Rare talks Sea of Thieves' new regular content schedule and building a sustainable future

Since its rather divisive launch last year, Sea of Thieves' has grown substantially. A total of five major updates have introduced the likes of a new explorable region, new ship types, roving skeleton fleets, perilous fog, giant sharks, fishing, cooking, a standalone competitive mode, and more. However, anyone that's played the game on a regular basis will know that Rare has consistently struggled to find a sustainable rhythm for the regular delivery of new content since launch, making its live service game often feel less than alive.

Last month, however, Rare unveiled a new plan of attack for Sea of Thieves, pledging that its multiplayer pirate adventure would adopt a new monthly content release schedule. And now, as the game receives the second of those updates, Dark Relics, executive producer Joe Neate and creative director Mike Chapman have explained, in conversation with Eurogamer, the whys behind the decision, and what this should mean for the future of Sea of Thieves.

Dark Relics, much like last month's Black Powder Stashes update (and, indeed, the Mercenary Voyages from earlier this year), introduces a number of new limited-time voyages intended to add a unique spin on the core experience. This time around, plucky pirates will be cast toward the horizon at the behest of the Order of Souls, searching down Skeleton Captains who hold ancient treasure maps leading to the mysterious Dark Relics that lend the update its name.

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