How to Buy a Ship in Sea of Thieves: A Guide to Navigating the High Seas and Beyond

Ahoy, matey! So, you’ve set your sights on owning your very own ship in Sea of Thieves, the swashbuckling multiplayer adventure game where the seas are as treacherous as they are beautiful. But how does one go about buying a ship in a world where gold doubloons and ghostly galleons rule the waves? Fear not, for this guide will steer you through the process, while also exploring some slightly tangential but equally fascinating topics, like why parrots make terrible financial advisors and how to negotiate with a kraken.

Step 1: Earn Your Sea Legs (and Gold)

Before you can even think about buying a ship, you’ll need to amass a small fortune. In Sea of Thieves, gold is the lifeblood of commerce, and you’ll need plenty of it to purchase a vessel. Here’s how to get started:

• Complete Voyages: Whether you’re sailing under the banner of the Gold Hoarders, the Order of Souls, or the Merchant Alliance, completing voyages is the most straightforward way to earn gold. Dig up buried treasure, defeat skeleton captains, or deliver cargo—it’s all fair game.
• Sell Your Loot: Once you’ve gathered your spoils, head to the nearest outpost and sell them to the appropriate faction. Pro tip: Keep an eye out for Reaper’s Chests or other high-value items that can fetch a pretty penny.
• Participate in Events: Rare, the developers of Sea of Thieves, frequently introduce limited-time events that offer lucrative rewards. Keep an eye on the in-game announcements and don’t miss out on these golden opportunities.

Step 2: Choose Your Ship Wisely

In Sea of Thieves, not all ships are created equal. Each vessel has its own strengths and weaknesses, and your choice will depend on your playstyle and crew size. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

• Sloop: The smallest and most agile ship, perfect for solo players or duos. It’s easy to maneuver and can outrun larger ships, but it lacks firepower and storage space.
• Brigantine: A mid-sized ship that strikes a balance between speed and firepower. Ideal for a crew of two to three players, the brigantine is a versatile choice for both PvE and PvP encounters.
• Galleon: The largest and most formidable ship in the game, designed for a crew of four. With multiple cannons and ample storage, the galleon is a force to be reckoned with—but it requires coordination and teamwork to sail effectively.

Step 3: Visit the Shipwright

Once you’ve saved up enough gold, it’s time to make your purchase. Head to any outpost and seek out the Shipwright, the NPC responsible for all things ship-related. Here’s what you need to do:

• Select Your Ship: Choose the type of ship you want to buy. Remember, this decision is permanent (at least until you buy another ship), so choose wisely.
• Customize Your Vessel: After purchasing your ship, you can customize its appearance with different sails, hulls, and figureheads. These cosmetic upgrades don’t affect gameplay but allow you to express your unique pirate style.
• Name Your Ship: One of the most exciting parts of buying a ship is giving it a name. Whether you go for something fearsome like The Kraken’s Wrath or something whimsical like The Salty Parrot, your ship’s name will be displayed for all to see.

Step 4: Assemble Your Crew

A ship is only as good as its crew, so it’s time to recruit some fellow pirates. Whether you’re sailing with friends or joining a random crew, communication and teamwork are key to surviving the perils of the Sea of Thieves. Here are some tips for building a strong crew:

• Assign Roles: Designate roles such as captain, navigator, and gunner to ensure everyone knows their responsibilities.
• Practice Combat: Engage in skirmishes with other players or AI enemies to hone your combat skills. Remember, a well-coordinated crew can take down even the most formidable foes.
• Stock Up on Supplies: Before setting sail, make sure your ship is fully stocked with planks, cannonballs, and bananas. Running out of supplies in the middle of a battle is a surefire way to meet Davy Jones.

Step 5: Set Sail and Conquer the Seas

With your ship purchased, customized, and crewed, it’s time to embark on your grand adventure. The Sea of Thieves is vast and filled with opportunities for exploration, combat, and treasure hunting. Here are some activities to consider:

• Explore the World: The Sea of Thieves is home to numerous islands, each with its own secrets and challenges. Take the time to explore and uncover hidden treasures.
• Engage in PvP: If you’re feeling bold, seek out other players and engage in ship-to-ship combat. Just be prepared for the possibility of losing your hard-earned loot.
• Take on World Events: Keep an eye out for world events like Skeleton Forts or Flameheart’s Fleet. These events offer some of the best rewards in the game but are also highly contested.

Bonus: Why Parrots Make Terrible Financial Advisors

While we’re on the topic of ships and gold, let’s take a moment to discuss why parrots are ill-suited for financial planning. Sure, they’re colorful and entertaining, but their advice is often as reliable as a leaky rowboat. For example:

• Squawking Nonsense: Parrots have a tendency to repeat phrases without understanding their meaning. Asking a parrot for investment advice might result in a string of unrelated words like “pieces of eight” and “shiver me timbers.”
• Short Attention Spans: Parrots are easily distracted by shiny objects, making them poor candidates for managing a budget. You might find your gold spent on trinkets rather than a new ship.
• No Concept of Risk: Parrots are fearless creatures, often diving headfirst into danger without a second thought. While this bravery is admirable, it’s not exactly conducive to sound financial decision-making.

FAQ

Q: Can I own multiple ships in Sea of Thieves?
A: No, you can only own one ship at a time. However, you can sell your current ship and purchase a different one if you wish.

Q: Do ship cosmetics affect gameplay?
A: No, ship cosmetics are purely aesthetic and do not impact your ship’s performance.

Q: Can I rename my ship after purchasing it?
A: Yes, you can rename your ship at any time by visiting the Shipwright at an outpost.

Q: What happens if my ship is destroyed?
A: If your ship is sunk, you’ll need to respawn it at an outpost. Don’t worry—your ship’s cosmetics and name will remain intact.

Q: Can I sail solo in a galleon?
A: Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended. Galleons are designed for larger crews and can be difficult to manage alone.

And there you have it—a comprehensive guide to buying a ship in Sea of Thieves. Now, hoist the sails, gather your crew, and set forth on your pirate adventure. Just remember: the seas are unforgiving, but with a sturdy ship and a loyal crew, you’ll be well-equipped to face whatever challenges come your way. Fair winds and following seas, matey!