With a little less than a week to go before the release of The Hungering Deep, the first major expansion for Rare’s pirate adventure game Sea of Thieves, the studio has now revealed some additional details about what the expansion will add into the game.
After an announcement trailer that was disappointingly light on specific gameplay details, Rare has released a new developer update video in which it discusses some of the specific features that will be included in The Hungering Deep. The expansion will include a mixture of limited-time content that’s only available during its corresponding launch event as well as more permanent content additions that players will be able to utilize anytime they please.
On the limited-time front, The Hungering Deep will add in a new story campaign mission in which players meet up with Sea of Thieves’ very first story campaign character, Merrick the Bard (the same charming fellow featured in the expansion’s announcement trailer). By participating in Merrick’s quest, players will be able to unlock exclusive limited-time awards such as a Hungering Deep-themed tattoo set and other cosmetic items.
As for permanent additions, The Hungering Deep will add in a “monstrous” new AI threat that players can encounter while sailing the high seas (most likely a giant shark if the expansion’s announcement trailer is to be believed). Players will also be able to adorn their vessels with various flags to broadcast their intent to other seafarers, and they’ll be able to speak directly to other ships’ crews by using a new speaking trumpet item. And speaking of new items, Rare is adding in a third instrument type, drums, for players who really enjoy making a jolly tune while they sail.
Lastly, Rare plans to host a series of weekly events that will help to bridge the gap between the launch of The Hungering Deep and future Sea of Thieves expansions. In all, Rare plans to release a minimum of six major expansions for Sea of Thieves, all of them free. For now, we only know the names of the first three, The Hungering Deep, Cursed Sails, and Forsaken Shores. You can find more information about The Hungering Deep over at this teaser site that Rare recently put up.
Sea of Thieves’ Hungering Deep expansion will launch next Tuesday, May 29.