Feedback regarding High seas

  • Tiny5327
    Sailor

    To the Sea of Thieves Team,

    I want to begin by saying how much I love the world you've created. Sea of Thieves has brought me joy, adventure, and moments of peace in a beautiful, living ocean that feels unlike any other game.

    But I’m writing today because I feel genuinely excluded and disappointed by how many core features are locked behind High Seas PvP.

    As someone who prefers the safer, more immersive experience of Safer Seas, it’s disheartening to find that I cannot:

    Access meaningful faction progression (like Athena or Reapers)

    Work toward Pirate Legend

    Earn Guild reputation

    Or even use my own named ship — a feature I paid for — unless I risk constant griefing from hostile players

    Every time I’ve tried High Seas, I’ve been met with toxicity, bullying, and an experience that felt more about survival than adventure. It's not just frustrating — it actively pushes people like me away from parts of the game we want to love.

    I’m not asking for PvP to be removed or devalued — only that PvE and peaceful play be respected equally. Let Safer Seas be a place where players can progress, build, and explore at their own pace. Give us the option to enjoy the full game without being forced into conflict.

    You have a truly special game. Please don’t limit it only to those who thrive in competitive play. Many of us are here for the stories, the world, and the quiet magic of the ocean — and we’d love to be treated as full players too.

    Sincerely,
    Tiny5327

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  • Capt Greldik
    Master

    @tiny5327

    What you “paid for” is a PvPvE pirate game which is clearly designed with the intent of constant player interaction and fighting over events, voyages, and everything else.

    The “constant griefing and hostility” you’re referring to I’m assuming are players playing the game as intended.

  • Metal Ravage
    Champion
    Insider
    Founder

    @tiny5327 said in Feedback regarding High seas:

    Every time I’ve tried High Seas, I’ve been met with toxicity, bullying, and an experience that felt more about survival than adventure. It's not just frustrating — it actively pushes people like me away from parts of the game we want to love.

    Toxicity has no place in video games and if you believe someone violated the Code of Conduct just record and report.

    As for the rest, you make your own adventure just don't ask for the lion's share if you avoid the hunting ground.

  • Worst TDMer
    Ship Mate

    @tiny5327

    Please don’t limit it only to those who thrive in competitive play. Many of us are here for the stories, the world, and the quiet magic of the ocean

    There are many ways to be unsinkable that don't involve PvP. If I board someone's boat and hear them singing or being funny, or generally just being an interesting, likable person; there's 0 chance of me sinking them.

    If you can't get good at combat, and you aren't a people person, then be the best paranoid runner you can be. Nobody can "force you into conflict" if you never give them the chance. If you can't do that either, then I really just think you bought the wrong game.

    This is a sandbox game. PvE, PvP, commendations, cosmetics, are all just there to set the table for the real meat of the game, player interaction and the stories that come from it.

  • PotatoSord
    Marauder
    Insider

    High seas has more risk, and therefore more rewards. If you don't want more risk, you don't get more rewards. Just admit you want SoT to be single player.

  • BattlePants8579
    Seafarer
    Insider

    The point of safer seas is purely to be a learning environment for new players. This game was built with PvP in mind, its a pirate game after all. Progression being locked behind high seas is so you get achievements the intended way.

  • lI JRATT lI
    Master
    Insider

    Hello! Glad you enjoy Sea of thieves, i agree.. its truly a special game.. 1 of a kind.
    That being said, im sorry for your High Seas frustrations. It can be quite taxxing at times!

    As a Day 1 player who has grown with the game over the years.. i wanted to add my thoughts. Hope u dont mind or take offence.
    I used to avoid conflict like you.. That has changed 180* .. i now actively search out that conflict.
    Ive done all the tall tales, past adventures & have over 95% commendation completion.. What is left for a player like myself i ask?? Conflict & interactions, Thats it.
    And there are alot of pirates in a similar.. boat.
    High Seas is totally random.. Might get friendlies.. might get foes.. might get a empty sea of boredom.

    you state:
    "I’m not asking for PvP to be removed or devalued — only that PvE and peaceful play be respected equally. Let Safer Seas be a place where players can progress, build, and explore at their own pace. Give us the option to enjoy the full game without being forced into conflict."

    BUUUUT i would argue- You would NOT be able to experience the Full Game without said conflict from other players. That IS a huge part of the game. a MASSIVE part of the game. Many, like myself would say its the very core of the game. This game likely would have went offline along time ago without conflict with other players. When the lore runs out, the stories dry up and your pockets are lined with gold & dubloons.. All that your left with in this game.. is the conflict/interactions with others. So, when the grind gets old, which it will.. You will live for that conflict you currently try to avoid. Give it Time & your opinions will likely change, But you shouldnt ask the game to change for you. Embrace what it is, you will be happier off for it.
    Safer Seas is not meant to be the Full Game, Never was, Never will be.. its meant to be a stepping stone for less experienced players to get their sea legs under them without having to worry about that dreaded conflict with other players. The fact that many features are not available in Safer Seas is a good thing! (though you should be able to use captaincy ships) It encourages people to step out of their safe spaces/comfort zones and allows for personal growth. Besides it has the added benefit of being the actual game you paid for & the game the developers intended to make.

    you also state:
    "Every time I’ve tried High Seas, I’ve been met with toxicity, bullying, and an experience that felt more about survival than adventure. It's not just frustrating...."

    Being chased, being sunk, being shot, stabbed, darted or pharted on is not toxic or bullying behavior.. Well, maybe pharting on someone.. but definantly not sinking someone.
    However, If they are in fact going against Rare's Code of Conduct.. do us all a favor .. record & report, we dont want toxic bullies on the Seas.

    A bit of advice for High Seas..

    -Utilize the White Flag atop your vessel to signal to do not wish for a fight.
    -Utilize the White Flares anytime you want to signal your intentions.
    -Emissary Flags ARE loot, They make you a tempting target.
    -The Devils Roar is typically empty of other players.
    -Prior to starting check map for Reapers, Hop servers if needed to find a Reaper free Server.
    -ALWAYS watch horizon & keep tabs on any ships in your vicinity.
    -Assume Hostility until proven otherwise & even then, be suspisious. Fully trust noone.

    Most importantly of all.. Some people just want to fight, its a feature of the game.. that doesnt make them a bully or toxic.
    They just enjoy the game differently from you. Oh.. and have fun! It Is Just a Game After All.

    Good Luck on the High Seas!
    Stick with it

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