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Sea of Thieves

Sea of Thieves' excellent gameplay loop and compelling world make up for some minor issues. Rare still has work to do here, but this is a great start.
Sea of Thieves Game Cover
80%Game Brain Score
Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability
89% User Score Based on 161,539 reviews
Critic Score 69%Based on 8 reviews

Platforms

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Sea of Thieves Game Cover

About Sea of Thieves

Sea of Thieves is a single player and multiplayer open world shooter game with a fantasy theme. It was developed by Rare Ltd and was released on June 2, 2020. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

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Games Like Sea of Thieves

Looking for games like Sea of Thieves? Here are top open world shooter recommendations with a fantasy focus, selected from player-similarity data — start with Sea of Thieves, Skull and Bones or DayZ.

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Reviews

89%Audience ScoreBased on 161,539 reviews
story1.9k positive mentions
grinding1.8k negative mentions
  • The humor in 'Sea of Thieves' creates hilarious moments through chaotic interactions and absurd gameplay, especially when played with friends.
  • The game features stunning graphics and an immersive atmosphere, enhanced by beautiful ocean visuals and a captivating soundtrack.
  • The cooperative multiplayer mechanics and dynamic world provide endless replayability, allowing for unique adventures and memorable experiences with friends.
  • The game suffers from a lack of structured narrative and repetitive quests, which can detract from the overall enjoyment, especially for those seeking a deeper story experience.
  • Technical issues, including bugs, glitches, and server problems, significantly disrupt gameplay and frustrate players.
  • The presence of a toxic player base and exploitative PvP mechanics can lead to frustrating experiences, particularly for newcomers.

  • story

    8,261 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    23% positive mentions, 70% neutral mentions, 7% negative mentions

    The story aspect of "Sea of Thieves" is characterized by a mix of engaging tall tales and repetitive fetch quests, with players often feeling that the narrative lacks depth and cohesion. While the game offers a variety of missions and opportunities for emergent storytelling through player interactions, many players express frustration over the predominance of PvP elements that disrupt their questing experience, making it difficult to enjoy the story-driven content without being attacked. Overall, the game is praised for its beautiful graphics and immersive world, but the lack of a structured narrative and the grind-heavy nature of quests can detract from the overall enjoyment, especially for those seeking a more traditional story experience.

    • “These story-driven quests are expertly crafted, blending puzzles, exploration, combat, and mystery.”
    • “Each tale feels like stepping into a chapter of a living pirate legend — complete with ancient relics, cursed treasures, haunted islands, and plot twists that rival some of the best adventure games out there.”
    • “The tall tales are must-play adventures that showcase Rare's storytelling chops and world-building mastery.”
    • “The story missions are a bit slow, and the quests can feel repetitive after a while.”
    • “The quests are all the same and repetitive, and fighting players is the only fun part but it is impossible to find them.”
    • “The story is lacking and the loot system is lacking content.”

  • gameplay

    6,466 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    37% positive mentions, 56% neutral mentions, 7% negative mentions

    The gameplay of "Sea of Thieves" is characterized by its cooperative multiplayer mechanics, allowing players to engage in sailing, treasure hunting, and naval combat. While many players appreciate the immersive sailing mechanics and the emergent storytelling that arises from player interactions, the gameplay loop can feel repetitive and grindy over time, especially for solo players. Additionally, the game's focus on PvP can lead to frustrating experiences for newcomers, as they often encounter toxic players and exploitative mechanics that detract from the overall enjoyment.

    • “This game is very fun with its adventurous gameplay and treasure hunting.”
    • “The core gameplay is fun, and the mechanics are smooth.”
    • “A deep sandbox where emergent gameplay rules: alliances, betrayals, standoffs at outposts… every session tells a different story.”
    • “Every single player also seems to have played the game daily since it was released and mastered every single mechanic, which means that as a more casual player I get flayed before I am even able to draw my sword.”
    • “Gameplay can sometimes become repetitive, and some things are hard to do, but it's all learnable and enjoyable.”
    • “The core gameplay loop is very simple and little, if anything, has been done to improve on it in the five years since the game's release.”

  • graphics

    5,111 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    66% positive mentions, 33% neutral mentions, 1% negative mentions

    The graphics of "Sea of Thieves" are widely praised for their stunning, vibrant art style that combines cartoonish elements with realistic water physics, creating an immersive pirate experience. Players appreciate the beautiful ocean visuals, dynamic weather effects, and the overall aesthetic that enhances gameplay, making exploration and sailing a visual delight. While some users note that the graphics can be demanding on lower-end systems, the game's visuals remain a standout feature, contributing significantly to its charm and appeal.

    • “The graphics are stunning, with beautiful landscapes, realistic water physics, and detailed ship models.”
    • “The art style is gorgeous and the water physics are stunning, making every voyage feel like a living painting.”
    • “The graphics are absolutely gorgeous, making every voyage a visual treat.”
    • “The graphics are extraordinarily outdated in their appeal and cosmetic shops plague every inch of the game combined with an uninspired gameplay loop.”
    • “The graphics are pretty simple, but only up front - the water graphics and physics are phenomenal.”
    • “At over 130 GB fully installed, it's absurd considering the graphics, which, while charming, don't justify such a hefty footprint.”

  • humor

    2,321 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    99% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 1% negative mentions

    The humor in "Sea of Thieves" is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the game's ability to create hilarious moments through chaotic interactions, unexpected glitches, and the antics of both friends and random players. Many reviews emphasize that the game is significantly more enjoyable and funny when played with friends, as shared experiences often lead to laughter and memorable stories. The combination of lighthearted gameplay, amusing character interactions, and the unpredictability of player encounters contributes to a vibrant and entertaining atmosphere that keeps players engaged.

    • “Sot gave me and one of my best mates hundreds of humorous and fun hours together; it helped our friendship to become as strong as it is today.”
    • “One minute we’re laughing over a stupid mistake, the next we’re fending off a random crew, and honestly, it’s pure fun.”
    • “The game is packed with a large amount of absurd humor such as shooting yourself out of cannons and fighting skeletons who will heal by eating bananas.”
    • “This is one of my favorite games to play with friends, I really owe it many great hours, and I really recommend it to anyone who wants to have a great time with friends, but the update with new content 'All Shall Sail Together: Celebrating Pride Month 2025' is an unfunny joke.”
    • “There are technically NPCs, but they do nothing of interest other than stand in place and reel off unfunny dialogue about which one-dimensional adjective they happen to be.”
    • “When you're in a sloop doing a vault (can't keep watch from a vault) and a galleon rolls up on you, you have zero chance... but don't worry, the game's PvP is matched so all have a fair fight (lololol), two versus four, so balanced it's not funny.”

  • grinding

    2,071 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    1% positive mentions, 13% neutral mentions, 86% negative mentions

    The grinding aspect of "Sea of Thieves" is a significant point of contention among players, with many describing it as both tedious and rewarding. While some enjoy the extensive time spent grinding for cosmetics and reputation, others find the repetitive nature of quests and the risk of losing hard-earned loot to be frustrating. Overall, the game is best experienced with friends, as solo play can feel particularly grindy and less enjoyable.

    • “Great game, not grindy, and really fun.”
    • “No grinding, no overarching goals that you have to get to enjoy the game.”
    • “There's no grinding to overpowered gear, or pay-to-win, or other shortcuts to becoming powerful; instead this game is an entirely skill-based sandbox, where the weapons and equipment you start with are the same ones that will carry you through the entire experience.”
    • “It kind of takes the fun out of the game when you have tedious monotonous tasks that are almost non-stop.”
    • “The grind becomes tedious fast.”
    • “The only point of money in this game is to buy skins, so endlessly grinding makes no sense to do; all weapons behave and perform the same, they just look different.”

  • music

    1,634 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    39% positive mentions, 60% neutral mentions, 1% negative mentions

    The music in "Sea of Thieves" is widely praised for its immersive and atmospheric qualities, enhancing the overall pirate experience. Players enjoy the ability to play various instruments together, creating memorable moments filled with sea shanties and camaraderie. The soundtrack, composed by Robin Beanland, is noted for its emotional depth and ability to adapt to gameplay situations, making it a standout feature of the game.

    • “The crashing waves, the dramatic swell of music as you sail into the unknown, and the calls of distant sea shanties make for an unforgettable atmospheric experience.”
    • “The soundtrack and ambient audio design further enhance the immersive, swashbuckling atmosphere.”
    • “The music in this game is simply breathtaking (especially in the tall tales). In every moment of gameplay, the music is present and feels appropriate to the situation you'll find yourself in.”
    • “The music, the sound design, and the gameplay make Sea of Thieves a must-have.”
    • “The soundtrack and sound design only add to the immersion, making every voyage feel like a cinematic adventure.”
    • “The music is decent, but the gameplay can be repetitive and the multiplayer system can be frustrating.”

  • stability

    1,007 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    3% positive mentions, 1% neutral mentions, 96% negative mentions

    The stability of "Sea of Thieves" is widely criticized, with players reporting a plethora of bugs, glitches, and server issues that significantly disrupt gameplay. Many users express frustration over persistent technical problems, including game crashes, connectivity issues, and unresponsive mechanics, which detract from the overall experience. Despite these challenges, some players still find enjoyment in the game, often attributing the glitches to humorous moments rather than outright game-breaking issues.

    • “The game generally runs great, which is surprising for an Unreal Engine game of this scope, and to be honest, the stylistics look very pretty.”
    • “It runs great on Xbox and PC; I have never had any issues on either platform.”
    • “The game runs great on laptops, even with the beautiful graphics.”
    • “The game is an absolute mess of bugs and glitches and toxic community members.”
    • “The constant frustration of losing progress due to these glitches is enough to drive any player to abandon ship.”
    • “This game is a buggy, unfinished, low effort, low creativity waste of 40 bucks.”

  • atmosphere

    523 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    67% positive mentions, 32% neutral mentions, 1% negative mentions

    The atmosphere in "Sea of Thieves" is widely praised for its stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and vibrant pirate-themed aesthetics, creating a captivating experience that draws players into a world of adventure. Many reviewers highlight the dynamic weather, beautiful sunsets, and the enchanting soundtrack, which together enhance the feeling of exploration and camaraderie, especially when playing with friends. However, some players express concerns about the impact of toxic interactions and PvP elements on the overall enjoyment of the game's otherwise rich and atmospheric environment.

    • “The crashing waves, the dramatic swell of music as you sail into the unknown, and the calls of distant sea shanties make for an unforgettable atmospheric experience.”
    • “The game's stunning visuals and immersive atmosphere make every moment feel like a swashbuckling adventure.”
    • “The atmosphere, soundtrack, attention to detail, and difficulty levels make for a really great experience.”
    • “The family-friendly look, the jolly atmosphere in most places, the lore, it can't make up for the constant risk of some PvP-dedicated crew rolling on by, killing you and sinking your ship while you can do nothing about it due to being outnumbered and likely vastly outmatched in terms of skill.”
    • “There is nothing wrong with this game as a sense of poor quality, but rather a sense of a poor player atmosphere is what ruins the experience of enjoying this game.”
    • “I love the atmosphere and content of the game, unfortunately the veteran community ruin the experience, often times acting in a rude manner, bullying new/inexperienced players.”

  • optimization

    399 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    26% positive mentions, 49% neutral mentions, 25% negative mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, particularly during high-action moments or in multiplayer scenarios. While some users experience smooth gameplay on high-end systems, others struggle with lag, stuttering, and low frame rates, especially on lower-end hardware. Overall, the game's optimization appears to be inconsistent, with frequent updates often exacerbating existing problems rather than resolving them.

    • “Good performance (180-200fps on my laptop 3060), huge world, unique gameplay.”
    • “Sea of Thieves runs smoothly on a range of systems, offering visually appealing graphics and enjoyable gameplay without demanding high-end hardware.”
    • “The game is very well optimized and has awesome gameplay.”
    • “The game is poorly optimized with every update almost adding a quintillion GB to the game updates that add almost nothing substantial like for example new areas or events that are new.”
    • “This game is riddled with pointless microtransactions, a toxic player base that will kill you for having the gall to want to have fun, and truly some of the most horribly optimized and buggy physics I've ever seen.”
    • “The optimization of this game is extremely horrible ever since I bought the game, but this season has been over the top; playing the PvP mode now spawns me halfway above water constantly going above and below it - can't hit anything properly this way.”

  • monetization

    343 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    7% positive mentions, 64% neutral mentions, 29% negative mentions

    The monetization model of the game has drawn mixed reactions from players. While many appreciate that all microtransactions are purely cosmetic and do not affect gameplay, there is significant criticism regarding the sheer volume of in-game purchases in a full-priced game, with some labeling it a cash grab. Players express frustration over the presence of expensive microtransactions, particularly for cosmetics, and the feeling that the game prioritizes monetization over core gameplay improvements.

    • “The in-game purchases don't feel overpriced and they are not overpowered either.”
    • “One of the few games out right now that I feel values the players having fun over everything else; the microtransactions aren't predatory, are entirely cosmetic, and are reasonably priced.”
    • “All updates to Sea of Thieves are free and the only microtransactions are purely cosmetic.”
    • “The game is constantly becoming more unplayable through bugs, cheaters, and its in-game purchases are becoming more and more predatory, and yet Rare has chosen to set its priorities against its own player base.”
    • “For a €40 game, there are way too many microtransactions, mostly cosmetics, but also pets, emotes, etc.”
    • “I just bought this game for forty freaking dollars and it is a relentless spam of microtransactions.”

  • emotional

    267 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    98% positive mentions, 1% neutral mentions, 1% negative mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is a complex blend of heartwarming and heartbreaking experiences, with players often describing it as an emotional rollercoaster. Many highlight the wholesome interactions within the community, where alliances and shared adventures can lead to memorable moments, while others express frustration and sadness over losses, betrayals, and toxic encounters. Overall, the game elicits a wide range of emotions, from joy and camaraderie to disappointment and heartbreak, making it a deeply engaging experience for players.

    • “This game is one of the most inspirational and emotional games I have ever played. When you're sitting with your mates just singing 'Wellerman' while playing music to the sound of waves and the wind hitting your face, it makes the game feel like heaven.”
    • “The tall tale stories are high quality and heartwarming.”
    • “I shed a tear when he handed me one of my gems that I didn't even know I had.”
    • “They spend months and months working on a boring story that half the players completely ignore, just for the whole event to end in two weeks.”
    • “The story in this game is probably one of the most dragged out, repetitive, and absolutely boring storylines I've ever tried to experience.”
    • “Linear and boring storylines.”

  • replayability

    249 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    49% positive mentions, 46% neutral mentions, 5% negative mentions

    The game is widely praised for its high replayability, with many players highlighting the joy of exploring its vast world, engaging in dynamic multiplayer interactions, and experiencing unique moments with friends. While some reviews note that the gameplay can become repetitive over time, frequent updates and diverse activities help maintain interest, making it a favorite for both casual and competitive players. Overall, it is considered one of the most replayable games available, offering endless adventures and opportunities for fun.

    • “It's not just the best pirate game ever made—it's one of the most joyful, liberating, and endlessly replayable games of all time.”
    • “With its dynamic world, ever-changing encounters, and regular content updates, Sea of Thieves provides endless replayability and a sense of ongoing adventure.”
    • “Having spent countless hours exploring its endless horizons, battling skeleton hordes, and sharing unforgettable moments with my crew, I can confidently say that Sea of Thieves is one of the most magical, immersive, and endlessly replayable games I have ever played.”
    • “Game has very little replayability.”
    • “This game is great for a few weeks, but the long seasons with one content update every 4 months hurts the replayability of this game.”
    • “With content being removed, I really cannot recommend this game whatsoever. I know many people will disagree, and I know other games have removed content too, but for Sea of Thieves, which relies a lot on a few events being replayable, I really think this hurts the game in a way I don't see how they can recover from.”

  • character development

    30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    27% positive mentions, 56% neutral mentions, 17% negative mentions

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag, with some players praising the unique and varied character designs while others criticize them as unappealing or poorly executed. While there are opportunities for character growth through missions, many reviewers feel that the overall character development is lacking, with repetitive gameplay and a lack of coherent story diminishing the experience. The aesthetic appeal of the character designs and environments is noted, but it does not compensate for the perceived shortcomings in character progression and depth.

    • “Player character design is unique and varied.”
    • “The character design is on point!”
    • “The character designs are varied, playful, and seemingly endless, although I wish there was a fully customizable character creation option and a third-person view option so the vanity items players work for could be appreciated by the player who earns them.”
    • “Worst character designer ever, of all time, like complete garbage.”
    • “There is no coherent story to speak of, the gameplay is super repetitive, no character development at all, super annoying riddles and puzzles... not recommending even in a sale.”
    • “No character development, no interesting quest rewards.”
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Critic Reviews

69%Critics’ scoreBased on 8 critic reviews
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Play Times

30h Median play time
379h Average play time
8-174h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 732 analyzed playthroughs
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Videos

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Game News

December in Sea of Thieves Features Holiday Gifts, Special Events, and the Start of a New Season

December 9 on mmorpg.com

Sea of Thieves Previews Season 18: Return to the Devil's Roar

December 3 on mmorpg.com

Fancy playing Sea of Thieves without the PvP? This pirate-themed survival game just left early access with a big update and a launch discount

November 15 on pcgamer.com

Sea of Thieves Season 18 Pushed Back to December, New Update This Week

November 10 on mmorpg.com
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Frequently Asked Questions

Sea of Thieves is a open world shooter game with fantasy theme. Common tags for Sea of Thieves include first-person, trading, pirates, exploration, gaming and others.

Sea of Thieves is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, Phone, Xbox One and others.

On average players spend around 379 hours playing Sea of Thieves.

Sea of Thieves was released on June 2, 2020.

Sea of Thieves was developed by Rare Ltd.

Sea of Thieves has received positive reviews from players. Most players liked Sea of Thieves for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Sea of Thieves is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Sea of Thieves, Skull and Bones, DayZ, ARC Raiders, Tom Clancy's The Division 2 and others.