to retrieve a purchased Supply Crate from the Merchant Alliance, a replacement is now provided on the subsequent attempt.
• Players purchasing Captain’s Supplies from the shipwright will consistently receive their supplies on their ship.
• Pirate Legends interacting with the Pirate Lord can now reliably access the Athena’s Fortune Trading Company shop.
• Crews arriving at a Voyage location will no longer find other crews already engaged in the encounter.
• Crews canceling a Raid Voyage after diving will no longer receive extra rewards beyond the standard offerings.
• The Legendary Herald Costume now unlocks at the correct level, Athena’s Fortune 100.
• Completing Trading Company Tutorial Voyages now awards the intended reputation for the Company.
• Tridents no longer contribute to Emissary Grade progression when brought on board a ship.
• Speaking to the Servant of the Flame after reaching Allegiance level 100 no longer erroneously unlocks the Become Pirate Legend achievement.
• Completing Medley Voyages now progresses the relevant Captaincy Milestones as expected.
• Treasure sold from a Collector’s Chest now consistently advances associated Commendations.
• Grade 5 Emissary Voyages in The Devil’s Roar now consistently reveal locations within that region.
• Gold Pouches and the Store Room Key can once again be found in Sea Forts before defeating the Captain.
• Taking on a Sea Fort on behalf of a Trading Company now yields the correct number of treasure items in the Treasury and Store Room.
• Correct treasure types now appear in Skeleton Fleet and Athena’s Fortune Sea Fort Raid Voyages.
• The Golden Voyager Commendation now progresses upon completing the Gold Hoarders Tutorial Voyage.
• Completing Trading Company Tutorial Voyages with others now ensures tutorial notifications progress for all crew members.
• Company Distinction Commendations now unlock at the appropriate level.
• Skeletons at Siren Shrines now require the correct number of hits to defeat.
• The Ashen Mariner of Guilds Commendation now increases when fulfilling Ashen Voyages and meeting the specified criteria.
• ‘Shores of Gold’ – Crews not taking the Gold Hoarder’s Coin from the Compass Vault no longer get stuck when the door closes, enabling interaction with medallions to reopen the door.
• ‘The Cursed Rogue’ – Selling the Skeleton Key to the Gold Hoarders is no longer possible.
• ‘Heart of Fire’ – Emergent encounters with enemies continue after starting the Tall Tale.

Environment

• The Shrine of the Coral Tomb no longer exhibits missing water pockets.
• Skeletons at Shark Fin Camp no longer get stuck on platforms.
• Players can now navigate a Cannon Rowboat under the gate at Shark Fin Camp.
• Players no longer intersect with coffins near the Bonesmith in The Reaper’s Lair.
• Players can no longer pass through the environment in the Shrine of the Coral Tomb.
• Floating skeletons are no longer observed at Molten Sands Fortress.
• Sloops no longer collide unnaturally with the Sovereigns’ jetty at Dagger Tooth Outpost.
• Players are no longer returned to their ship when using the lift in The Reaper’s Lair.
• Players no longer get stuck in the environment at areas of the Shrine of Hungering.
• Players no longer encounter obstacles near the fish statue at Shark Bait Cove.
• The Vault door at Kraken's Fall now descends fully into the ground.
• ‘The Lair of LeChuck’ – Players no longer intersect with statues on Monkey Island.
• ‘The Lair of LeChuck’ – Players no longer get launched into the air near the rock ladders by the stockade on Monkey Island.

User Interface

• Crew members under attack now display the correct Crew Status icon in their nameplate.
• The Sunken Kingdom Voyage now properly shows icons indicating the Voyage length.
• Company-specific notifications when taking on a Trading Company Voyage underwater have received visual enhancements.
• Improved background visuals now accompany Trading Company promotion notifications.
• Approaching a Sea Fort now shows the appropriate banners.
• Transitioning from level 100 to Distinction 1 within a Trading Company now displays the UI animation correctly.
• Maps in the Emissary Tutorial no longer reference Old Boot Fort.

Visual and Audio

• During battles on the Order of Souls Tutorial voyage, the correct battle music is now audible.
• Players reloading the Paradise Garden Eye of Reach will no longer see their hands moving inside the weapon.
• The Sailor Figurehead now changes color to match the selected hull.
• The Swashbuckling Story Emote no longer causes unnatural arm bending for larger players.
• Completing Trading Company Tutorial Voyages no longer results in overlapping music tracks.
• The Boarhunter Cannons no longer exhibit unusual movement when fired.
• Players now grip the Boarhunter Blunderbuss handle correctly regardless of size.
• Scrolls of Charted Waters no longer intersect when placed on the ground.
• Scrolls of Shrouded Waters no longer intersect with a Collector’s Chest when placed inside.
• Skulls in the Order of Souls Siren Treasury Raid Voyage now arrange correctly.
• Interacting with the map in the Chronicler’s room of the Pirate Legend Hideout now positions players correctly.
• ‘Dark Brethren’ – Captain Jack Sparrow now faces the right direction during interactions.
• Monkeys wearing the Outfit of Plenty no longer experience intersections with body parts.
• The Cronch Pistol now aligns shots more accurately with the barrel when aimed.
• Players no longer see their hands moving inside the Sawbones Blunderbuss.
• The Graveyard Grim Whippet now lacks a noticeable seam around its neck.
• The Hoarder Reliquary no longer intersects with the player’s hand when held.
• The Golden Sailor Blunderbuss no longer obstructs the camera when fired.
• The Piranha Poodle now displays correct eyes and tongue animation.
• Placing multiple proposals on the Quest Table no longer causes overlap with the Hourglass of Fate.

Text and Localization

• Across non-English languages, inconsistencies in terminology across various items, locations, and characters have been rectified for coherence.
• Issues with overlapping and truncated text in Quest Books for Tall Tales and Bounty Maps in non-English languages have been addressed.
• The Saviour of Siren Song Commendation no longer shows placeholder text in the Pirate Log.
• The Captain's Voyage Storage section has been removed from Info & Tips.
• The Lord of Gold Commendation description now correctly presents the unlock requirements.
• The Merchant Alliance Company shop now displays accurately in non-English languages.
• The Crate of Elegant Cloth no longer shows placeholder text in the name.
• Rag & Bone Crates are now correctly labeled.
• Care instructions no longer appear for Rag & Bone Crates.
• The Legendary Guardian Title description now states the correct Pirate Alignment.
• The My Booming Bones Commendation description now appears correctly post-unlock.

Performance and Stability

• Exiting the game while engaging in an experience no longer causes server instability.
• Enhanced game stability reduces unexpected exits for players.
• Improved server stability prevents disconnections during gameplay.

Known Issues

Explore the current tracked issues and their status in Sea of Thieves by visiting our Known Issues support site article.

Download and Installation

Download size:

Xbox Series X: 88.36 GB

Xbox Series S: 90.15 GB

Xbox One X: 88.36 GB

Xbox One: 90.15 GB

Microsoft Store: 102 GB

Steam: 10.49 GB

XBOX INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS CAN BE FOUND HERE.

PC INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS CAN BE FOUND HERE.