Navigating the waves of Sea of Thieves isn’t just about adventure—it’s about amassing a fortune worthy of a legendary pirate. Whether you’re a solo sailor or part of a seasoned crew, mastering the best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves can make all the difference between a prosperous voyage and a plundered failure. From hoarding gold to trading rare treasures, this vast and unpredictable world offers countless opportunities to boost your bank.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the strategies that can help you rake in gold fast, avoid costly mistakes, and make the most of every cannon shot and cutlass swing. Ready to hoist the anchor and cash in on the seas? Keep reading to uncover the secrets to becoming the wealthiest pirate on the horizon. Whether it’s quick cash or long-term profits, we’ve got you covered with the best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves—so you can rule the waves with both swagger and gold to spare.
1. Prioritize the Right Voyages
Best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves, choosing the right voyages can be the difference between a modest haul and a fortune fit for a pirate king. The key to success lies in knowing which missions are worth your time and which are best left to the seagulls. Focusing on the best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves starts with picking the most profitable voyages.
- Gold Hoarders Voyages: These missions are a treasure hunter’s dream. You’ll receive maps leading to buried chests, riddles to solve, and opportunities to earn significant gold rewards. For those looking to get rich quick, investing in vault keys is a high-risk, high-reward strategy. Track down vaults, solve the puzzles, and make off with a haul that could fill a galleon’s hold.
- Order of Souls Voyages: If you’re skilled with a sword or musket, hunting down skeleton captains can be a lucrative business. These voyages reward players for defeating cursed skeleton crews and collecting their skulls, which fetch a good price when handed over to the Order of Souls. The more dangerous the enemy, the bigger the payout.
- Merchant Alliance Voyages: For those who prefer to play it safe, Merchant Alliance missions offer steady, reliable profits. You’ll be tasked with delivering cargo like exotic animals, rare goods, and precious cargo to designated locations. Time-sensitive and condition-based, these voyages might not have the thrill of combat, but they reward careful planning and swift sailing.
Focusing on these voyage types ensures a consistent and substantial gold income, keeping you on track to unlock all the pirate riches Sea of Thieves has to offer.
2. Efficiently Complete World Events
If you’re aiming for the biggest rewards in the shortest amount of time, world events are where the true pirate legends are made. These high-stakes encounters draw every ship in the vicinity, making them risky, but they also offer some of the best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves for those brave enough to face the challenge.
- Skeleton Forts: The iconic Skull Cloud marks a Skeleton Fort, where waves of skeletal foes guard treasure beyond your wildest dreams. Clear out the fort and you’ll be rewarded with a trove of valuable loot, including Ashen Chests, Gold Hoarder treasures, and rare trinkets.
- Fort of Fortune: A step up in difficulty, the Fort of Fortune is not for the faint of heart. These fortresses are heavily guarded, but they offer the richest rewards in the game. Expect to battle hordes of powerful skeletons, but the chests and gold you’ll collect will make the fight worth every cannonball.
- Flameheart and Ashen Winds: Facing Flameheart’s ghostly fleet or battling the fiery Ashen Lords can yield serious profit. These events are often teeming with hostile ships, but the challenge comes with rewards like valuable Ashen loot, ritual skulls, and legendary-grade treasure.
The trick to maximizing profits during world events is timing—arriving early can help you get the jump on other crews, while joining mid-event allows you to swoop in and snatch the rewards if other players have already done the hard work. Don’t forget to watch the horizon; these events are prime territory for pirate ambushes, but they’re also some of the best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves if you play it smart.
3. Take on Tall Tales for Extra Rewards
For pirates who crave a mix of story and riches, Tall Tales are a perfect adventure. These narrative-driven quests not only immerse you in the lore of Sea of Thieves but also provide some of the best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves while unlocking unique rewards. Tall Tales often feature rare, high-value treasures that can’t be found anywhere else, making them a top choice for profit-minded sailors.
- The Shores of Gold: One of the most famous Tall Tales, The Shores of Gold is a multi-chapter quest that takes you through perilous seas, cryptic puzzles, and epic battles, leading to a hidden island overflowing with gold. Completing this Tall Tale not only grants a hefty gold reward but also exclusive cosmetic items.
- Legendary Tall Tales: For veteran pirates, there are legendary versions of certain Tall Tales that offer increased challenges and even more valuable rewards. While they might take longer to complete, the payout is well worth the effort, especially if you’re hunting for rare items to add to your treasure collection.
Tall Tales are ideal for those who want a blend of storytelling and steady gold income. Plus, these adventures often lead you to hidden corners of the world, where you might stumble upon bonus treasures not marked on any map—a true pirate’s delight!
4. Sea Forts: A Quick Source of Gold
When time is of the essence, Sea Forts provide a quick and reliable way to make money. These fortified outposts are scattered across the map, waiting for ambitious pirates to storm them. For both solo players and small crews, Sea Forts offer some of the best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves without taking on too much risk.
- Easy to Conquer: Sea Forts are designed to be relatively straightforward compared to other world events, making them an excellent choice for beginners or those who want a quick gold boost. Clear out waves of phantoms, loot the chests, and cash in without having to sail too far.
- High-Value Loot: Despite being easier than Skeleton Forts or the Fort of Fortune, Sea Forts still yield valuable rewards like Captain’s Chests, Villainous Skulls, and stronghold treasures. They are quick to complete, allowing you to move on to other activities or stack up multiple forts for a profitable cash-in session.
- Great for Solo Players: Solo sailors can clear Sea Forts efficiently, making them one of the safest and most consistent money-makers for those who prefer to venture out alone. With low enemy resistance and a manageable amount of loot, it’s easy to load up your sloop and head to the nearest outpost for a quick payday.
Sea Forts are a dependable way to build wealth quickly in the early stages of your pirate journey, and for seasoned players, they offer a fast gold boost to kick off a session or stack alongside other treasure-hunting ventures. Whether you’re playing solo or with a crew, raiding Sea Forts is undeniably one of the best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves while minimizing the risk of confrontation with other players.
5. Embrace PvP with The Reaper’s Bones
For the boldest pirates who thrive on combat and risk, The Reaper’s Bones faction offers one of the best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves. This PvP-centric faction rewards those who engage in high-seas battles, steal loot from other players, and embrace the pirate life to its fullest. It’s a path that requires skill, cunning, and a fearless attitude, but the payouts can be immense.
- Turn in Stolen Goods for Bonus Gold: The Reaper’s Bones encourages you to target other players’ ships and claim their hard-earned loot as your own. Successfully stealing treasure and delivering it to The Reaper’s Hideout will earn you extra rewards compared to other factions, making piracy truly profitable.
- Hunt Down Reaper’s Chests and Reaper’s Bounties: These unique, high-value items appear on the map for everyone to see, turning them into beacons for danger and gold. If you’re brave enough to seize them, these chests can be turned in at The Reaper’s Hideout for significant payouts. Be prepared to defend your claim—other players will often be gunning for the same prize.
- Increase Your Emissary Grade: Raising The Reaper’s Bones Emissary Flag not only boosts your reputation but also increases the gold rewards you receive. The higher the Emissary Grade, the greater the payout for every piece of loot you turn in. Just remember that flying the flag makes you a visible target to everyone on the map, so be ready for battle!
The Reaper’s Bones offers a high-risk, high-reward path to riches, where the thrill of PvP combat is matched only by the satisfaction of turning another crew’s treasure into your own. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those who live by the cutlass, it’s one of the best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves.
6. Smart Loot Management
Even the richest treasure trove is worthless if it sinks to the bottom of the ocean, which is why smart loot management is crucial for any aspiring pirate looking to maximize profits. Knowing when to cash in and how to safeguard your haul are critical strategies in the best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves.
- Store Loot Safely: Always stash your treasure in hard-to-reach or inconspicuous spots on your ship. Place smaller, high-value items like Captain’s Chests and Ritual Skulls in hidden compartments or beneath the stairs to reduce the risk of them being seen and stolen during a boarding attack.
- Plan Your Cash-Ins: It’s tempting to keep piling up loot until your ship’s hold is bursting, but knowing when to cash in is vital. If you’ve gathered a substantial haul, don’t push your luck—head to the nearest outpost or faction representative to sell your loot before encountering hostile players. Prioritizing high-value items like Ashen Chests and Stronghold loot can save you a lot of grief if you’re forced to make a quick getaway.
- Watch for Hostile Ships: The seas are unpredictable, and carrying a full load of treasure is like painting a target on your ship’s sails. Keep a vigilant eye on the horizon for any incoming vessels, especially Reaper’s Bones players who are likely hunting for easy loot. If another crew is tailing you, consider dumping lower-value items overboard to lighten the load and make a speedy escape.
Effective loot management can be the difference between a successful voyage and a total disaster. With the right strategy, you’ll not only increase your chances of cashing in big, but you’ll also minimize the risk of losing it all to a better-prepared rival. By mastering the art of securing and selling your haul, you ensure that every voyage is as profitable as possible—one of the smartest best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves.
7. Trading Company Events & Seasonal Updates
Keeping an eye on seasonal events and limited-time opportunities is one of the best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves, especially when looking for high rewards in a short amount of time. Each season in Sea of Thieves introduces new challenges, unique events, and special items that can give you an edge in earning gold and reputation.
- Participate in Trading Company Events: Occasionally, each Trading Company—Gold Hoarders, Order of Souls, Merchant Alliance, and even The Reaper’s Bones—hosts special events. These events often come with boosted rewards, limited-time voyages, or exclusive commendations that make them well worth participating in. For example, a Gold Hoarder event might double the rewards for selling chests, while an Order of Souls event could involve higher payouts for defeating skeleton fleets.
- Take Advantage of Weekly Challenges: Every season introduces weekly and monthly challenges that reward you with unique cosmetics, doubloons, and gold. Completing these challenges efficiently can significantly boost your income, especially when you tackle objectives that align with your regular activities.
- Watch for Seasonal Updates: Sea of Thieves is constantly evolving, with each season bringing new gameplay elements, treasure types, and quests. Seasonal updates can introduce brand-new ways to earn gold or tweak the rewards for existing activities, so staying informed on the latest changes ensures you’ll always be maximizing your efforts.
By participating in Trading Company events and seasonal activities, you can earn quick, lucrative rewards while also leveling up your reputation with each faction. These limited-time opportunities can be some of the best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves, offering an ever-changing path to riches.
Quick Tips for Solo Players
Solo players face unique challenges on the high seas, but with the right approach, they can still make a significant fortune. Playing alone doesn’t mean you have to settle for less—there are plenty of best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves tailored specifically for those sailing solo.
- Focus on Low-Risk Activities: Solo players often benefit from sticking to low-risk, high-reward activities like Sea Forts, treasure maps, and single-player-friendly missions. These can provide consistent gold payouts without the need to engage in prolonged battles or risky PvP encounters. Sea Forts, in particular, are great for solo sailors because they offer a manageable challenge with solid loot.
- Embrace Emissary Flags: Sailing with an Emissary Flag can significantly boost your gold earnings, even if you’re alone. Choose a faction like the Gold Hoarders or Merchant Alliance and raise their Emissary Flag. As you complete voyages and loot treasure, your Emissary Grade will increase, multiplying the gold you earn when you eventually sell your haul. Just remember that higher Emissary Grades make you more visible to other players, so pick your moments wisely.
- Use Stealth to Your Advantage: As a solo player, avoiding direct confrontation is often the best strategy. Use stealth to your advantage—anchor behind islands, sail in foggy areas, and hide your ship’s lights when possible. This allows you to gather treasure undetected, minimizing the risk of ambush. If you do encounter an enemy crew, quick thinking and a fast getaway can save your loot from being lost to a larger, more aggressive ship.
Solo sailing requires a careful balance of risk and reward, but with the right tactics, you can become a formidable force on the seas. By focusing on solo-friendly methods and using stealthy strategies, you’ll discover some of the most efficient best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves, proving that you don’t need a full crew to live the pirate’s life of luxury.
Final Tips for Optimizing Your Gold Haul
If you’re serious about making your mark on the seas, it’s essential to sharpen your strategies for earning gold. Even the most experienced pirates can benefit from a few extra tips to make the most of their adventures. Mastering the best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves means knowing how to squeeze every bit of value from your time on the water.
- Join Alliances for Bigger Rewards: While going solo or sticking with your crew is fun, sometimes joining forces with other players can maximize your profits. Forming alliances with other ships during events like Skeleton Forts or world events can double your haul, as you’ll share rewards without the usual risk of betrayal. Keep an eye on your alliance mates, though—backstabbing is also one of the best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves.
- Double Down on High-Payout Voyages: Prioritize voyages that offer the biggest returns, such as Gold Hoarder vaults, high-tier Order of Souls missions, or Merchant Alliance deliveries involving rare goods. If you’re playing with a full crew, taking on higher-difficulty missions can significantly increase your earnings. Stack multiple voyages for one Trading Company to build up a large amount of treasure in a single run.
- Master Quick Escape Tactics: When you’re loaded down with treasure, it’s important to know how to get away fast if trouble arises. Keep your sails angled for speed, learn the best routes around islands for cover, and be ready to drop your anchor and execute a sharp turn if an enemy ship is closing in. Quick thinking and familiarity with your surroundings can be the difference between a successful haul and a devastating loss.
By following these tips and staying alert, you’ll ensure that every voyage ends with a full hold and a heavier coin purse. Whether you’re sailing solo or with a crew, optimizing your strategies is one of the best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves, allowing you to outsmart your foes and retire with a pirate’s bounty.
Conclusion
The seas are full of opportunities, and fortune favors the bold. By mastering the best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves, you’ll be well on your way to legendary status—and a stash of gold that any pirate would envy. From choosing the right voyages and raiding Sea Forts to taking on world events and embracing the risks of PvP, there’s a strategy for every style of play.
Remember, patience and persistence are key. While some methods offer fast payouts, others require careful planning and a willingness to take risks. Whether you’re a cautious treasure hunter or an aggressive sea warrior, combining multiple strategies is often the best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves. Now that you’re armed with these tips and tactics, it’s time to raise the sails, grab your cutlass, and conquer the seas with a chest full of gold waiting at every horizon!
For more tips on mastering the game, check out our guides on leveling up quickly, finding the best ship for your crew, and dominating PvP encounters. Your journey to wealth and glory has only just begun!
FAQ
What are the best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves?
Players can earn gold through various methods, including:
Completing Sea Fort Raids: These are quick and rewarding, offering ghostly treasure and randomized loot. Efficient players can earn around 250,000 gold per hour by completing multiple forts in one session.
Participating in World Events: Engaging in events like the Skeleton Fleet or the Burning Blade World Event can yield significant rewards, often exceeding 120,000 gold per run.
PVP and PVE Battles: Sinking other players’ ships or engaging in PVE pirate ship battles can provide valuable loot. Using an Emissary Flag increases potential earnings significantly.
Is there a low-risk way to make money?
Yes, players can complete rituals at Skeleton Camps or engage in Merchant Shipwrecks. These methods involve less risk compared to PVP and can still yield substantial rewards, such as around 100,000 gold for a short session of Merchant Shipwrecks. These are some of the best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves.
How important is teamwork for maximizing earnings?
Teamwork is crucial. A well-coordinated crew can clear forts and events much faster, significantly increasing gold per hour. For instance, a four-man crew can hit multiple forts and earn over 200,000 gold in about an hour.
Can you make money solo?
Yes, solo players can still make money effectively by focusing on Sea Forts or completing rituals at Skeleton Camps. These activities are designed to be manageable for solo players while still providing good returns
What should you prioritize for maximum profit?
Focus on high-reward activities like for best ways to make money in Sea of Thieves: Fort Raids, World Events, PVP encounters with Emissary Flags
