Sea of Thieves offers a vast ocean filled with tons of pirating adventures The game has hours of gameplay with 11 different Tall Tales, each is a grand adventure that takes place across an extensive story arc, introducing you to some of the mysteries and characters that make up the game. One Tall Tale you'll deal with starting off is the Shroudbreaker Tall Tale in Sea of Thieves.
The Shroudbreaker, the first Tall Tale in the Shores of Gold arc, sets you on a thrilling quest to find the legendary Shroudbreaker artefact. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to conquer its many challenges, get your hands on the Shroudbreaker, and leave some bonus tips to make your Sea of Thieves journey bountiful.
Before we set sail, be sure to check out our other guides and articles like the Sea of Thieves beginner’s guide - tips and tricks and how to fast travel.
How to start the Shroudbreaker Tall Tale
You can begin your journey in the taverns of any of the Outposts, where you'll find the Shroudbreaker book beside the Mysterious Stranger. Vote with your crew (more than half needed) to activate the Tall Tale – initiate the vote with the X button. The Stranger will then weave a tale of the Magpie's Wing and the Shores of Gold, sending you off for the adventure ahead.
How to find the Ship Log
With the Tall Tale underway, a journal appears in your inventory, detailing the hunt for the Shroudbreaker. Your first task: locate the Ship's Log from the sunken Magpie's Wing. Head to the uncharted island at N-13 on your map and explore the shipwreck's remains. The Captain's Quarters holds the Ship's Log within the Captain's throne.
How to Find the Ancient Chest
The Ship's Log becomes a crucial piece in your quest. It details the Magpie's Wing's voyage, offering clues to the Ancient Chest's location. Each entry reveals the ship's direction, landmarks spotted, and islands encountered. Use your map table to decipher these clues and retrace the Magpie's Wing's journey.
Vague clues like "a large tangled nest of islands" refer to Shark Bait Cove, while "a large with tall arches" points to Thieves' Haven. Look for an entry mentioning the chest being thrown overboard – this island becomes your target. The Ancient Isles region is a frequent location for this event. The log will also specify the side of the island where the chest was discarded.
Once you reach the island, scan the seabed for a glinting chest underwater. It won't be far from the shore but might be camouflaged by seaweed or coral. The "Ancient Chest" will stand out from regular chests. Open it to collect the final journal pages and a Totem.
How to find the Ancient Vault
The final journal pages unveil the island housing the Shroudbreaker. Use your map to locate it. The Totem from the chest acts as the key to the Vault. Different Totems correspond to different Vaults (six in total). Here's a quick reference:
- Boar Totem Vault: Devil's Ridge
- Crab Totem Vault: Uncharted Island at N-13
- Moon Totem Vault: Crescent Isle
- Scarab Totem Vault: Crook's Hollow
- Shark Totem Vault: Kraken's Fall
- Snake Totem Vault: Mermaid's Hideaway
With the correct island identified, set sail with your Totem in hand. Locate the Vault door on the island. Look for paintings matching your Totem's animal or object. A carved square near the painting will be the designated spot to place the Totem.
How to solve the Ancient Vault puzzle
Inside the Vault, you'll encounter a large altar, braziers, and four pillars. Light the braziers to initiate the puzzle and seal yourselves inside. Symbols on the pillars will start glowing as the room fills with water, telling you it’s time for action.
The solution lies within the final pages of your Shroudbreaker journal. Match the symbols on the pillars exactly as depicted in the journal, following the order from top to bottom. Once you've aligned the symbols correctly, press the button on the altar to complete the sequence and move on to the next puzzle. Repeat this process until all the puzzles are solved.
How to find the Vault Medallions
With the puzzles complete, the water will recede, and the door will open. The altar will now display an image of a location on the island. This marks the spot where the Vault Medallions lie hidden. Use the image's landmarks or rock formations to pinpoint the location. Equip your shovel and prepare to dig.
Unearthing each Medallion will trigger a wave of Skeletons, so be ready to fight. The specific locations are randomized, but the image provides valuable clues. Look for cliffs, beaches, or landmarks to determine the correct level on the island.
Return each Medallion to the altar, and a new image will appear, guiding you to the next one. Repeat this process three times to collect all the Medallions. Once the final Medallion is placed, the inner chamber will open, revealing the Shroudbreaker artefact.
How to get the Shroudbreaker (and get back alive)
Seize the Shroudbreaker! With the artifact in hand, your quest nears completion. However, be prepared for a final challenge. As you emerge from the Vault with the Shroudbreaker, a horde of Skeletons will rise on the island.
Your best course of action is to avoid conflict and make a swift getaway to your ship. The Shroudbreaker is more valuable than any loot these Skeletons might possess.
How to complete the Shroudbreaker Tall Tale
With your crewmates at the helm, set sail for any Outpost. Once you dock, locate the Mysterious Stranger (they'll be easy to spot in any tavern). Present the Shroudbreaker – this marks the successful completion of the Shroudbreaker Tall Tale. The Stranger will acknowledge your accomplishment and reward you with doubloons and reputation.
That's all you need to know on how to complete the Shroudbreaker Tall Tale in Sea of Thieves. While you’re here, have a look at our other guides on Sea of Thieves like How to get King’s Chest in Sea of Thieves and How to get Trading Company Distinction in Sea of Thieves.