Based on the number of AI generated treasure maps I see on boards, it looks like this new feature isn't terribly popular, as some feared. Which is a shame, as it's something I've been wanting to do since day one.
Still, I can see why: people can just bury whichever worthless trinket or empty box they have, perhaps even a random item that was lying around on the same beach a second before, then create a map to post somewhere in order to get an achievement, and move on. And why would anyone go through the trouble of digging for treasure when you can just stumble upon the same stuff floating around anywhere as you sail?
So I was wondering, how exactly do these maps work? I heard they last a limited time, after which they're replaced. But is there any way the game can prioritize the ones that lead to actual interesting loot?
Meaning, if I bury a Chest of Ancient Tributes or Ashen Winds Skull, it'd be nice if the map leading to them would last longer on the board than, say, somebody's who just hid a half empty box of fireworks or a randomly generated stash. There's the possibility you may still pick up an underwhelming map, but at least there'd be a higher chance of finding things worth your while.
I suppose a larger, more in depth conversation could be had here, with maps leading to other maps with more than just an X spot, which in turn could lead people from one place to another in order to do specific things, creating little unique quests and such. But for now, I think the question is how to give players a reason to even invest any time at all searching for buried treasure, when the game also offers lots of easier, more fun alternatives to find better loot.
