Sea of Thieves still remains a classic game that feels almost the same as it did on the day it was released. And that’s actually a compliment. In today’s hyper-competitive gaming market, having a game that stays recognizable for nearly a decade is something very few developers achieve.
Now, if you don’t know what Sea of Thieves is, or if you’re new to the game and want to try it out but don’t know where to start, this guide is for you. In this blog, I’ll explain the game’s lore, its core basics, and some practical tips to help you progress. By the end of this guide, you’ll understand how to play the game and navigate through it with confidence.
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What Is the Lore Behind Sea of Thieves?
Sea of Thieves has deeper lore than most players realize. For many, it’s simply a first-person PvPvE open-world game filled with fun, chaotic, and lighthearted pirate moments. But the origin story behind the game is far darker.
The Sea of Thieves and the Devil’s Shroud
The Sea of Thieves is not just another location on the map. It is a hidden region of the world surrounded by a dangerous red fog known as the Devil’s Shroud.
- The shroud is corrosive and deadly
- Any ship entering it without protection is destroyed
- The only way to safely pass through it is by using an artifact called the Shroud Breaker
This means that while players are inside the Sea of Thieves, they are essentially trapped unless they possess this rare artifact.
The Ancient Civilization and the Kraken Threat
Long before pirates arrived, an ancient civilization lived within the Sea of Thieves. These people:
- Mastered powerful magic
- Lived in harmony
- Faced a massive existential threat
That threat was a giant kraken known as The Old Mother.
To defend themselves, they used their magic. However, this magic had unintended consequences:
- A Siren Queen rose to power
- A war broke out between two tribes
- The conflict led to the complete destruction of their civilization
Ramsey Singh and the Rise of the Gold Hoarder
Centuries later, a pirate named Ramsey Singh discovered a way through the Devil’s Shroud and entered the Sea of Thieves.
He found a pirate’s paradise where:
- Gold was abundant
- Death was not permanent
Ramsey established the first outposts and created trading companies. However, his crew betrayed him:
- They murdered him out of greed
- One of them became the first Gold Hoarder, a creature made entirely of coins
Captain Flameheart and the Ongoing Conflict
The main villain in Sea of Thieves is Captain Flameheart, a powerful skeleton tyrant.
- He rejects Ramsey’s peaceful vision
- He believes in ruling through fire and destruction
- He created the Reapers, a faction that hunts players and spreads chaos
At the same time, another force is emerging:
The Sea of the Damned
The afterlife is beginning to merge with the real world:
- Ghosts and spirits are appearing
- New threats are emerging across the seas
The Player’s Role in the World
As a player, you are caught between three major forces:
- The Pirate Lord (Ramsey) → encourages noble piracy and exploration
- Flameheart → pushes for chaos and destruction
- The Sea of the Damned → introduces supernatural threats
What Do You Actually Do in Sea of Thieves?
Now that you understand the lore, let’s break down what you actually need to do as a beginner to survive and progress.
Start With the Tutorial (Maiden Voyage)
Your first priority should be completing the Maiden Voyage, which is the game’s tutorial.
Why this matters:
- It teaches core mechanics like sailing, combat, and exploration
- It introduces basic controls and systems
- It prepares you for real gameplay
This is something you should not skip. It’s the foundation of everything you’ll do later.
Safe Seas vs High Seas: Which One Should You Choose?
Before starting your session, you must choose between two game modes.
Safe Seas (Recommended for Beginners)
- Private session
- No PvP threats from other players
- Slower progression but safer learning environment
- Ideal for learning mechanics at your own pace
High Seas (Main Game Experience)
- Shared world with real players
- Full PvPvE gameplay
- Higher rewards and risk
- Can be played solo or with friends
As a beginner, you should start with Safe Seas to build confidence before moving into High Seas.
How to Start Your First Quest
Once you complete the tutorial:
- Start a new session
- Go to the Quest Table
- Choose a quest type
Common beginner-friendly quests:
- Riddle quests
- Map digging (treasure hunts)
- Gold Hoarder missions
Pick anything that sounds interesting. The goal is to start exploring and learning.
How to Make Gold in Sea of Thieves
The main objective of the game is simple: earn gold.
You will:
- Complete quests
- Fight enemies
- Explore islands
- Compete with other players
But as a beginner, you need structured ways to earn gold efficiently.
Method 1: Complete Quests
This is the most reliable method for beginners.
Why quests matter:
- Teach game mechanics
- Help you explore the map
- Provide consistent gold rewards
Focus on quests from the Quest Table early on.
Method 2: Participate in Mini Events
Mini events are quick activities that offer solid rewards and experience.
Types of Mini Events
- Skeleton Bounties
- Small groups of skeleton captains
- Found on islands
- Easy combat encounters
- Ghost Fleets
- Smaller-scale ship battles
- Good for practicing naval combat
- Message in a Bottle / Quest Boards
- Quick missions
- Localized objectives
- Fast gold rewards
These events are perfect for short sessions and quick progression.
Beginner Progression Framework (Simple Path)
If you’re unsure what to do next, follow this simple loop:
- Complete tutorial (Maiden Voyage)
- Play in Safe Seas
- Pick basic quests
- Complete 2–3 missions
- Try mini events
- Sell loot for gold
- Repeat and improve
This loop builds both skill and confidence.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the tutorial
- Jumping straight into High Seas
- Ignoring quests and exploring randomly
- Not selling loot quickly
- Taking unnecessary fights early
Practical Tips for Early Gameplay
- Always check your map before sailing
- Keep supplies stocked (food, cannonballs, wood)
- Learn basic ship control early
- Avoid unnecessary PvP fights as a beginner
- Focus on learning, not rushing gold
Conclusion
That’s everything you need to get started.
For a beginner, this information is more than enough to last for the first few weeks. I intentionally left out advanced mechanics like trading company strategies or high-level raiding because those systems can be overwhelming early on.
For now, focus on:
- Completing quests
- Learning mechanics
- Earning gold gradually
Once you gain enough experience and confidence, you’ll naturally understand how to expand your gameplay and make even more gold.
FAQ: Sea of Thieves Beginner Guide
What is the main goal in Sea of Thieves?
The main goal is to earn gold by completing quests, exploring islands, and participating in events while surviving both AI and player threats.
Should beginners play Safe Seas or High Seas?
Beginners should start with Safe Seas to learn mechanics without PvP pressure.
What is the best way to make gold early in the game?
Completing quests and participating in mini events like skeleton bounties and message-in-a-bottle missions.
Is Sea of Thieves beginner-friendly?
Yes, but only if you follow the tutorial and start in Safe Seas before moving to High Seas.
Can you play Sea of Thieves solo?
Yes, you can play solo, but playing with friends makes the experience easier and more enjoyable.