Content Updates

Content Updates in Sea of Thieves come with time-limited events and Cosmetics, often introducing new game mechanics into the game. The Content Updates can be grouped into several types. Major Content Updates introduce a larger variety of changes to the game and are often based around new Lore focused events. The Bilge Rat Adventures and Mercenary Voyages are smaller, semi-regular events focused around unique activities or voyages, and introduce smaller changes and additions.

In 2021, Rare introduced Seasons into Sea of Thieves as a new form of releasing Content Updates with a longer time between game mechanic releases. For a full list of Seasons, season history, and more refer to the Season article.

List of Content Updates (2018-2020)

Content Update	Dates	Details
The Hungering Deep	May 29 - June 13, 2018	Launching with the 1.1.0 Patch, this Update introduced the first Bilge Rats Campaign that had players following riddles and rumours to piece together what happened to 'Merry' Merrick, the proud owner of a pair of matching peg legs. The Hungering Deep update introduced the Drum, Speaking Trumpet and Flags to the game as well as Tattoos and Scars (for looking good while shouting at other pirates)! This update also introduced the original Megalodon who had to be taken on by at least 5 people.
Skeleton Thrones	June 13 – June 28, 2018	The 1.1.2 Patch brought along with it the Skeleton Thrones Bilge Rat Adventure, which introduced 10 Hidden Skeleton Thrones to the Sea of Thieves. Sitting on the Chairs allowed players to unlock Event related Commendations, Titles and the newly added Bilge Rat Doubloons, which they could spend on limited time Cosmetics or for exchanging it for Gold or Reputation.
Gunpowder Skeletons	June 27 - July 11, 2018	Gunpowder Skeletons introduced a new, explosive feature, Gunpowder Skeletons. The new Bilge Rat Adventure allows players to earn doubloons and commendations relating to the new skeleton type, blowing up large groups of skeletons. This update had the time-limited Bone Crusher Set weapons for purchase.
The Sunken Curse	July 11 - July 24, 2018	Rumours of artefacts beneath the waves are being whispered across the Outposts, and as usual the Bilge Rats already know all about it!
Cursed Sails	July 31 - August 30, 2018	A story driven time-limited campaign putting players up against a new emergent threat: Skeleton Ships. There’s panic at the Outposts as banners are appearing throughout the three regions of the Sea of Thieves – banners that are calling you out! Every pirate worth their salt is being challenged to battle at sea, as the dead make war on the living in grim galleons that wield curses against the unwary. Want more ways to meet the foe? The new Brigantine vessel lets three-person crews join the fray, or you can now form Alliances to share voyages, gold and experience rewards across crews. To arms, pirates!
Cursed Crews	August 29 – September 25, 2018	Cursed Sails’ time-limited campaign has ended, but the skeleton ships enemy threat remains, and players can now wield Cursed Cannonballs.
Forsaken Shores	September 27 – October 31, 2018	Sail to Forsaken Shores, a long-lost region has been rediscovered: a perilous land known as The Devil’s Roar. Crew up and go from sea dog to scout in this strange, treacherous place where the world itself is your enemy. Stand fearlessly before The Devil's Roar as it becomes a permanent new part of your adventure!
Festival of the Damned	October 31 - November 28, 2018	Season appropriate time-limited event adding Beacons and Flames of Fate that can be obtained from Well of Fate on Ferry of the Damned.
Shrouded Spoils	November 28, 2018 - January 2, 2019	Great spoils await the boldest of pirates - do you have what it takes? As a treacherous fog engulfs the waters, pirates can enjoy a variety of new features and improvements in Shrouded Spoils, the next free update for Sea of Thieves. Fresh hazards threaten unwary ships, but there are more riches to earn and more ways to build your legend. Greater risks bring greater rewards! Do you dare to discover what’s new on the seas?
Mercenary Voyage of the Rum Runner	February 6 – March 6, 2019	This was the start of the new bilge rat voyages known as the Mercenary Voyages, this voyage made you do work for the 3 companies and finally head to Thieves Haven to dig up 3 Chests of a Thousand Grogs.
Reaper's Run of Wanderer's Refuge	March 6 – March 20, 2019	The first of the two reaper runs, this voyage took you to mainly Wanderer's Refuge to dig up a fortune of captains's chests. But beware... Other players would be looking for loot to steal and to get the title you need to have the reaper's mark up. Do you dare brave the reaper?
Reaper's Run of Shipwreck Bay	March 20 - April 30, 2019
Anniversary Update	April 30, 2019	The Anniversary Update introduced The Arena, Fishing and Tall Tales: a nine chapter set of permanent story-driven quests for everyone who seeks to conquer the Shores of Gold.
Black Powder Stashes	July 17 – August 14, 2019
Dark Relics	August 14, 2019 – September 11, 2019
Smuggler's Fortune	September 11 - October 16, 2019
Fort of the Damned	October 16, 2019 - November 20, 2019	The Fort of the Damned Content Update introduced the highly lucrative, but difficult Fort of the Damned Raid Event to Sea of Thieves.
The Seabound Soul	November 20, 2019 - December 11, 2019	The Seabound Soul Content Update brought along with it The Seabound Soul Tall Tale, the Ashen Treasures Bilge Rat Adventures & Mercenary Voyages and the introduction of Fire to Sea of Thieves.
Festival of Giving (2019)	December 11, 2019 - January 15, 2020	Introducing The Reaper’s Hideout, deliverable Gifts, the introductory Maiden Voyage and a Skeleton Fort overhaul.
Legends of the Sea	January 15th, 2020 - February 19th, 2020
Crews of Rage	February 19, 2020 - March 12, 2020	The Crews of Rage Content Update introduced the Chest of Rage, the Pirate Appearance Potion and improved the Molten Sands Fortress.
Heart of Fire	March 12, 2020 - April 22, 2020	The Heart of Fire Content Update introduced the Heart of Fire Tall Tale, Costumes, new Legendary Treasure and a permanent Mercenary Voyage for Pirate Legends.
Ships of Fortune	April 22, 2020 - May 27, 2020'	Ships of Fortune is a spiritual successor to the Anniversary Update, introducing major changes to the game such as increased Trading Company ranks, new Trading Company cosmetics, an Emissary system, player reviving, a complete overhaul to the Arena game mode, and the addition of a new Pet species: Cats.
Lost Treasures	May 27, 2020 - June 17, 2020	Lost Treasures is a minor Content Update introducing a handful of Quality of Life features, bugfixes, new Events and Cosmetics.
Haunted Shores	June 17 - July 29, 2020	Haunted Shores introduces the new Ghost Ship World Event and Voyages, as well as a number of new Shanties.
Ashen Winds	July 29 - September 9, 2020	Ashen Winds introduced the Ashen Winds World Event, Ashen Lords and the Ashen Winds Skull to the game.
Vaults of the Ancients	September 9 - October 28, 2020	Vaults of the Ancients introduced a new Gold Hoarders Voyage as well as a new pet species to the Pirate Emporium: Dogs.
Fate of the Damned	October 28 - December 9, 2020	Fate of the Damned marked the availability of the Soulflame Cosmetics. It also had new emporium stock during November 2020.
Festival of Giving (2020)	December 9, 2020 - January 28, 2021	Festival of Giving introduced several time-limited Events, new ice-themed cosmetics available through Twitch Drops and the Pirate Emporium, and the new Cannon Flares cosmetic items available at the Shipwright Shop. The time-limited events were: 12 Deeds of Giving, available up until 20th January, awarding the Eastern Winds Jade Set equipment. Plundered Presents, available until 30th December, awarded new Gold Hoarders Set equipment items. Grogmanay, available from 30th December to 20th January 2021, awarded an Order of Souls Bucket, Frostbite Cannon and Paradise Garden Cannon Flare upon completing its challenges.