In Sea Of Thieves Season 8, cannon fire rains across the seas as players take up arms for PVP on-demand ship battles in designated combat zones, fighting for The Guardians of Fortune or The Servants of the Flame in Factions of Fate. For many, ship battles are the most exciting gameplay moments in Sea of Thieves, and Season 8 enables players to jump straight into combat via the Hourglass of Fate.

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However, PVP can be a dividing subject, with some players loving it and others avoiding it. It's also challenging to get good at PVP, so Factions of Fate enables players to put their skills to the test with the prospect of earning desirable rewards like the ghost and skeleton curses. There's a lot to manage in ship battles, and the pressure is on in a confined space, so players may want to stick these tips up their battle-worn sleeves.

8 Prepare Before & During Underwater Matchmaking

Underwater PVP Matchmaking Sea Of Thieves Season 8

Stocking up on supplies before and between ship battles is essential to stay afloat in PVP ship combat and avoid running out of supplies mid-battle. Before jumping into a Faction ship battle, Captained Ships can quickly stock up on wood, cannons, throwables, and fruit in the Shipwright's Supply and Captain's Voyage Shop at any Outpost, or it's a few trips to the Merchant for crates.

While waiting during underwater matchmaking, use the time to ensure the cannons are loaded and grab plenty of wood and fruit to hand, as there's rarely enough time to do this once the battle commences.

7 Surprise Players With Special Cannonballs & Throwables

Loading Firebomb Into Cannon Sea Of Thieves Season 8

When a player ship bursts out of the water, the choice of cannonballs for those first shots can grant them the element of surprise over their opponent. Load the cannons with throwables like the Firebomb for a fiery shock to the system for the rival crew, or use well-timed cursed cannonballs to leave them vulnerable to follow-up attacks.

Varying the choice of cannonball can keep rival ships distracted from making repairs or putting out fires, giving crews a window of opportunity to attack and gain the advantage.

6 The Edge Of The Circle Is Dangerous

Battle Circle PVP On Demand Sea Of Thieves Season 8

Some players loiter near the edge of the circle, and for good reason, as if players stay outside its bounds for too long, their Hourglass of Fate implodes, causing the ship to sink and the battle forfeited to the rival team. However, it's a risky strategy for both ships if either cannot sail back inside the designated battle space in time, especially if one side gets sent to the Ferry of the Damned.

Sneaky players might try luring their opponent to the edge of the circle before initiating their attack, aiming to leave them vulnerable to the battle's mechanics. Players are best sticking to the middle of the zone where possible and should keep an eye on the map table often to check that they aren't sailing out of bounds.

5 Ramming Is A Double-Edged Sword

PVP Faction Ship Battle Sea Of Thieves Season 8

Players keen on more aggressive sailing strategies may try to up the ante by ramming their opponent, either face-on when the battle begins or from behind by hooking onto the back of a ship using the harpoon, using its momentum to crash and cause chaos.

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Ramming can give the element of surprise and might push the battle towards its conclusion, but it risks both ships being battered with holes, so players best think twice before playing dirty. Watch out for ships tethering with the harpoon, as it leaves them sailing hands-free to shoot using the pistol or sniper rifle.

4 Protect The Mast

The ship's mast destroyed in Sea of Thieves

At all costs, players must protect their mast as best they can. Some crews are exceptionally accurate with their chain shots, resulting in the mast plummeting and panic setting in as crews scramble to piece their ship back together.

It's also the perfect PVP boarding opportunity, and most rivals won't hesitate to sneak on board to send the grounded ship and its crew to the Ferryman. If this happens, attempt to raise the mast as quickly as possible, but watch the ship's ladders for boarders heading for the anchor and barrel-hiders.

3 Repair & Resupply While Turning

Repairing The Ship PVP Ship Battle Sea Of Thieves Season 8

There's barely any time to repair the ship, restock the cannons, and stock up on fruit and wood while engaging in ship battle PVP. This is especially true for players sailing solo on a Sloop who must wear all hats on the ship. After each rival faction dishes out cannon fire side by side, turn the wheel and get repairing holes, bailing water, and resupplying while the ship turns, giving players a small window of opportunity to take a breather from the action.

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By the time the ship turns its corner, taking care not to crash into any islands or obstacles, players are ready, restocked, and back in position to fight again.

2 To Cash In Or Not To Cash In

Allegiance Streak Gold PVP On Demand Sea Of Thieves Season 8

In between PVP ship battles, players need to weigh the risks and benefits of resupplying and also cashing in any Allegiance Streaks early to earn as much gold as possible. It's crucial to remember players must vote to leave their chosen Faction at either an Outpost or at the Reaper's Hideout to receive any earnings from sinking ships from the accumulated value of their Hourglass of Fate.

Players might risk running into other players or PVE scenarios while sailing towards their cash-in point, such as any active Outpost for Guardians of Fortune, but equally, they can risk losing all their hard earnings if they choose to wait in a play-off between risk versus reward. It's up to players to choose the best strategy for them and when to cash in.

1 Anything Can Happen

Kraken Sea Of Thieves

It's worth remembering that anything can happen when sailing in the live-action, open-world adventure that is Sea of Thieves. It's crucial to keep the basics in mind, like scanning the horizon, as other player ships passing by can join in without battle zone restrictions, and this can be catastrophic for the opposing Faction.

There's also a chance of PVE environmental hazards spawning near or in the designated battle area, like storms, skeleton ships, and potentially, even giant beasties like the Meg and the Kraken. During underwater matchmaking, sometimes the Kraken is seen visible swimming underwater, giving players a glimpse of what it looks like beneath the waves and reminding players it's still around.

Sea of Thieves is available to play on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

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