It might be as far removed from their beloved platformers of the late-90s and early-00s, but a couple of years in and RARE is continuing to provide post-launch development of their open-world adventure game Sea of Thieves for both Xbox One and Windows PC gaming platforms. If you are still travelling the seas, then you may encounter some new content, with the free monthly update Haunted Shores being patched into the game yesterday.
Want to know what you will be encountering, from the threat posed by Captain Flameheart and the permanent addition of Ghost Ships to the game? Keep reading below:
Ghost Ships Rise to Seek Vengeance
Captain Flameheart’s spirit, recently released from captivity, continues to grow in power and has now found a way to rally supernatural support from the Sea of the Damned. His Ghost Ships are the latest threat to reach these seas, and though their phantom forms may be easier to destroy than earthly ships, they’re fearsomely armed and sure to outnumber living pirates.
Crewed by lost souls, these swift fleets provide a twist on the usual challenges of ship combat as they attack with otherworldly weaponry and drop mines to catch the unwary. As danger lies in all directions and the ships themselves prove perilous to the touch, agility and crew communication will be just as important as combat skill!
Flameheart’s Flagship
With the arrival of Haunted Shores, Flameheart’s looming skull will now manifest over islands like the clouds that represent Skeleton Forts or Skeleton Ship battles. However, this particular sign means that the Burning Blade and an armada of Ghost Ships has appeared around an island, as is searching the Sea of Thieves for something…
This endeavours to be a challenging encounter, with Flameheart’s floating skull not just acting as a beacon but giving orders to his ships and berating meddlesome pirates. The Phantom and Wraith Cannonballs fired by the Ghost Ships are as unnerving as they are powerful, but supplies can be claimed by players for their own use after defeating the Burning Blade. There are valuable Damned treasures to be looted too, plus unique sails to be unlocked by fearless pirates who send enough of these Ghost Ships back to the Sea of the Damned.
Expanding the Adventure
Ghost Ships will be a permanent addition to the game, providing a new way for pirates to gain gold and reputation with the Order of Souls alongside their usual Skeleton Bounties. Players can accept these Voyages from Order of Souls representatives or from Duke in the nearest tavern.
This update also comes with a refresh of daily bounties and other events. Expect a new playlist of Bounties offering bonus gold and Doubloons for completing in-game tasks, plus special time-limited events such as The Hunter’s Call, that will boost rewards for deliveries of cooked meat from sharks and Megalodons, so if anyone falls overboard during a battle with the phantom fleets, they might consider pulling their weight in the shark-hunting stakes instead.
The shanty system also gets a boost in Haunted Shores as instrument-wielding pirates can now use the menus to jump straight to a favourite tune. The range of shanties has also grown with several new songs for you and your crew to belt out on deck, on shore or in the tavern, including fan favourites such as ‘Maiden Voyage’ and ‘We Shall Sail Together’!
Last but not least, the Pirate Emporium enjoys its usual monthly update, ushering in the appropriately undead-themed Blighted Ship Set for fans of State of Decay. You’ll also find some pets that have been transformed into living treasures by the Gold Curse, a range of new outfits for your furry or feathery sidekicks and even animal-themed pirate dance emotes for players who want to laugh in the face of Flameheart’s threats.
Want to read the full patch-notes of this update? You can read it right HERE.
