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Rare’s aargh-mazing pirate multiplayer gameSea of Thievesis 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.
With the arrival of Safer Seas on Jun 28, 2025, 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 Seasoffers a mode where players can enjoy the game ona 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 Seasis the other mode, which is essentially Sea of Thieves as we’ve always known it, whereother players and crews are adventuring on the same server in a shared world.
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Gold Hoarders, Order of Souls, Merchant Alliance and Hunter’s Call Level Cap
Gold Hoarders/Order of Souls/Merchant Alliance/Hunter’s Call Company Shops
Cannot purchase Emissary Flags, Promotions, or Company Items after Reputation Level 40.
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.
Hourglass Faction Battles
Unavailable, as you cannot pledge allegiance to either the Guardians of Fortune or Servants of the Flame.
Available if you have unlocked them in High Seas.
Related features such as Milestones, Saving your Ship Cosmetics, Captain’s Voyages, and exchanging treasure at the Sovereigns are not available either.
Sunken Kingdom Treasuries And Shrines
Reaper’s Chests and Reaper’s Bounties
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.
The following Treasures are unavailable in Safer Seas:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sell 50 Stolen Merchant Commodities at an inflated price.
Master of Shifted Stock
Make the most possible profit buying and selling 150 Merchant Commodities.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
Set off fireworks while in an Alliances.
Gunpowder, Treason and Plot
Start a fire on another crew’s ship by setting off a firework.
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!
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.
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.
Clear the Fort of the Damned of all enemies.
Banishing the Damned
Clear the Fort of the Damned of all enemies ten times.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
Hand in 200 treasure items to the Sovereigns.
That’s ‘Captain’, Mate…
Set sail as a Captain of Adventure for the first time.
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.
Uncover a Skull of Destiny.
Hot-Headed
Use a Skull of Destiny to begin three Fort of the Damned events.
Hand in 30 Reaper’s Chests or Reaper’s Bounties.
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 thatCrews 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.
