How to Buy a Ship in Sea of Thieves: A Guide to Sailing the High Seas and Why Bananas Are the Ultimate Currency

Ahoy, matey! So, you’ve decided to set sail in Sea of Thieves, the ultimate pirate adventure game where the seas are vast, the loot is plentiful, and the bananas are… well, surprisingly valuable. Buying a ship is one of the most exciting milestones in the game, but it’s not as simple as walking into a shipyard and handing over a bag of gold. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about purchasing your very own vessel, from saving up your doubloons to deciding whether a Sloop, Brigantine, or Galleon suits your pirate crew. And yes, we’ll also discuss why bananas might just be the secret to your success.
1. Understanding the Basics: What Does It Mean to Buy a Ship?
In Sea of Thieves, buying a ship isn’t just about owning a vessel—it’s about claiming your place in the pirate world. When you purchase a ship, you’re essentially creating a customizable, persistent ship that you can name, modify, and sail with your crew. This is different from the default ships you can use for free, which are temporary and lack personalization options.
To buy a ship, you’ll need to visit the Shipwright at any outpost. They’ll guide you through the process, but be prepared to spend a significant amount of gold. The cost varies depending on the type of ship you choose, so let’s dive into the options.
2. Choosing the Right Ship for Your Crew
Not all ships are created equal in Sea of Thieves. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to pick the one that best suits your playstyle and crew size.
The Sloop: Small but Mighty
- Cost: 250,000 gold
- Crew Size: 1-2 players
- Pros: Easy to maneuver, quick to repair, and perfect for solo players or small crews.
- Cons: Limited firepower and storage space.
The Sloop is the go-to choice for solo pirates or duos. Its compact size makes it agile, allowing you to outmaneuver larger ships in tight spots. However, don’t expect to win a head-on battle against a Galleon—strategy and speed are your best allies.
The Brigantine: The Balanced Beast
- Cost: 375,000 gold
- Crew Size: 2-3 players
- Pros: Faster than a Sloop, more firepower, and decent storage.
- Cons: Requires coordination to sail efficiently.
The Brigantine strikes a balance between speed and power, making it ideal for medium-sized crews. It’s faster than a Sloop and can hold its own in combat, but it requires teamwork to manage sails, cannons, and repairs effectively.
The Galleon: The Floating Fortress
- Cost: 500,000 gold
- Crew Size: 3-4 players
- Pros: Massive firepower, ample storage, and intimidating presence.
- Cons: Slow and cumbersome, requires a full crew to operate efficiently.
If you’re sailing with a large crew, the Galleon is the ultimate choice. It’s a powerhouse on the seas, capable of taking down smaller ships with ease. However, its size makes it a target, and without a coordinated crew, it can quickly become a liability.
3. Saving Up for Your Dream Ship
Buying a ship is no small feat—it requires a hefty amount of gold. Here are some tips to help you save up:
Complete Voyages and World Events
Voyages are the bread and butter of Sea of Thieves. Whether you’re hunting for treasure, battling skeletons, or delivering cargo, each completed voyage rewards you with gold. World Events, marked by swirling clouds or glowing beacons, offer even greater rewards but come with higher risks.
Sell Everything You Find
From chests and skulls to rare artifacts, everything you find can be sold to the appropriate vendors at outposts. Don’t hoard your loot—sell it as soon as possible to avoid losing it to rival pirates or the Kraken.
Participate in Emissary Quests
Joining an Emissary faction (Gold Hoarders, Order of Souls, etc.) increases the value of your loot. As you raise your Emissary rank, you’ll earn bonus gold and access to lucrative Emissary Quests.
Don’t Forget About Bananas
Okay, bananas aren’t actually currency, but they’re essential for keeping your crew alive and your ship afloat. Stock up on bananas (and other supplies) to avoid costly repairs and respawns.
4. Customizing Your Ship
Once you’ve purchased your ship, the real fun begins: customization. You can change your ship’s appearance by purchasing cosmetics from the Shipwright or the Pirate Emporium. Options include sails, hulls, figureheads, and even cannons. While these upgrades are purely cosmetic, they allow you to express your unique pirate style.
5. Why Bananas Are the Ultimate Currency (Sort Of)
While bananas aren’t used to buy ships, they’re invaluable for maintaining your crew’s health and stamina. A well-fed crew is a happy crew, and a happy crew is more likely to succeed in their adventures. Plus, nothing strikes fear into the hearts of your enemies like a pirate wielding a banana like a weapon. (Okay, maybe not, but it’s fun to imagine.)
FAQs
Q: Can I own multiple ships?
A: Yes! You can own one of each ship type (Sloop, Brigantine, Galleon) and switch between them as needed.
Q: Do I lose my ship if it sinks?
A: No, your purchased ship is persistent. Even if it sinks, you can respawn it at no additional cost.
Q: Can I share my ship with friends?
A: Yes, your ship can be used by any crew you invite. However, only you (the owner) can customize it.
Q: Are there any discounts on ships?
A: Occasionally, Rare (the game’s developer) offers discounts or promotions, so keep an eye out for special events.
Q: Can I rename my ship?
A: Yes, you can rename your ship at any time by visiting the Shipwright.
Now that you know how to buy a ship in Sea of Thieves, it’s time to set sail and make your mark on the high seas. Whether you’re a solo pirate or part of a fearsome crew, your ship is your greatest asset—so choose wisely, customize boldly, and always keep a stash of bananas on hand. Happy sailing!