Sea of Thieves buyer's guide: Release date, editions, merchandise and more

Sea of Thieves is sailing on the horizon, with less than a month remaining until the game's release. Microsoft's upcoming adventure game is showing promise as the ultimate pirate experience, sending players on adventures to uncover the most coveted loot. We've rounded up the top Sea of Thieves items available so far, ahead of its debut.

Sea of Thieves release date

Sea of Thieves is expected to launch for Xbox One and Windows 10 on March 20, 2018. Unlike many recent Microsoft Studios titles where a premium edition provides early access, there is only one edition of Sea of Thieves and it has a universal release date worldwide. The game will also offer its Xbox One X enhancements, including 4K resolution and High Dynamic Range (HDR) support, on launch day.

Sea of Thieves preorder bonuses

Games often see a range of store-specific preorder bonuses, although Microsoft is keeping it simple for Sea of Thieves. Players will receive a code for the "Black Dog Pack" from major retailers, including the Microsoft Store, Amazon, GameStop, and Best Buy. Once redeemed, your character will receive a range of cosmetic items, including a black jacket, hat, peg leg, boots and gloves. A matching cutlass, hurdy-gurdy, and concertina are also included.

Preorders from Best Buy will also receive a physical 3-inch metal coin branded with Sea of Thieves logos and icons, while stocks last.

Sea of Thieves (Physical disc)

Set sail onto the Sea of Thieves with the game's standard edition – currently the only way to experience the game on Xbox One. By purchasing this version, you'll be getting all content available at launch, aside from a few cosmetic bonuses.

The standard version of Sea of Thieves costs $59.99, with additional bonus content dependent on the retailer. This version should be stocked by all video game retailers worldwide.

Sea of Thieves (Digital)

A digital version of Sea of Thieves is also available for $59.99, sold as a pre-paid code to be redeemed via Xbox Live. Most retailers that stock codes will distribute them ahead of launch, to give players the chance to preorder and pre-load the title. Like digital copies purchased directly from the Microsoft Store, these copies of the game will unlock at 12:01 in your time zone.

Codes are valid for both Xbox One and Windows 10, with cross-platform purchasing, saves and multiplayer between the two platforms under the "Play Anywhere" program.

Xbox Game Pass

Although for many, Sea of Thieves will be purchased outright, Microsoft is also set to release the game on its Xbox Game Pass subscription service on March 20. As recently unveiled, future Microsoft Studios-published titles will hit the Netflix-style service and remain playable with an active subscription. Xbox Game Pass subscriptions also entitle players to an additional library of over 100 existing games on Xbox One. Xbox Game Pass subscriptions are priced at $9.99 digitally or $10.99 as gifts, making this a great way to save on your first trip to the seas.

Sea of Thieves Limited Edition Xbox One controller

Accompanying the launch of Sea of Thieves, this special edition controller is one of Xbox One's hottest accessories this year. With a nautical translucent purple casing etched in barnacles and a light copper rust, the controller looks freshly plucked from the depths. Other highlights include a gold trigger resembling a pirate's tooth, a glow in a dark skull symbol, and various other markings, fully capturing the pirate aesthetic. Buyers are also rewarded with the exclusive "Ferryman" clothing set in-game.

As a third-generation revision of the Xbox One controller, integrated Bluetooth support also makes for a perfect PC companion. The Sea of Thieves controller stock continues to rise and fall at $74.99, so make sure to check various retailers regularly to secure one for yourself.

Sea of Thieves Seagate 2TB Game Drive for Xbox One

Xbox One games continue to grow in size, especially when handling 4K upgrades on the Xbox One X. The Sea of Thieves special edition of the Seagate Game Drive adds an additional 2TB of external storage, tripling your capacity of standard Xbox One X consoles. Styled with a similar purple and cyan color combination, this is the great companion to the Sea of Thieves controller. Buyers of this drive will also receive a redeemable code for an exclusive in-game weapon, the "Midnight Blunderbuss."

The Sea of Thieves Seagate Game Drive is slated to hit store shelves on April 1, 2018, shortly after the game's launch. Preorders for the accessory are already live at some retailers, priced at $89.99.

Sea of Thieves Xbox One controller stand

If you're getting a Sea of Thieves controller, why not find a perfect place to store it? The Sea of Thieves limited edition controller stand from Controller Gear solves this, using a refreshed design officially licensed from Microsoft. Designed with materials identical to the Sea of Thieves controller, you won't find a better companion than this. A charging variant of this stand is also on the way to top up your charge while not sailing the seas.

The standard Sea of Thieves controller stand is set to release for $14.99, while the charging variant will cost $49.99. Both models are on track for an April 5 release, ahead of the game's launch.

Tales From The Sea of Thieves

"Tales From The Sea of Thieves" might serve as a perfect primer for the game, diving into its world from the perspective of three pirates. Exploring adventures on the seas, the book promises to expand on the game's towns and islands, while uncovering its mythical krakens and mermaids. Packed with illustrations and sketches from the Rare team, Tales From The Sea of Thieves should deliver for lovers of lore and art.

Tales from the Sea of Thieves is currently available for pre-order at Amazon for $26.96, ahead of its March 20 release.

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The Art of Sea of Thieves

Interested in the creative process behind Sea of Thieves? This might be the book for you. Featuring over 200 pages of concept art, sketches, and other behind-the-scenes content, The Art of Sea of Thieves is a visual trip through the game's development. Expanding on the design of its world, the book also houses exclusive commentary, and breakdowns from the developer's art team.

The Art of Sea of Thieves will be available on March 20 for $35.99 on Amazon, and various other book stores.

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Matt Brown

Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central's Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft's gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.