Sea Of Thieves' First Big Content Update, The Hungering Deep, Launches Next Week

Rare is readying the first big content update for its shared pirate game, Sea of Thieves. The Hungering Deep expansion is set to arrive on Xbox One and PC next week, and ahead of its release, the developer has shared some more details on what new features await in the free patch.

Among other things, The Hungering Deep introduces "a range of permanent new game features" to the multiplayer pirate game. Among them is a new "monstrous" AI threat that players may encounter while sailing the high seas. Additionally, Rare is adding a new instrument to the game--drums--along with Speaking Trumpets, which allow you to find other pirate crews who have embarked on the same voyage as you.

On top of the aforementioned items, The Hungering Deep update marks the start of a new, limited-time campaign quest. "Join this time-limited adventure that leads from the outpost taverns to lonely, forgotten isles, piecing together the tale of Merrick the bard and his brush with hungering horror," Rare says on the game's website. If players manage to locate Merrick, they'll be able to "join the hunt for his nemesis."

Those who participate in the limited-time quest will be able to earn exclusive rewards, such as a Hungering Deep tattoo set. Rare is also introducing a variety of other cosmetic items to the game, including tattoos, scars, and customizable flags for your ship. You can watch the trailer for the update above.

The Hungering Deep rolls out for both Xbox One and PC on Tuesday, May 29; you can find further details about the update on the official Sea of Thieves website. In the meantime, players can install the game's latest patch, 1.0.8. The update weighs approximately 1.2 GB and introduces some new quality-of-life features, such as the ability to discard unwanted voyages and adjust aiming sensitivity. The full patch notes for update 1.0.8 are available on the game's website.