The debate between High Seas and Safer Seas has been ongoing, with many players wanting a low-risk option while still enjoying the full Sea of Thieves experience. Whether you're a full-time worker, a casual player, or just someone who prefers to avoid unexpected combat, there’s a clear demand for a PvE-focused server with some controlled risk.
With the recent update making Safer Seas reward full gold (but still capping Emissaries at level 25), I propose an expansion—Safer Seas+.
The Forgotten North – A New Frontier
We all know the northeast part of the map has been empty for ages. What if Rare finally opened it up with a new outpost and several islands? However, this wouldn’t just be more of the same. Instead, this area would introduce a risk/reward mechanic, similar to the Wilderness in RuneScape.
For those unfamiliar, in RuneScape, most of the world is PvE, but the northern region allows PvP combat, adding an optional challenge for those who seek it. Sea of Thieves could implement something similar—Safer Seas+ would be primarily PvE, except for the northeast, where combat is fair game.
Safer Seas+ Mechanics:
Players & Ships Are Invulnerable to Others – No PvP damage except in the northeast (NE). However, kegs still work, maintaining some strategic risk.
Split Reward System:
Standard Outposts (everywhere except NE) = Safer Seas rewards
NE Outpost = Full High Seas rewards
Treasure Handling:
Items found on land or in the water are free for anyone to take.
Items on your ship are locked to the ship.
Items in your hands can only be taken via the "Give" mechanic.
Potential Exploits & How They Balance Out:
NE Camping & Hit-and-Run Tactics:
Players may camp in the NE for combat and flee when taking damage. But that’s part of the risk vs. reward dynamic—it also offers a great way to practice PvP safely since you have time to repair and regroup.
Keg Tactics:
While keg combat is rare in High Seas, keeping it active in Safer Seas+ adds a bit of risk without making PvP unavoidable.
Troll Players:
Since players can’t die outside the NE, some may try to be annoying by boarding ships and refusing to leave. Solution: Just mute them, finish selling, and swap servers—same as any other session.
Why This Works:
Safer Seas+ would bridge the gap between High Seas and Safer Seas, giving casual players a lower-stress environment while still offering some risk for those who want it. The NE acts as a controlled PvP zone, while the rest of the map keeps things safe and balanced.
This update would let every type of player enjoy the game their way—whether you're a peaceful merchant, a PvE adventurer, or a pirate looking for a fight.
