Bel and I grew up here, but pirates who make it to the Sea of Thieves from elsewhere have a habit of finding themselves washed up on Old Sailor Isle, a peaceful haven just outside the borders of our pirate paradise. I’ve heard stories that there’s a friendly face to greet them, talk them through the fundamentals and send them on a Maiden Voyage into the Sea of Thieves itself once they’ve practised the basics of navigation, combat and ship repair. Even an experienced pirate can relive their Maiden Voyage if they choose – who knows, there might be treasure you didn’t find the first time around…

The journey through the Devil’s Shroud can be a long one, so most pirates end up taking a nap below decks before awakening on the calm waters of Safer Seas. Here you’ll be safe from the attentions of other pirate crews until you’re ready to face the free-for-all of High Seas!

Once you’ve recovered your senses, you’ll find a stowaway waiting for you: the Pirate Lord himself. Far from just hitching a ride back to the Sea of Thieves, he’s still got a few lessons left to teach you before he returns to whatever it is Pirate Lords do in their free time. Styling his beard, I bet. With his help, you’ll have a chance to settle into your sea legs and fulfil your first Trading Company Voyages before finding yourself free to sail the seas however you wish.

Note that the beginnings of subsequent expeditions may be a touch less glamorous: pirates have a habit of ending a long day with a hearty helping of grog, leading to the inevitable consequence of a bleary morning in one of the Sea of Thieves’ many taverns. Taverns are located at Outposts, and there are at least half a dozen that I know of dotted across the map. You can rest assured that your ship will be anchored nearby, no matter which watering hole you start from.

While you’re nursing that grog headache, it’s time to think about what you’d like to do next. And, more importantly, who you’d like to join you on the journey…

Further reading: Explore At Your Own Pace on Safer Seas