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.
The Hungering Deep[]
Duration: 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[]
Duration: 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[]
Duration: June 28 – 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[]
Duration: July 11 - July 26, 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[]
Duration: 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[]
Duration: August 30 – September 11, 2018
Cursed Sails’ time-limited campaign has ended, but the skeleton ships enemy threat remains, and players can now wield Cursed Cannonballs.
Forsaken Shores[]
Duration: 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[]
Duration: 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[]
Duration: November 28, 2018 – January 2, 2019
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[]
Duration: 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[]
Duration: 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[]
Duration: March 20 – March 30, 2019
The Anniversary Update[]
Released on 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[]
Duration: July 17 – August 14, 2019
Dark Relics[]
Duration: August 14, 2019 – September 11, 2019
Smuggler's Fortune[]
Duration: September 11 - October 16, 2019
Fort of the Damned[]
Duration: 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[]
Duration: November 20, 2019 - December 11th, 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)[]
Duration: December 11th, 2019 - January 15th, 2020
Introducing The Reaper’s Hideout, deliverable Gifts, the introductory Maiden Voyage and a Skeleton Fort overhaul.
Legends of the Sea[]
Duration: January 15th, 2020 - February 19th, 2020
Crews of Rage[]
Duration: February 19th, 2020 - March 12th, 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[]
Duration: March 12th, 2020 - April 22nd, 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[]
Duration: April 22nd, 2020 - May 27th, 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[]
Duration: May 27th, 2020 - June 17th, 2020
Lost Treasures is a minor Content Update introducing a handful of Quality of Life features, bugfixes, new Events and Cosmetics.
Haunted Shores[]
Duration: June 17th - July 29th, 2020
Haunted Shores introduces the new Ghost Ship World Event and Voyages, as well as a number of new Shanties.
Ashen Winds[]
Duration: July 29th - September 9th, 2020
Ashen Winds introduced the Ashen Winds World Event, Ashen Lords and the Ashen Winds Skull to the game.
Vaults of the Ancients[]
Duration: September 9th - October 28th, 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[]
Duration: October 28th - December 9th, 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)[]
Duration: December 9th, 2020 - January 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.
Season One[]
Duration: January 28th – April 14th, 2021
Season One introduced the concept of Seasons. Season One has 100 tiers of different rewards to work your way through. Season One introduced Lost Shipment voyages, and added the Dark Adventurers Set for Pirate Legends. Champion of Souls, Festival of Fishing, and Vault Raiders were the time-limited events in Season One.
Season Two[]
Duration: April 15th – June 22nd, 2021
Season Two added Fort of Fortune and introduced Commodities system.
Season Three[]
Duration: June 22nd, 2021 - September 23rd, 2021
Season Three introduces A Pirate's Life, five new Tall Tales based on Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean.
Season Four[]
Duration: September 23rd, 2021 - December 2nd, 2021
Season Four introduced Siren Shrines and Siren Treasuries.
Season Five[]
Duration: December 2nd, 2021 - March 10th, 2022
Season Five introduced the Quest Board, burying treasure, Fireworks, Cannon Rowboats, Ammo Pouches, sitting, and sleeping.
Season Six[]
Duration: March 10th, 2022 - August 4th, 2022
Season Six introduced Sea Forts and a new voyage for Pirate Legends: Legend of the Veil.
Season Seven[]
Duration: August 4th, 2022 - November 22nd, 2022
Season Seven introduced Captaincy and the Sovereigns.
Season Eight[]
Main article: Season Eight
Duration: November 22nd, 2022 - March 16th, 2023
Season Eight introduced PVP focused content, including the Hourglass of Fate, the Guardians of Fortune and the Servants of Flame.
Season Nine[]
Main article: Season Nine
Duration: March 16th, 2023 - October 19th, 2023
Season Nine introduced the Chest of Fortune and a variety of changes to World Events, including the Fort of Fortune.
Season Ten[]
Main article: Season Ten
Duration: October 19th, 2023 - January 23rd, 2024
Season Ten introduced Guilds, Safer Seas and the Skull of Siren Song.
Season Eleven[]
Main article: Season Eleven
Duration: January 23rd, 2024 - April 30th, 2024
Season Eleven introduced a range of quality of life updates, such as updates to the Voyage System.
Season Twelve[]
Main article: Season Twelve
Duration: April 30th, 2024 - July 25th, 2024.
Season Twelve introduced the War Chest, which included the Double Barrel Pistol, Throwing Knives, Bone Callers, Scattershots and the Horn of Fair Winds.
Season Thirteen[]
Main article: Season Thirteen
Duration: July 25th, 2024 - TBA
Season Thirteen introduced Skeleton Camps as well as Flameheart's flagship the Burning Blade.