Sea Of Thieves: Safer Seas, Explained

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• What's The Difference Between High Seas And Safer Seas?

• How To Swap Between High Seas And Safer Seas

• How Many Players Can You Have In A Safer Seas Crew?

Rare's aargh-mazing pirate multiplayer game Sea of Thieves is setting sails for safer shores with the Safer Seas mode, which will allow players to enjoy the game without the threat of other pirates invading their space, sinking their ship, and making off with their hard-earned loot.

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With the arrival of Safer Seas on December 7, 2023, the regular mode players were accustomed to previously is now known as High Seas. There are extra differences between the two modes, so we've broken down everything you need to know about the different modes and restrictions right here.

What's The Difference Between High Seas And Safer Seas?

Safer Seas offers a mode where players can enjoy the game on a single crew server. This means they won't fall victim to other marauding players, though they'll still be threatened by NPCs, such as Skeleton Ships, Ghost Ships, Megalodons, and more.

Safer Seas allows players to enjoy the narrative and Tall Tales available in the game, as well as general gameplay, without being disturbed by others. However, there are some limitations in terms of available content.

High Seas is the other mode, which is essentially Sea of Thieves as we've always known it, where other players and crews are adventuring on the same server in a shared world.

Available Content

High Seas

Safer Seas

Same Pirate Character

✔

✔

Open Crew

✔

✘

Co-Op With A Crew Of Friends

✔

✔

Gold Earned

100%

70%

Prices of Items

100%

100%

Reputation Earned

100%

70%

Athena’s Fortune Reputation Earned

✔

✘

Reaper’s Bones Reputation Earned

✔

✘

Guardians of Fortune Allegiance Earned

✔

✘

Servants of the Flame Allegiance Earned

✔

✘

Gold Hoarders, Order of Souls, Merchant Alliance and Hunter’s Call Level Cap

✔

Reputation Level 40 Cap.

Letters of Recommendation

✔

✘

Doubloons Earned

100%

100%

There are fewer ways to earn Doubloons, though.

Ancient Coins Earned

100%

100%

Ancient Skeletons

✔

✔

Seasonal Renown

100%

100%

Though some Trials are unavailable.

Live Events

✔

✘

Lazybeard

✔

✔

Cosmetic Shops/Outpost Shops/Guardians of Fortune/Servants of the Flame Shops

✔

✔

Gold Hoarders/Order of Souls/Merchant Alliance/Hunter’s Call Company Shops

✔

Cannot purchase Emissary Flags, Promotions, or Company Items after Reputation Level 40.

Athena’s Fortune/Reaper’s Bones Company Shops

✔

✘

Treasure

✔

Certain Treasures are unavailable.

Pirate Legend

✔

✘

Maps And Buried Treasure

✔

You can still bury maps and create maps, but you cannot post maps to the Quest Board.

Voyages

✔

Not all Voyages are available in Safer Seas. For example, Safer Seas, Athena’s Fortune Voyages, Skull Stash Voyages, and Gilded Voyages are unavailable.

Tall Tales

✔

✔

Hourglass Faction Battles

✔

Unavailable, as you cannot pledge allegiance to either the Guardians of Fortune or Servants of the Flame.

Faction Hideouts

✔

Available if you have unlocked them in High Seas.

Emissary Play

✔

✘

Captained Ships

✔

✘

Related features such as Milestones, Saving your Ship Cosmetics, Captain’s Voyages, and exchanging treasure at the Sovereigns are not available either.

Guild Ships

✔

✘

World Event

✔

Megalodon

✔

✔

Kraken

✔

✔

Skeleton Ships

✔

✔

Ghost Ships

✔

✔

Skeleton Forts

✔

✔

Ashen Lords

✔

✔

Sea Forts

✔

✔

Sunken Kingdom Treasuries And Shrines

✔

✔

Fort of Fortune

✔

✘

Reaper's Chests and Reaper's Bounties

✔

✘

Chest of Fortune

✔

✘

Commendations

✔

Commendations are more limited due to the unavailability of certain features. We have a more detailed breakdown here.

Achievements

✔

Certain Achievements are not available in Safer Seas due to the limitation on specific features. We have a more detailed breakdown here.

Seasonal Rewards And Plunder Pass

Seasonal progress is shared across both High Seas and Safer Seas, with Renown being earned exactly the same in either mode.

There are some Trials that are unavailable in Safer Seas.

Treasure Restrictions In Safer Seas

The following Treasures are unavailable in Safer Seas:

• Any Athena’s Fortune Treasures
• Chest of Fortune
• Generous Gift
• Humble Gift
• Rag and Bone Crate
• Reaper's Bounty
• Reaper's Chest
• Ritual Skull
• Skull of Destiny
• Any Tomes

Commendation Restrictions In Safer Seas

When it comes to Athena's Fortune Commendations, only the following is available:

• Legendary Hunter of the Shrouded Ghost

• Defeat The Shrouded Ghost in a chance encounter five times as a Pirate Legend.

When it comes to Guardians of Fortune Commendations, only the following is available:

• Blessing of Athena's Fortune

• Take part in the Blessing of Athena's Fortune ceremony.

When it comes to Servants of the Flame Commendations, only the following is available:

• Ritual of the Flame

• Take part in the Ritual of the Flame.

When it comes to Mercenary Voyages Commendations, only the following is available:

• Sketchy Stranger

• Find all of the sketches made by Stitcher Jim's beloved.

There are no Reaper's Bones, Fort of the Damned Commendations, Sea Forts, or Chests of Fortune in Safer Seas.

The following Commendations are not available in Safer Seas:

Gold Hoarders:

Emissary of Gold

Become an Emissary for the Gold Hoarders.

Worthy Emissary of Gold

Reach Gold Hoarders Emissary Grade 2 100 times.

Dedicated Emissary of Gold

Reach Gold Hoarders Emissary Grade 3 80 times.

Esteemed Emissary of Gold

Reach Gold Hoarders Emissary Grade 4 40 times.

Unrivalled Emissary of Gold

Reach Gold Hoarders Emissary Grade 5, 20 times.

Golden Tribute

Sell 600 Gold Hoarder Treasures while flying the Gold Hoarders Emissary Flag.

Eminent Hoarder

Sell 320 Gold Hoarder Treasures while flying a Grade 5 Gold Hoarders Emissary Flag.

Hoarder's Garb

Represent the Gold Hoarders through your appearance while sailing as an Emissary.

Hoarder's Livery

Represent the Gold Hoarders through your ship's appearance while sailing as an Emissary.

Hoarders Through and Through

As Emissaries, fully represent the Gold Hoarders through your crew and your ship's appearance.

Order of Souls Commendations

Emissary of Souls

Become an Emissary for the Order of Souls.

Worthy Emissary of Souls

Reach Order of Souls Emissary Grade 2 100 times.

Dedicated Emissary of Souls

Reach Order of Souls Emissary Grade 3 80 times.

Esteemed Emissary of Souls

Reach Order of Souls Emissary Grade 4 40 times.

Unrivalled Emissary of Souls

Reach Order of Souls Emissary Grade 5 20 times.

Gathering Secrets

Sell 600 Order of Souls Treasures while flying the Order of Souls Emissary Flag.

Honoured Mystic

Sell 320 Order of Souls Treasures while flying a Grade 5 Order of Souls Emissary Flag.

Order's Garb

Represent the Order of Souls through your appearance while sailing as an Emissary.

Order's Livery

Represent the Order of Souls through your ship's appearance while sailing as an Emissary.

Order Through and Through

As Emissaries, fully represent the Order of Souls through your crew and your Ship's appearance.

Scourge of Brutal Bastions

Defeat ten Forts of Fortune.

United Against the Damned

Defeat 25 Ghost Ships whilst in an Alliance.

United Against the Flame

Defeat the Burning Blade whilst in an Alliance.

Merchant Alliance Commendations

Emissary of Merchants

Become an Emissary for the Merchant Alliance.

Worthy Emissary of Merchants

Reach Merchant Alliance Emissary Grade 2 100 times.

Dedicated Emissary of Merchants

Reach Merchant Alliance Emissary Grade 3 80 times.

Esteemed Emissary of Merchants

Reach Merchant Alliance Emissary Grade 4 40 times.

Unrivalled Emissary of Merchants

Reach Merchant Alliance Emissary Grade 5 20 times.

Precious Commodities

Deliver 600 Merchant Alliance Consignments while flying the Merchant Alliance Emissary Flag.

Prestigious Merchant

Deliver 320 Merchant Alliance Consignments while flying a Grade 5 Merchant Alliance Emissary Flag.

Merchant's Garb

Represent the Merchant Alliance through your appearance while sailing as an Emissary.

Merchant's Livery

Represent the Merchant Alliance through your ship's appearance while sailing as an Emissary.

Merchants Through and Through

As Emissaries, fully represent the Merchant Alliance through your crew and your Ship's appearance.

Haggler of Surplus Stock

Purchase 250 Merchant Commodities at a discounted price.

Profiteer of Sought Stock

Sell 250 Merchant Commodities at an inflated price.

Taker of Stolen Stock

Sell 50 Stolen Merchant Commodities at an inflated price.

Master of Shifted Stock

Make the most possible profit buying and selling 150 Merchant Commodities.

Hunter's Call Commendations

• Captain of The Killer Whale

• Purchase all parts of The Killer Whale Ship.

Skeleton Thrones Commendations

Rest in the Cove's Secret Throne

Find and sit in the Skeleton Throne at Cannon Cove with another Crew.

Plunder the Secret Throne

Find and sit in the Skeleton Throne at Plunder Outpost with another Crew.

Sit in the Throne Amongst the Wreckage

Find and sit in the Skeleton Throne at Shipwreck Bay with another Crew.

Smuggle into the Throne Close to the Bay

Find and sit in the Skeleton Throne on the Sea Rock near Smuggler's Bay with another Crew.

Maraud in the Throne Found Up High

Find and sit in the Skeleton Throne at Marauder's Arch with another Crew.

Gunpowder Skeletons Commendations

Gunpowder Plot

Destroy five Skeletons at the same time by Shooting a Gunpowder Skeleton on an active Skeleton Fort while at least one other Crew is on the Island at the same time.

Legendary Gunpowder Plot

Destroy five Skeletons at the same time by Shooting a Gunpowder Skeleton on an active Skeleton Fort while at least one other Crew is on the Island at the same time. (20 times)

Cursed Sails Commendations

• United Scourge of Skeleton Ships

• Defeat 25 Skeleton Ships whilst in an Alliance.

Cursed Crews Commendations

The Curse Of The Afflicted Helm

Curse another crew's ship with Helmball while flying the Reaper's Mark flag.

The Curse Of The Enslaving Chain

Curse another crews' ship with Anchorball while flying the Reaper's Mark flag.

The Curse Of The Treacherous Bounty

Curse another crew's ship with Barrelball while flying the Reaper's Mark flag.

The Curse Of The Siren's Gale

Curse another crew's ship with Riggingball while flying the Reaper's Mark flag.

The Curse Of The Thieves Burden

Curse another crew's ship with Ballastball while flying the Reaper's Mark flag.

The Curse Of The Pacifists Demise

Curse another crew's ship with Peaceball while flying the Reaper's Mark flag.

Cursed Voyager

Complete five Voyages while flying the Reaper's Mark.

Legendary Cursed Voyager

Complete 30 Voyages while flying the Reaper's Mark.

The Cursed Crews

Complete one Voyage as a crew flying the Reaper's Mark while in an Alliance.

Forsaken Shores Commendations

• Fleet Cargo Runner

• Deliver three pieces of Cargo on time and in prime condition (while in an Alliance).

Festival of the Damned Commendations

The Flame of Embattled Souls

Ignite your lantern with a pink Flame of Fate from the Ferry of the Damned.

Alliance of the Damned

Be in an alliance with all ship lanterns ignited in the same colour.

The Festival Party Boat

Ignite your Ship's Lanterns using Flames Of Fate of all six colours.

Legends of the Sea Commendations

• The Legend of Glitterbeard

• Carry on the Legend.

Ashen Treasures Commendations

Tome Raider

Open a stolen Ashen Chest.

Key of Thieves

Use a stolen  Ashen Key.

All Tome Commendations

Crews of Rage Commendations

Fortress Inferno

Use fire against five skeletons at once, on an active Fort with another crew present.

Raging Fortress Inferno

Use fire against five skeletons at once, on an active Fort with another crew present, ten times.

Hot Goods

Sell a stolen Chest of Rage.

Blazing Hot Goods

Sell three stolen Chests of Rage.

Raging Hot Goods

Sell five stolen Chests of Rage.

Buried Treasures Commendations

Master Cartographer

Donate Treasure Stash maps to a Quest Board. (25 maps)

Benevolent Benefactor

You donated a Treasure Stash map that has a huge number of treasures marked.

Stolen Secrets

Place a stolen Map Bundle onto your Captain's Table.

Burying the Past

Bury valuable treasures that were stolen from another crew.

Nothing To See Here

Bury a valuable treasure while another crew is at the same location.

Hider of Legendary Secrets

Bury treasures of value to the Athena's Fortune Company. (20 treasures)

Skies of Friendship

Set off fireworks while in an Alliances.

Gunpowder, Treason and Plot

Start a fire on another crew's ship by setting off a firework.

Warning Shot

Set off a Signal Flare when another crew is nearby.

Sleepover

Sleep in a bed aboard another crew's ship.

Legend of Buried Treasures

Legendary Commendation: Complete all Buried Treasures Commendations.

Achievement Restrictions In Safer Seas

The following Achievements are unavailable in Safer Seas.

I Don’t See Your Ship

You fought a crew, stood strong and brave and sent their ship to a watery grave!

You Can Always Trust The Untrustworthy

Plundered from an unwary crew, their Captain’s Chest cashed in – by you!

TacticalChunder

When threatened at sword point, remember this trick: blind your poor foe with a bucket of sick!

I'll Drink To That

Two different crews, their tankards held high, will meet at a tavern and drain them all dry!

In Good Company

A Company’s items are sold to the loyal, five upgrades rewards you with their finest spoil!

Did Everyone See That?

A heavy attack while you've boarded their ship may send your foe over the side for a dip!

Become Pirate Legend

A true Pirate Legend is one of the greats and for them, Athena’s Fortune awaits…

Ignoring The Rules Of Engagement

To strike from behind is a sneaky attack that leads to a blunderbuss shot in the back!

Legends - "The Greatest Race of All Time!"

Side by side, two ships must race with weapons silenced for first place!

Legends - "This is Unacceptable!"

A chest of yours has gone astray and been cashed in as some thief’s pay!

Legends - "The Skullduggers"

Five legends from across the sea playing instruments in harmony!

Master Gold Hoarder

You’ve gathered gold from near and far. A Master Hoarder now, you are!

Master of the Order

Sun-bleached skulls from across the ocean earn the Order's highest Promotion!

Master Merchant

The Merchant Alliance applauds your devotion bestowing upon you a Master Promotion!

Master of the Hunters

Purchase the Master Hunter Promotion from The Hunter's Call Trading Company.

A Spectrum of Shadows

Defeat each colour of Shadow of Fate.

Summoning the Damned

Activate the Fort of the Damned by lighting all six Flames of Fate and sacrificing a Ritual Skull.

Defeating the Damned

Clear the Fort of the Damned of all enemies.

Banishing the Damned

Clear the Fort of the Damned of all enemies ten times.

Collector of Legendary Treasures

Find and sell at least one of each Legendary Treasure.

Golden Ticket

Be part of a crew that votes to raise an Emissary Flag for the Gold Hoarders.

Ship of Souls

Be part of a crew that votes to raise an Emissary Flag for the Order of Souls.

Trade Ambassador

Be part of a crew that votes to raise an Emissary Flag for the Merchant Alliance.

For Athena

Be part of a crew that votes to raise an Emissary Flag for Athena's Fortune.

The Reaping Begins

Be part of a crew that votes to raise an Emissary Flag for the Reaper's Bones.

So… Many… Chests!

Be promoted to level 75 with the Gold Hoarders.

Taking Heads

Be promoted to level 75 with the Order of Souls.

Deliverance

Be promoted to level 75 with the Merchant Alliance.

Legen… Wait for it… Dary!

Be promoted to level 20 with Athena's Fortune.

You Reap What You See

Be promoted to level 75 with the Reaper's Bones.

Gold Hoarder Incarnate

Represent the Order of Souls in the Grandee Tier at the closure of an Emissary Ledger five times.

The Order's Finest

Represent the Order of Souls in the Grandee Tier at the closure of an Emissary Ledger five times.

Employee of the Month

Represent the Merchant Alliance in the Admiral Tier at the closure of an Emissary Ledger five times.

Athena's Greatest

Represent Athena's Fortune in the Legend Tier at the closure of an Emissary Ledger five times.

Feeding the Flame

Represent the Reaper's Bones in the Master Tier at the closure of an Emissary Ledger five times.

The Legend of Glitterbeard

Discover the final message left behind by Glitterbeard. (Secret Achievement)

Convenient Stores

Supplies from the Merchants will save you a wait. Buy every Resource and Commodity Crate!

Stolen Secrets

Steal a Map Bundle from another crew.

Sleepover

Sleep in a bed aboard another crew's ship.

Master Cartographer

Donate Treasure Stash maps to a Quest Board.

Beholder of Buried Treasures

Complete all Buried Treasures Commendations.

Veil Seeker

Complete 100 Legend of the Veil Quests

Legendary Loot Seller

Sell 500 Legendary Treasures

True Legend

Complete 25 Legend of the Veil Voyages as a Grade five Athena Emissary

O Captain!

Set sail on a Captained ship as one of the crew.

The Quartermaster

Stock your ship with each type of supply using the Ship's Manifest.

A Crewed Wisdom

Read another crew's Captain's Log.

The Art Collector

Place 15 trinkets aboard a Captained ship at once.

Ready for Next Time

Save a fully-decorated, Captained ship in the Ship Decoration Chest.

Chasing the Horizon

Spend ten days at sea aboard a Captained ship, either as the Captain or one of the crew.

A Veteran Voyager

Complete 30 Captain's Voyages aboard a Captained ship.

A Touch of Class

Hand in 200 treasure items to the Sovereigns.

That's 'Captain', Mate...

Set sail as a Captain of Adventure for the first time.

A Professional Pirate

Unlock a Legendary Title by progressing your Pirate Milestones.

You Gotta Fight

Win your first fight in the Battle for the Sea of Thieves.

A Sunken Century

Sink 100 Faction ships in the Battle for the Sea of Thieves.

Nigh Unsinkable!

Earn an Allegiance Streak of four for either Faction.

Getting A Head

Uncover a Skull of Destiny.

Hot-Headed

Use a Skull of Destiny to begin three Fort of the Damned events.

Fortune-ate Outcome

Conquer three Forts of Fortune.

A Favour for the Flame

Hand in 30 Reaper's Chests or Reaper's Bounties.

Favour the Bold

Hand in 30 Chests of Fortune.

All Tome Achievements

How To Swap Between High Seas And Safer Seas

When you set sail, you can choose between High Seas and Safer Seas. You cannot swap mode mid-game, and you will have to join or start a new sessions to be able to change between the two.

How Many Players Can You Have In A Safer Seas Crew?

You can set sail with up to three other players, meaning that Crews are capped at a maximum of four players. This is the same limitation for crews playing in High Seas.

The number of players in your crew will affect which type of ship you have.

Sloop

2 Players

Brigantine

3 Players

Galleon

4 Players

Sea Of Thieves: How Captaincy Works

If you want to be a pirate captain, this guide will explain how to buy your own ship and what perks captaincy will give you.