Content Updates in Sea of Thieves come with time-limited events and Cosmetics, often introducing new game mechanics into the game. The Content Updates can be grouped into several types. Major Content Updates introduce a larger variety of changes to the game and are often based around new Lore focused events. The Bilge Rat Adventures and Mercenary Voyages are smaller, semi-regular events focused around unique activities or voyages, and introduce smaller changes and additions.
The Hungering Deep
Available through May 29 – June 13, 2018. Launching with the 1.1.0 Patch, this Update introduced the first Bilge Rats Campaign that had players following riddles and rumours to piece together what happened to 'Merry' Merrick, the proud owner of a pair of matching peg legs. The Hungering Deep update introduced the Drum, Speaking Trumpet and Flags to the game as well as Tattoos and Scars (for looking good while shouting at other pirates)! This update also introduced the original Megalodon who had to be taken on by at least 5 people.
Skeleton Thrones
Available through June 13 – June 28, 2018. The 1.1.2 Patch brought along with it the Skeleton Thrones Bilge Rat Adventure, which introduced 10 Hidden Skeleton Thrones to the Sea of Thieves. Sitting on the Chairs allowed players to unlock Event related Commendations, Titles and the newly added Bilge Rat Doubloons, which they could spend on limited time Cosmetics or for exchanging it for Gold or Reputation.
Gunpowder Skeletons
Available through June 28 – July 11, 2018. This was a standard update but introduced a new feature that would make the game more explosive. Gunpowder skeletons arrived to the Sea of Thieves and to earn doubloons and commendations, the players had to use these skeletons to blow up large groups of skeletons. This update had the exclusive bone crusher weapon set for players to buy.
The Sunken Curse
Available through July 11 - July 26, 2018.
Cursed Sails
Available through July 31 – August 30, 2018. There’s panic at the Outposts as banners are appearing throughout the three regions of the Sea of Thieves – banners that are calling you out! Every pirate worth their salt is being challenged to battle at sea, as the dead make war on the living in grim galleons that wield curses against the unwary. Want more ways to meet the foe? The new Brigantine vessel lets three-person crews join the fray, or you can now form Alliances to share voyages, gold and experience rewards across crews. To arms, pirates!
Cursed Crews
Available through August 30 – September 11, 2018.
Forsaken Shores
Available through September 27 – October 31, 2018. Sail to Forsaken Shores in the third free update for Sea of Thieves. A long-lost region has been rediscovered: a perilous land known as The Devil’s Roar. Crew up and go from sea dog to scout in this strange, treacherous place where the world itself is your enemy. Stand fearlessly before The Devil's Roar as it becomes a permanent new part of your adventure!
Festival of the Damned
Available through October 31 – November 28, 2018.
Shrouded Spoils
Available through November 28, 2018 – January 2, 2019. As a treacherous fog engulfs the waters, pirates can enjoy a variety of new features and improvements in Shrouded Spoils, the next free update for Sea of Thieves. Fresh hazards threaten unwary ships, but there are more riches to earn and more ways to build your legend. Greater risks bring greater rewards! Do you dare to discover what’s new on the seas?
Mercenary Voyage of the Rum-Runner
Available through February 6 – March 6, 2019. This was the start of the new bilge rat voyages known as the Mercenary Voyages, this voyage made you do work for the 3 companies and finally head to Thieves Haven to dig up 3 Chests of a Thousand Grogs.
Reaper's Run of Wanderer's Refuge
Available through March 6 – March 20, 2019. The first of the two reaper runs, this voyage took you to mainly Wanderer's Refuge to dig up a fortune of captains's chests. But beware... Other players would be looking for loot to steal and to get the title you need to have the reaper's mark up. Do you dare brave the reaper?
Reaper's Run of Shipwreck Bay
Available through March 20 – March 30, 2019.
The Anniversary Update
Released on April 29, 2019.
Black Powder Stashes
Available through July 17 – August 14, 2019.
Dark Relics
Available through August 14, 2019 – September 11, 2019
Smuggler's Fortune
Available through September 11 - October 16, 2019
Fort of the Damned
Available through October 16, 2019 - November 20, 2019
The Fort of the Damned Content Update introduced the highly lucrative, but difficult Fort of the Damned Raid Event to Sea of Thieves.
The Seabound Soul
Available through November 20, 2019 - December 11th, 2019
The Seabound Soul Content Update brought along with it The Seabound Soul Tall Tale, the Ashen Treasures Bilge Rat Adventures & Mercenary Voyages and the introduction of Fire to Sea of Thieves.
Festival of Giving
Available through December 11th, 2019 - January 15th, 2020 Introducing The Reaper’s Hideout, deliverable Gifts, the introductory Maiden Voyage and a Skeleton Fort overhaul.
Legends of the Sea
Available through January 15th, 2020 - February 19th, 2020
Crews of Rage
Available through February 19th, 2020 - March 12th, 2020
The Crews of Rage Content Update introduced the Chest of Rage, the Pirate Appearance Potion and improved the Molten Sands Fortress.
Heart of Fire
Available through March 12th, 2020 - April 22nd, 2020'
The Heart of Fire Content Update introduced the Heart of Fire Tall Tale, Costumes, new Legendary Treasure and a permanent Mercenary Voyage for Pirate Legends.
Ships of Fortune
Available through April 22nd, 2020 - May 27th, 2020. Ships of Fortune is a spiritual successor to the Anniversary Update, introducing major changes to the game such as increased Trading Company ranks, new Trading Company cosmetics, an Emissary system, player reviving, a complete overhaul to the Arena game mode, and the addition of a new Pet species: Cats.
Lost Treasures
Available through May 27th, 2020 - June 17th, 2020, Lost Treasures is a minor Content Update introducing a handful of Quality of Life features, bugfixes, new Events and Cosmetics.
Haunted Shores
Available through June 17th - July 29th, 2020, Haunted Shores introduces the new Ghost Ship World Event and Voyages, as well as a number of new Shanties.
Ashen Winds
Available through July 29th - September 9th, 2020, Ashen Winds introduced the Ashen Winds World Event, Ashen Lords and the Ashen Winds Skull to the game.
Vaults of the Ancients
Available through September 9th - October 2020, Vaults of the Ancients introduces a new Gold Hoarders Voyage as well as a new pet species to the Pirate Emporium: Dogs.