This is an idea I have been working on for a while, an update that completely refreshes exploration on a multitude of scales with new events, island variants, and whole new regions to explore!
Now, the technology required to implement this new exploration system would probably take time to be built up over the course of multiple seasons, but I wanted to share the idea now while the new development structure is being implemented as perhaps this concept could fit its way in there somehow. this would probably only be possible if the engine is changed or if there is a rerelease honestly.
First Off, Island variants
The idea is simple: islands occasionally have notable changes to them on an island-by-island basis. some Island Variants are exclusive to certain islands or regions, and others can be found across the world. some variants have sub variants for even more unique experiences!
these variants could be as simple as a dead skeleton clutching a high value map somewhere on the island to an entire shipwrecked galleon!
a quick list of different island variants to display the sheer versatility of this new infrastructure
Shipwreck
shipwrecked pieces of a ship have washed ashore a large island!
(Sub variants decide size of ship and what kind of loot is on board- if the hold is locked and needs a key found somewhere else on the island or if there is a high value quest available to salvage from the captain's table)
Hidden stash
somewhere on this island is a secret area filled with treasure!
(Sub variants decide if a key is needed or if somthing is protecting the stash- this hidden stash can range from a hidden trapdoor leading to a small treasure stash to an entire underground skeleton shantytown filled with treasure!
Ancient Temple
a cave wall has mysteriously crumbled revealing a massive underground temple!
Mystery Island
an experience similar to what's found on sea dog's rest, but with treasure at the end!
The best part about this proposed system is that these changes could be as big or small to the island as the developers want, and the catalog of variants can grow and expand across multiple updates. some variants could be rarer than others as well, so people are encouraged to check every nook and cranny of every island to make sure they are not missing out on anything- perhaps sometimes multiple islands could all be connected under the same "arc" of connected variants bringing crews to multiple islands for a larger cohesive tall tale like experience!
The Shrouded Lands
Canonically, the shroud is a fickle and mysterious thing- it ebbs and flows like it's a living thing, occasionally shifting and changing what parts of the sea are safe to traverse. So, this idea is for there to be larger islands on the edge of the map that occasionally become available through the shifting of the shroud. some of these areas have been twisted by the shroud, with the inconsistent exposure twisting the flora and fauna into strange, deformed creatures. sometimes entire regions become available through narrow passages through the shroud, from the northern wastes north of Marauder's arch to Great ancient swampy jungle south of Devils Ridge.
the narrow, shrouded passages that lead to these shrouded lands are dangerous and are risky to traverse, just like the first crossing into the sea of thieves, they are packed with rocks and shipwrecks of the less fortunate.
in these lands you will find many ancient ruins, and abandoned pirate hideouts and remnants of lost expeditions.
World Changes
We are used to world events being location-based experiences that draw player activity through promise of PvE and Treasure, and thus creating an optimal environment for PVP. but I think of atmospheric changes and challenges like the storm and the fog, and wonder why we can't have more special stuff like that; it's not a world event but a unstoppable force of nature that affects gameplay.
Lunar Eclipse
The sun grows dark. the birds fall silent. the wind stops blowing. the waves become calm. in a single moment, everything stops.
Hurricane
The storm mysteriously grows stronger for a few days, turning into a raging hurricane. it moves faster, is more destructive, and fling vessels around like they are made of paper. heaven forbid you are on a rowboat when this thing strikes.
Rogue Wave
A rogue wave has appeared! if you are in the wrong place, this could really cause some issues...
Damned Fog
An ethereal fog rolls in encompassing multiple islands in a region-phantoms appear in masse on these islands. there is also a residual haunting of a ghost galleon wandering these waters, follow it's fated course and discover a high value shipwreck!
Green Flash
No, I did not take this from POTC-it's real pirate lore that POTC used. in pirate lore, the green flash at the end of twilight represents the return of a dead soul. This already exists in game, just wanted to list it here and applaud the devs on having it.
Meteor Showers!
a beautiful light display across the night sky- let's just hope what happened long ago doesn't happen again.
Wild Moon
fun fact: in real life, the light of the moon can change the feeding habits of certain marine animals. in the sea of thieves, that means you will have to deal with many more hungry Krakens and Megalodons.
Alright, those are the basic concepts and ideas for this overhaul that would be best implemented over multiple seasons. systems in place that make the world feel more alive for even more unforgettable stories. frankly, this would probably only work with a sequel or rerelease but wanted to put the idea out there because I think we can all agree this would be absolutely awesome and give veterans a reason to explore the same old islands.
this is my mandatory outfit preset sentence.
