Beginning early next year, we can expect to see some new changes coming to Sea of Thieves, Rare’s popular multiplayer pirate sandbox adventure game. Two of the biggest changes to the game we are anticipating is the new battle-pass progression system as well as the implementation of a season update model. Each season will be three months long, instead of the system that is in place right now which introduces a new update once a month. These seasonal updates will include new enemies and events, as well as smaller gameplay aspects like voyages and treasure hunts.
The battle pass system, which is free, will allow users to gain new cosmetic items for their pirate as well as their ship through a new progression system of 100 levels known as “Pirate Renown.” This will exist next to the current trading company progression system in order to give players a sense of progression within this shorter seasonal mode. When users reach the level of Pirate Legend, they will receive exclusive rewards. There is also the option to purchase a premium version of the original battle pass called the Plunder Pass, which offers users unique rewards and discounts on existing Pirate Emporium items.
Rare has said there would be a new addition to the game every seasonal update. For this one, there is a new Merchant Alliance voyage type where players will be sent into the world to follow clues to find lost shipments and shipwrecks full of valuable items.
However, disappointing news for those who enjoy the PvP Arena mode, Rare has announced that they are discontinuing updating it to focus more on the more popular Adventure mode. It will still be available to play, but from now on there will not be any more updates or improvements.
There is not a specific release date yet, but we can expect it sometime in January of 2021.