Season 17 of Sea of Thieves sets sail with Act 1, introducing a daring new faction—the Smugglers’ League. This shadowy group recruits pirates to discreetly transport valuable and volatile goods across the seas. To take part, crews must uncover hidden hideouts scattered across the map, each guarded by traps and secrets, where League representatives wait with risky missions.
At the heart of these adventures are Smugglers’ Route Runs. These voyages task players with delivering prized items like rare art, premium rum, and unstable Black Powder Barrels. The cargo promises generous rewards, but every voyage paints a target on the crew, making stealth and strategy essential. Keen-eyed pirates can also stumble upon extra contracts sealed in floating bottles, offering even more high-risk opportunities.
Danger doesn’t stop with deliveries. The seas hide Smugglers’ Shipwrecks, treasure-laden but fiercely contested by skeleton ships and rival crews. Securing this loot requires both sharp combat and a steady hand, making every haul feel earned.
Act 1 kicks off a three-act structure for the season, focusing now on covert operations and exploration. Future updates promise bold new events, including daring heists and fortress sieges, escalating the stakes across the waves.
Alongside gameplay updates, the season brings fresh cosmetics via the Pirate Emporium and Plunder Pass, unlocking 100 tiers of rewards. Players can also create Pirate Profiles, tailoring different playstyles without losing progress. New commendations and deeds tied to the League add further depth, rewarding commitment with reputation and recognition.
The official launch trailer teases this thrilling new era: shadowy dealings, lucrative cargo, and unpredictable encounters. With the Smugglers’ League now calling, Season 17 ensures the seas remain as perilous—and rewarding—as ever.
