One of the biggest criticisms aimed at Rare’s Sea of Thieves at launch was the lack of a story mode. Even though the game has been improved and iterated on over the last year, fans of single player campaigns have still not been satisfied. However, on April 30th, and as part of the Anniversary update, a story campaign called Shores of Gold will be added to the game, alongside the competitive Arena mode, fishing, harpoons and more detailed ship damage.
The official Sea of Thieves website has all the info you will need about Shores of Gold, and this is replicated below, but what you will get from this story seems to be akin to watching a good Pirate movie, as you (and your crew) will follow clues and island hop as you aim to find a mysterious lost island and the treasure it holds. I think this will be the game mode that finally gets me back into prioritising time for Sea of Thieves!
Tall Tales: Shores of Gold takes pirates through a series of interconnected tales of wonder and discovery, exploring the stories of those who live in the world of Sea of Thieves. Revel in the quintessential pirate adventure as you embark upon a quest for a lost island, long believed to be mythical. Many revelations and destinations lie ahead: you’ll acquire ancient artefacts and enchanted items, overcome traps and encounter new foes as part of this epic journey.
Shores of Gold also introduces Skeleton Lords, imposing characters clambering out of the oldest legends into the present day. Meaner than any of the bony marauders you’ve fought so far, these intimidating adversaries can only be encountered by following the story as it unfolds. Be prepared for anything when seeking out Skeleton Lords – these resourceful foes will resist any attempt to send them back to their resting place beneath the sands. They’re big, tough and full of surprises.
Your search for the fabled Shroudbreaker will take you to places protected by fiendish puzzles and even more fiendish traps. Getting your hands (and hooks) on other pirates’ treasure will be harder than ever, requiring brains as well as brawn. Watch your step when you go seeking prizes that once belonged to others. You may get more than you bargained for! Tales can also play out differently with each telling, so you won’t always be visiting the same islands along the way.
Visit the Mysterious Stranger in any tavern to begin Shores of Gold. This patient and otherworldly individual, an emissary of the Pirate Lord, has a curious tale to tell. No pirate worth their sea salt would miss out on such an introduction! You’ll meet a variety of unusual characters from all over the Sea of Thieves as you explore each chapter in Tall Tales – Shores of Gold. Keep your eyes open for some old favourites too, including a scattering of familiar figures from the Sea of Thieves novel, Athena’s Fortune.
