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Where to find the key in the Maiden Voyage in Sea of Thieves

Unlock the Pirate Lord's secret stash of goodies by finding the location of the key in the Maiden Voyage in Sea of Thieves.

There’s a secret key to be found in the Maiden Voyage in Sea of Thieves. The Pirate Lord himself speaks of this key in the numerous journals around the map and if the key’s location can be found, the player can claim the Pirate Lord’s personal stash of riches!

Maiden Voyage key location

Keen-eyed players will have spotted the Tall Tale tab containing Maiden Voyage commendations. Those that want the special sails will need to complete all of these. One that is going to stump a few players is unlocking the hold of the Magpie’s Fortune, as it requires finding a key .

The key itself is found in the pond at the top of the hill near the ship , the Magpie’s Fortune. The best way to reach this area is to climb up through the ship. Start on the beach near the Pirate Lord and turn around to face the ship. Run up to it and inside the lower levels. You can use the stairs inside to reach the top. Climb out along the fallen mast to the top of the mountain.

When you get to the top where the pond is, take a dive into the water. The key is found along the edge, close to the waterfall and the ship. It is extremely difficult to find, as it’s so small and partially buried in the sand.

After you collect the key, the next step is to unlock the Pirate Lord’s secret hold. This little compartment is found at the very bottom of the ship. Make your way back down the ship to the ground level. Look for the trapdoor that is slightly obscured. With the key in your hand, interact with the trapdoor to open it up.

Jump through the trapdoor and into the secret hold. Inside this area you will find bags of gold and doubloons. This is one of the best ways to get doubloons in Sea of Thieves , though it can only be collected once.

The secret key in the Maiden Voyage is very difficult to find. Its location, though mentioned in the journals, is a bit tricky thanks to it being submerged in water and stuck in the sand. Claim your rewards and then head on over to the Shacknews Sea of Thieves guide and walkthrough for even more pirate tips!

Hailing from the land down under, Sam Chandler brings a bit of the southern hemisphere flair to his work. After bouncing round a few universities, securing a bachelor degree, and entering the video game industry, he's found his new family here at Shacknews as a Guides Editor. There's nothing he loves more than crafting a guide that will help someone. If you need help with a guide, or notice something not quite right, you can message him on X:  @SamuelChandler  

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Sea of Thieves Maiden Voyage tutorial: Key and journal locations, and how to complete all other Maiden Voyage commendations

How to earn every commendation in Maiden Voyage.

Maiden Voyage is the Sea of Thieves tutorial quest, known as a Tall Tale in-game, which is designed to teach you the basics of being a pirate.

If you take the time to explore the island, known as Old Sailor's Isle, in Maiden Voyage you'll discover that there's far more to this location than a simple tutorial. Hidden in the ruins of a pirate you'll uncover a collection of journals and a key , which will lead you to lost treasure.

Completing all ten commendations for Maiden Voyage will also reward you with cosmetic items for both your pirate and ship.

On this page:

How to access tutorial quest Maiden Voyage in Sea of Thieves

Maiden voyage quest walkthrough in sea of thieves, where to find the key during tutorial maiden voyage in sea of thieves, journal locations during the maiden voyage quest in sea of thieves, other commendations and secrets in maiden voyage in sea of thieves.

If you're looking to learn the essentials of Sea of Thieves, read up on sailing , ship battles , and how to survive fights with skeletons and the kraken .

If this is the first time you've played Sea of Thieves, then, after you've selected a pirate to play as, you'll have to play at least some of the Maiden Voyage quest to access the rest of the game.

If you're a returning player, then you can still play the Maiden Voyage quest to either to refresh your Sea of Thieves skills or to earn the special items available from earning all the Maiden Voyage commendations.

Maiden Voyage can be played at any time by selecting from the bottom right-hand corner of the Sea of Thieves Experience menu, which is the first menu you access upon starting the game.

Maiden Voyage begins with you awakening on an island and the ghostly Pirate Lord appearing in front of you. You need to eat, however, to properly talk to the Pirate Lord.

To do this open your Equipment Radial and then select the food you stored there. Once it's in hand, you can eat it and then talk to the Pirate Lord.

He'll instruct you to retrieve the cutlass that is sticking out of the remains of a skeleton tied to a nearby tree. When you do retrieve this cutlass, the skeleton won't be too happy, so quickly destroy it with a few swipes of your blade.

Blade in hand, meet the Pirate Lord on the shore and he'll give you a shovel, which you should immediately put away. The Pirate Lord will then ask you to retrieve some treasure for him.

To do this open up your maps and select the only one you currently have available. You can now look at this map whenever you like and continue to move about the island as you do so. Keep in mind though, you won't be able to tell where you personally are by looking at the map.

To find the treasure head west along the beach, until you reach the area where it curves out into the sea.

Next, follow the curved beach out towards the ruined ship at its end and stop when you reach the plant with red leaves - it's here that you'll find the buried treasure.

With your shovel, dig up the Old Sailor's Chest and then bring it back to the Pirate Lord.

He'll allow you to open the chest and take the equipment inside, which includes a flintlock pistol, compass, telescope, bucket and lantern.

You can now spend some time experimenting with your new weapons and equipment if you like.

This is also the time to explore Old Sailor's Isle, the island where Maiden Voyage is set, and uncover its various secrets, including a collection of hidden journals.

Once you've found every secret or simply want to continue playing the game, talk once more to the Pirate Lord and he'll open the path to the Sea of Thieves. First, however, you have to get your ship ready for the open seas.

Swim out to your ship and board via the ladder on the side.

Your first task is to raise the mast, which can be done by interacting with the sail length rope that is to the right-hand side of the ladder you used to board the ship with.

Now head to the bottom deck via your cabin and collect some planks from the wood barrel you find down there.

You can use these planks to repair the cracks around the base of the mast. You'll need to do this three times for this task to be complete.

Next, select your bucket and head back back to the bottom deck. Here you need to scoop up some of the water into your bucket and then throw it overboard, until your ship is water free.

With that task completed, head to the topmost deck and use the capstan to raise the anchor, before returning to the sail length rope to lower the sails.

Now you can finally head out into the open seas, using the wheel to steer the ship, so that you can follow the trail of green torches to the Sea of Thieves.

Don't let your guard down as your journey though. There will be a shark that you must avoid and, at some point, you'll encounter a skeleton ship.

To deal with this ship, you must load one of your cannons using the cannonball barrel on the deck and fire it towards your enemy. Don't worry if you miss - a kraken will take care of the ship for you.

Eventually you'll receive the Unto the Horizons commendation, bringing Maiden Voyage and the tutorial to an end.

If you want to access the hull of the destroyed ship in the middle of Old Sailor's Isle in the Maiden Voyage quest, you're going to need to find the key.

To do this head to the pool of water that lies in-between both ships and, once you're there, look to your left to see a pathway. This path will lead you around the left-hand side of the broken ship and up onto the hilltop where one of the broken masts rests.

You will also find a small spring at the top of this hilltop that descends to the ground below as a waterfall.

To find the key you need to dive underwater in this pool and swim to the rocks that form the top of the waterfall.Just in front of these rocks, you'll find the key sticking out of the dirt.

This key may take some time to find due to it being a similar colour to the dirt that lies the base of the pool, but if you take your time, ensuring you swim slowly, you'll be able to find it.

Key in hand, return to the area that sits in-between the two broken halves of the ship. You'll want to head towards the steps that led up to the first level of the right-hand side of the ship, but don't climb these steps. Instead, look at the ground to the right hand side of this ship to see a hatch in the dirt.

Use the key on this hatch to open the hull for the broken ship, so that you climb inside and help yourself to a selection of lost treasure like a true pirate.

Inside the hull, you'll find 25,000 Gold, 200 Doubloons and the 'My Secret Plan' journal, which you need to read as part of the A Storied Crossing commendation.

Entering the hull will also complete the Hidden Secrets commendation.

As you explore Old Sailor's Isle during the Maiden Voyage quest in Sea of Thieves you might come across a journal or two. There are ten journals for you to find in total during the quest and, if you find them, you'll earn the A Storied Crossing commendation.

Remember - you need to read each journal once you've found them to complete this commendation.

Below you'll find out how to find all ten journals in Maiden Voyage:

The Sea of the Damned

Just beyond the campfire where you begin Maiden Voyage, you'll find a small pool with a waterfall.

If you swim towards this waterfall, you'll discover that there's a cave hidden behind it.

Venture to the back of this cave and you'll find 'The Sea of the Damned.'

Regarding Merfolk

Beyond where you dig up the Old Sailor's Chest, you'll see a sunken ship; the hull is at the very tip of the sand dune, while the cabin is on the right-hand side.

To find this book you need to dive into the cabin, entering through the doorway underwater and pay close attention to the sea-bed.

In one of the topmost corners you'll find 'Regarding Merfolk.'

They Gave It A Name

In the middle of Old Sailor's Isle you'll find the remains of a great ship broken in half. Before you reach this ship, however, there is a path leading to the right, following this will bring you to a ladder and, once you've climbed it, you'll find yourself in the remains of a bedroom.

Next, head up the stairs within this room to reach the top deck of the ruined ship and, by the ship's wheel, you'll find 'They Gave It A Name.'

Lost Secret's

After reading 'They Gave It A Name,' walk around the mast until you find the ladder attached to its side.

Climbing this ladder will take you to the crows-nest where you'll find 'Lost Secret's.'

So Near and Yet...

To find this journal, climb the set of steps at the base of the right-hand side of the broken ship and then cross the bridge that connects the two halves together.

Once you reach the other side of the boat, look to your left and you'll see a pair of barrels surrounded by leaves. At the foot of the upright barrel you'll find 'So Near and Yet...'

My Secret Plan

'My Secret Plan' is located in the hull of the broken ship, which is unlocked with the key you'll find as part of earning the Hidden Secrets commendation.

Lord of the Sea

Head down the path that goes through the tunnel in-between the two halves of the broken ship and continue following it until you reach a bridge.

Rather than crossing this bridge, go to the cliffedge to your right where you'll find a ladder.

Head down this ladder and search through the leaves to your left; amongst the ivy, you'll find the 'Lord of the Sea' journal.

Painting from the Past

Following the path that begins in-between the two halves of the broken ship to its end will bring you to the top of the second island and there you'll find a campsite.

Amongst the items that make up this little camp, you'll find the 'Painting from the Past' journal.

Making Camp

You'll walk past a wooden door on your journey to the top of the second island. Situated to the left of this door is a lever, which, when you pull it, will open the door.

Beyond the doorway, you'll find another small camp and, on the floor to the left of the campfire, you'll find the 'Making Camp' journal.

A Ship That Fits

After reading 'Making Camp' follow the pathway into the depths of the mountain, until you reach a raised bridge.

Opposite this raised bridge, you'll find a capstan, which you can use to lower the bridge and continue down the path.

Eventually, you'll reach another closed door. This time you can raise the door using the pulley next to it.

This will bring you into a cavern containing the rowing boat used for the Yer Boat commendation. Rather than climbing into the boat, head to your left where you'll see a ladder leading to a small ledge.

Once you've climbed the ladder, look on at the right-hand side of the ledge and, on the ground, you'll find the last journal - 'A Ship That Fits.'

The first season has arrived! Learn about all Season 1 Battle Pass rewards and everything else added in the Sea of Thieves patch notes . New to the game? Learn what to do in Sea of Thieves and take take part in the Maiden Voyage tutorial , which teaches you the essentials of sailing and ship battles . It's also useful for beginners to know how to survive fights with skeletons and the kraken . Elsewhere we have advice on how to get easy gold and doubloons , complete skeleton forts and The Shroudbreaker , take part in fishing in Sea of Thieves and Sea of Thieves island maps .

There are four other commendations for you to complete in Maiden Voyage, the tutorial for Sea of Thieves, and completing these commendations, along with the ones outlined above, will unlock the Magpie's Fortune Sails for your ship.

You can check to see how many commendations you've completed for the Maiden Voyage quest by going to the Reputation tab in the in-game menu.

From there select Tall Tales and then cycling to the next screen, where you'll find the option for Maiden Voyage. Here you'll find a full list of commendations available for this quest and the rewards you'll receive for completing them.

A Fine Catch

To earn this commendation, you have to do a spot of fishing . First, grab your fishing rod from the Equipment Reel, which is located in the second section of the reel.

Once you've got your fishing rod in hand, head to the nearest patch of water and cast out into the sea.

You'll have to wait a short while for a fish to appear, but, when you see a fish swimming and jumping around the end of your line, you'll know it's nearly time to start reeling in a fish.

When a fish does take the bait, you need to angle your rod in the opposite direction to the one it's swimming in. This would be right if the fish is swimming left, upwards if it's fishing directly away from you or left if it's heading to the right.

When the fish gets tired, you'll have the chance to reel it in.

You will have to repeat this process a number of times to catch a fish, but once you do so you'll receive the 'A Fine Catch' commendation.

Just make sure you don't reel the fish in when it's moving or point the rod in the wrong direction - if you do you'll break the line and lose the fish.

A Hearty Meal

This commendation begins with you killing one of the chickens that can be found near the campfire that you awaken by at the beginning of Maiden Voyage. You can do this by using either your cutlass or flintlock pistol.

Once you've committed chickenide, pick up the chicken meat left behind and take it to the nearby campfire.

Now all you have to do is cook it and you'll receive the commendation.

Saluting the Pirate Lord

For this commendation, you need to climb up the left of the broken ship, until you reach the level with the destroyed brig where you'll find a barrel of cannonballs.

Take these cannonballs and then head up the stairs to the top floor of this part of the ship. Here you'll find a cannon and all you have to do now is load, then fire, the cannon.

The best time to complete this commendation is just after you've read the final book, 'A Ship That Fits.'

In the same cavern where you find this book, you'll find a rowing boat. Once you've read the book, climb into the rowing boat, pick up the oars and take it for a spin.

After a couple of minutes of rowing, you'll receive this commendation.

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Maiden Voyage Tall Tale Guide - How to Find the Old Sailor's Key

★ SoT PS5 Version Releases on April 30, 2024! ★New Pre-Order and Edition Bonuses for the PS5!

List of Contents

• Overview and Location
• Walkthrough
• All Journal Locations
• Commendations and Rewards
• Related Guides

Maiden Voyage Overview and Location

Tall tale overview, access maiden voyage from the main menu.

You can directly access Maiden Voyage from the main menu. Head over to the Play tab to find the Maiden Voyage on the right side of the screen. Select it and choose Set Sail to start the Tall Tale.

Maiden Voyage Walkthrough

Open the equipment radial menu.

After talking to the Pirate Lord, press and hold the Equipment Radial button. Hover over to the Banana and press the Left Mouse Button on PC or the RT button on the Xbox to eat it and recover health.

Get the Cutlass from the Tree

Head over to the tree on the right side of the Pirate Lord and use the Interact button to take the cutlass.

Defeat the Skeleton on the Tree

Taking the cutlass initiates a battle with the skeleton. Press the Left Mouse Button on PC or the RT button to attack the skeleton with your cutlass to defeat it.

Press the X button on PC or B button on the Xbox to put away the cutlass to proceed to the next objective.

Talk to the Pirate Lord on the Beach

Use the Map to Find the Red X on the Island

To open the map, press and hold the Equipment Radial button. Press the Quest button to switch the wheel to show the Quest Items. Select the map from the wheel to equip it.

Find the Treasure Chest Northwest of the Shore

The treasure chest is located northwest of the beach beside the shipwreck on the shoreline.

Use the Shovel to Dig the Treasure Chest

Return the Treasure Chest to the Pirate Lord

Open the Old Sailor's Chest and take the equipment inside. Use the Mouse Wheel on PC or Y button on Xbox to equip your Flintlock.

After equipping the Flintlock, the Pirate Lord will allow you to explore the island. Use this time to complete all the Maiden Voyage Commendations before setting sail.

View Commendations on the Pirate Log

Select Reputation -> Tall Tales -> Maiden Voyage to see the Commendations that you can complete for this Tall Tale.

Catch a Fish to Get A Fine Catch Commendation

Wait for a fish to bite and reel it in to earn the A Fine Catch commendation .

Cook a Chicken to Get A Hearty Meal Commendation

Use the Cannon to Get Saluting the Pirate Lord Commendation

Find the shipwreck on the island and climb to the third level on the left side of the wreck to pick up some cannonballs from the barrel on the dark corner near the ladder.

Find the Cannon on the Top Floor

Get the Old Sailor's Key from the Pond

From the cannon, turn around south from it to find a pond with two trees. Use the fallen mast to head over to the pond and swim down to the northeastern side of it to find the Old Sailor's Key .

Open the Secret Hold on the Shipwreck

Head to the ground floor on the right side of the shipwreck. Look on the ground to find the Secret Hold on the floor and use the Old Sailor's Key to unlock the hatch and get the Hidden Secrets Commendation.

Head inside the secret hold and take the gold from the two treasure chests. You should get at least 25,000 Gold and 200 Doubloons from the chests.

Find the Rowboat to Get the Yer Boat Commendation

Head southeast from the secret hold and dive down into the water. You can use the compass to orient yourself to find the rowboat.

Swim East to Find the Cave with the Rowboat

Climb the rowboat and use the oars to get the Yer Boat Commendation .

Talk to the Pirate Lord to Set Sail

Board the Ship and Repair the Damages

Use Wood to Repair the Mast

Use the Bucket to Throw Water Overboard

Use the Capstan to Raise the Anchor

Use the ship wheel to move your ship. Follow the green flames as you navigate the fog.

An enemy ship will spawn on your left to serve as a combat tutorial, though the Kraken will automatically defeat it regardless if you fight back or run away from the ship. The game's logo will appear as the fog disappears, serving as the end of the Maiden Voyage Tall Tale.

All Maiden Voyage Journal Locations

My secret plan journal.

Regarding Merfolk Journal

Head back to the beach where you dug up the Old Sailor's Chest. Head next to the shipwreck lying on the shallow water and look on the ground to find the Regarding Merfolk journal.

The Sea of the Damned Journal

Go back to the Pirate Lord at the beach and equip your compass. Walk south from him until you reach a waterfall on the right side.

Swim towards the waterfall to find a small cave inside that contains the The Sea of the Damned journal.

They Gave It A Name Journal

Climb up to the top floor on the left side of the shipwreck on the island. Find the ship wheel and turn right from it to find the They Gave It A Name journal on the small table.

Lost Secrets Journal

South from the ship wheel is the shipwreck's mast. Climb to the top to find the Lost Secrets journal.

So Near and Yet... Journal

Head to the ground floor of the shipwreck and move towards the eastern side of the wreck. Find the two barrels on the corner after crossing the bridge and find the journal next to it on the floor.

Lords of the Sea Journal

Head to the small opening under the large shipwreck in the middle of the island and follow the path until you reach a bridge that connnects the two parts of the island.

Look at the bottom right from the bridge to find a ladder. Descend the ladder and find the Lords of the Sea journal on the left.

Paintings from the Past Journal

Find the large mountain southeast of the island and follow the path leading to the top to find the journal next to a small chair.

Making Camp Journal

Find the large mountain southeast of the island and follow the path until you find the wooden door on the southwest side. aa Use the lever on the left side to open the door and find the Making Camp Journal on a destroyed wooden crate.

A Ship That Fits Journal

Start from the Making Camp journal location and head down the path on the northwestern side until you come across a blocked path.

Use the capstan to lower the bridge on the left side to lower the bridge. Proceed to the next area and use the pulley near the torch to raise the door.

Head towards the door to find a cave with a rowboat. Head west from the rowboat to find a ladder that leads to a small area with iron bars. Find the A Ship That Fits journal near the rock wall.

Maiden Voyage Commendations and Rewards

All commendations and rewards, sea of thieves related guides.

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Where to find the Old Sailor’s Key in Sea of Thieves Maiden Voyage

Valuable secrets lie within the old ship’s hull.

• August 26, 2022
• Guides Sea of Thieves

Screenshot by Gamepur

Maiden Voyage is the Sea of Thieves approach to a tutorial mission. It sees your pirate avatar washed up on a small island and following the guidance of the Pirate Lord to prepare you for your voyage into the Sea of Thieves. Those impatient to get their quest rolling will no doubt speed through the tutorials for combat, cooking, and more, but it’s worth sticking around on the island for a bit first. For one thing, a secret stash hides some intriguing rewards for you. Here’s how to get it.

Related: Beginner’s guide and tips for new pirates joining Sea of Thieves

Finding the Old Sailor’s Key in Sea of Thieves Maiden Voyage

If you’ve got an eye on your surroundings, you may have already found a few of the Pirate Lord’s journals in your explorations. One of them, “Lost Secrets,” found in the crow’s nest of the wrecked ship, details the loss of the key to the ship’s hold and gives you a hint as to its location. The journal suggests that the key might have “made its bid for freedom from my jacket when I climbed up for a drink of fresh spring water,” referring to the small pond on a hilltop near the top of the shipwreck.

You can get here either by jumping off the side of the ship with the wheel and climbing up the rocks, or by clambering over to the other half of the ship and crossing the collapsed mast. Either way, once you get to the spring, dive in and have a cast about for the key among the weeds and rocks at the bottom.

How to use the Old Sailor’s Key in Sea of Thieves Maiden Voyage

Eagle-eyed pirates may have noticed a locked trapdoor in the base of the shipwreck. The aforementioned journal confirms that this locked door is that of the ship’s hull — the very door for which you’ve just located the key. Wend your way back to the wreckage with the key in hand and use it to open the trapdoor.

Inside, you’ll find 25,000 Gold, 200 Doubloons, and another Pirate Lord’s journal to acquire, which will get you that much closer to another commendation. It’s a substantial find and should help set you well on your way to becoming a Pirate Legend once you get into the Sea of Thieves properly.

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Sea of Thieves Maiden Voyage: How to complete the commendations, journals, and get secret loot

A guide to get through the Maiden Voyage in Sea of Thieves and embark on your adventure with a headstart

If you're new to Rare's pirate adventure, the Sea of Thieves Maiden Voyage deserves your time. Initially, Rare dropped players into the vast ocean with no tutorial, but new players now have the Maiden Voyage in Sea of Thieves to guide them through the early moments. Returning players can embark on this special solo mode too, and they totally should as there are commendations, cosmetics, and even a hidden cache of gold and doubloons to find. With our guide, you'll be able to earn all ten Sea of Thieves Maiden Voyage commendations, find all of the Pirate Lord's journal entries, and depart the tutorial with much heavier pockets than you arrived with.

Beginning the Sea of Thieves Maiden Voyage

The first few steps of the Maiden Voyage are basically on rails, so you can't mess them up. Follow the Pirate Lord's instructions. You'll need to eat a banana to heal, pick up the cutlass, dispatch the skeleton, head to the beach to collect the shovel and treasure map, then locate the treasure, dig it up, and return it to the Pirate Lord. He'll then give you the rest of your equipment and at this point you can end the tutorial by fixing your ship and sailing away, bit don't leave so soon. There are many more treasures to be found.

Sea of Thieves Maiden Voyage commendations

There are ten total commendations to collect. Unlocking them all will also net you your first cosmetics in the game and you won't need to spend a single coin to acquire them. Those include the Pirate Lord's stylish jacket and the sails from his fabled (and now splintered) ship, the Magpie's Wing. Here's a full breakdown of the ten commendations and how to unlock each one.

• A Fine Catch For this, you need to catch a fish. You can do this by heading to the sea or any of the inland pools of water, like the waterfall base behind you when you first begin the Maiden Voyage. Follow the on-screen prompts to learn how to fish and within about a minute you'll have earned your first commendation.
• A Hearty Meal Now head to the shore where you'll find some wild chickens running around. Sorry to say, but you need to slash one of these feathered friends and collect the raw meat that's left behind. Now take it back to where you began the voyage. There's a campfire there. Place the chicken in the pan and let it cook. Each food item takes a different amount of time to cook. You'll want to cook them to perfection for maximum healing benefits. Hint: chicken takes 60 seconds. Remove the food when it's browned but not charred and enjoy a second commendation.
• Saluting the Pirate Lord To "salute" the big man, you'll want to head inland to his can't-miss shipwreck. It's cut in half from the crash and you'll want to head to the left (north on your compass) half. Head up the ladder or stairs until you see the red barrel in the corner, behind a ladder. Don't worry, this one doesn't explode. It holds cannonballs. Interact with it and take some cannonballs up to the top deck. Load the cannon, aim, and fire away to earn a third commendation.
• Hidden Secrets For this, you'll need to get into the Pirate Lord's "secret hold." Doing so will unlock the next commendation, but it's such an attraction and takes several steps that we've detailed it in full further down the page. Look for the section titled "Sea of Thieves Maiden Voyage secret loot location."
• Yer Boat This one requires you to operate a rowboat. You need only to do it for a moment, but it's sort of well hidden. To get there, cross the low-lying bridge separating the two landmasses. One is where you've been the whole time, with the campfire and the ship. Cross to the other side and follow the path through the rock formation which spirals down to a closed door. Pull the level to open the door and continue on the path until you see a capstan. Turn that to lower another door, which then reveals a cave exit where lies your rowboat. Sit in it and begin steering it to get the next commendation. Note that you can also swim into this cave from the point where you're exiting, but you'll want to be familiar with this area to collect some journals anyway, so it doesn't hurt to take the winding road.
• A Storied Crossing This commendation takes the longest and requires you find all of the Pirate Lord's scattered journals around the Maiden Voyage island. Like the loot stash, we've given these journals their own section below. Look for "Sea of Thieves Pirate Lord journal locations."
• Unto the Horizon This commendation pops automatically the first time you complete the Maiden Voyage. If you're all set collecting the journals and the hidden loot, head back to the Pirate Lord down by the beach and he'll tell you to go fix your ship. Like in the intro, just follow the on-screen prompts and in a few moments you'll sail through what is essentially a scripted preview of the otherwise unpredictable adventure that awaits you. A megalodon will swim alongside your ship, a skeleton ship will appear, and then a kraken will rise from its inky depths to swallow the skellie ship whole. As your ship sails through the Devil's Shroud and toward the Sea of Thieves, the opening title sequence appears (quite majestically, we'll add) and your commendation for completing the voyage will be unlocked.
• The Adventure Begins This unlocks like a platinum trophy on PlayStation, once you've unlocked all other commendations in the Maiden Voyage. The final two commendations award cosmetics and they pop once you've earned Unto the Horizon and The Adventure Begins respectively. You can do this across multiple playthroughs, so don't worry if you didn't finish off the list in one go. Enjoy your new sails and jacket. If you still need help finding the journals or the secret cache, read on.

Sea of Thieves Maiden Voyage secret loot location

The treasures within the Pirate Lord's secret hold are perhaps the greatest reason to play the Maiden Voyage, and the game is totally comfortable never making you aware of it. To earn an instant 25,000 gold and 200 doubloons, here's how to get into the secret location.

First, return to the Magpie's Wing, the shipwreck in the center of the island. Climb to the top of the ship back where you fired the cannon and walk across the fallen mast. This will put you next to a small pool of water as seen below.

Dive into that water, straight ahead using the angle in the screenshot above, and search for a hidden key. It's always in the same place but it's easy to miss. You're better off pushing along the pool's rocky wall until you see the prompt to pick it up.

Once you have the key, return to the shipwreck, this time staying on the south (now left) side of the wreck, opposite the side you just came from. Head to the base of the wreck and look in the shadows for a secret door. It's locked, but you've got the key. Hooray!

Use the key to open the hold and climb down the ladder to discover the best part about the Maiden Voyage. Scattered in several overflowing chests you'll find a massive bounty of 25,000 gold and 200 doubloons. This is the kind of bounty early adopters of Sea of Thieves wish they had access to in 2018, but if you're new to the game, we're happy for you anyway. Nope, not jealous at all. 

Make sure you empty every loot chest before you go. And before you ask, the loot doesn't respawn. From here on it's all hard work and determination that will enrich you – okay and maybe some double XP weekends.

Sea of Thieves Pirate Lord journal locations

There are 10 journals in total to find in the Maiden Voyage, and if you're interested in the lore of Sea of Thieves, they're definitely worth reading when you find each one. Here's where you can find the whole collection. They can be found in any order, but we've tried listing them in a way that flows with your playthrough should you be going for all commendations on one run.

1. Regarding Merfolk

The first journal is under water at the sight of a shipwreck right next to where you dig up your first chest as part of the tutorial. Dive in, swim under a bit of wreckage, and you'll find the first journal.

2. The Sea of the Damned

The next journal is behind the waterfall next to where your quest begins. You may have used this pool to fish. Swim behind the waterfall and find the next journal against the rock wall. What kind of adventure game would Sea of Thieves be without a secret behind a waterfall?

3. They Gave it a Name

For the third journal, head to the shipwreck. On the side with the captain's wheel, you'll find the next journal sitting beside the wheel.

4. Lost Secrets

The next journal isn't far at all. Simply climb to the top of the crow's nest to find it.

5. So Near and Yet...

The last of three journals tucked away on the shipwreck is back on the side with the cannon. Look in the lower deck, hidden in a shadowy corner beside a pair of broken barrels.

6. My Secret Plan

This one is found in the secret hold where you found all the loot from before. If you skipped that step, scroll up and follow the steps to find the hidden loot stash to also grab the journal laying beside the riches.

7. Lords of the Sea

Head to the low bridge that connects both landmasses and look below it for a ladder. Climb down that ladder and search along the rocks beside the water for your next journal.

8. Paintings from the Past

Now head back to the spiral path on the other side of the island, only this time keep heading up it, and then over some rocks, until you hit an overlook with the next journal sitting there.

9. Making Camp

Now return back down to the spiral pathway, and continue down to the door with the lever that opens it. If you were chasing commendations, you may have already opened this one. Right on the other side of it is a campfire with the next journal.

10. A Ship That Fits

Head past the campfire and down the trail some more. Again, if you've already been here, the next door is open. If not, turn the capstan to lower the door and head in to where you either used the rowboat, or you now find one there. Turn around to see a ladder. Climb up that ladder and you'll be met with a caged wall. Along that wall is the next - and final - journal.

With all journals, commendations, cosmetics, and a big cache of free loot all collected, you've now successfully completed the Maiden Voyage to 100%. Now get out there and become Legend, or crash into some rocks, whichever comes first.

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All Maiden Voyage Journal locations in Sea of Thieves

Maiden Voyage is essentially a Sea of Thieves tutorial level, teaching rookie pirates the basics of equipment, cooking, sailing, combat, and more. Many players will speed through the Pirate Lord’s exposition, impatient to get to the eponymous Sea of Thieves and start their new life on the high seas, but there are secrets to be found in Maiden Voyage. Among them are ten journals, which provide a little backstory and hint at other things to be found later in the game. Collecting them all will net you a commendation — here’s where to find them.

Related: How to perfectly cook fish, meat, Kraken, and Megalodon in Sea of Thieves

Journal 1 (“The Sea of the Damned”)

The first journal can be found right behind the campfire where you first wake up. You’ll see a small pond with a waterfall feeding into it. Swim toward the waterfall and you’ll discover a cave behind it. Follow the path within to its end and you’ll find the first journal, entitled “The Sea of the Damned.”

Journal 2 (“Regarding Merfolk”)

The second journal can be found near the beach where you can chat with the Pirate Lord. Looking out to sea, on your left you’ll see the remains of a wrecked ship off a small outcrop of beach, split in two by the violent dangers of the Sea of Thieves. By the door leading into the submerged cabin, you’ll spy journal number two, “Regarding Merfolk,” lying in the water.

Journal 3 (“They Gave It A Name”)

The next journal can be found aboard the massive wrecked ship in the center of the island, on the right-hand side of the vessel as seen when coming on it from the campfire. You can ascend this behemoth from the inside, finding your way up the inner staircases, but a swifter method to the top deck where the journal lies is to take the ladder on the outside of the hull. From there it’s an easy climb to the top deck and the wheel, beside which you can find the third journal, “They Gave It A Name.”

Journal 4 (“Lost Secrets”)

This next journal is right by “They Gave It A Name.” On the top deck of the wrecked ship, turn away from the wheel and ascend the ladder attached to the nearby mast. At the top, in the crow’s nest, you’ll find the next journal, entitled “Lost Secrets.”

Journal 5 (“So Near And Yet…”)

That’s about all we can do in this half of the wrecked ship for now, so make your way across the rickety-looking bridge to the other side. As soon as you get off the bridge, turn to your left. You should see two barrels and a bunch of greenery, by which you’ll find the fifth journal.

Journal 6 (“Lords of the Sea”)

We’re done with the shipwreck for now, and it’s time to explore the rest of the island. Head to the passage between the two halves of the shipwreck and follow it round to a bridge across to the second, smaller island.

When you arrive here, don’t cross the bridge just yet. Instead, take a look at the cliff face to the right of it and look for a hidden ladder that will take you down to a rocky outcrop at sea level. Here in the bushes, you’ll find “Lords of the Sea,” the next journal.

Journal 7 (“Paintings from the Past”)

Returning to the path, cross the bridge to the second island. Follow the path up and around the cliffs, ignoring the barred opening and the wooden gate for now. Keep climbing until you get to the very top of the island — you’ll need to do a little bit of rock climbing by the end, jumping on some outcrops to reach the summit. Here you’ll find a little camp, with a stool, a couple of empty bottles, and the next journal.

Journal 8 (“Making Camp”)

Return down the path the way you came, and you’ll spot a wooden gate. To the left of it, you can see a lever that will raise the gate once you interact with it. Just on the other side, you’ll find a small camp, along with journal number eight, appropriately titled “Making Camp,” in the remains of a crate to the left.

Journal 9 (“A Ship That Fits”)

Continuing on from Journal 8’s camp further into the mountain, you’ll come across a couple more obstacles. The first is a bridge that will need to be let down using the nearby capstan — which will surreptitiously teach you the ins and out of hoisting your anchor at the same time — and the next is a gate that will require hoisting a rope to raise it, similar to raising your ship’s sails. Once you’re out in the underground cavern with the rowboat, hang a left and climb a ladder to find a small ledge with a view of the outside world. Here, hidden in the greenery, you’ll find your penultimate journal: “A Ship That Fits.”

Journal 10 (“My Secret Plan”)

The final journal is tied to another mini-mission in Maiden Voyage, which sees you finding the key to the wrecked ship’s locked hold and looting the contents therein. Once you’ve nabbed the key from the clifftop pool near the top of the ship, return to the base of the wreck and use it to unlock the trapdoor to the right of the steps. Inside, alongside plenty of gold and riches, you’ll find the last journal.

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Maiden voyage.

The Maiden Voyage is a standalone introductory Tall Tale released with the December 2019 Sea of Thieves Festival of Giving (2019) Content Update.

• 1 Mechanics
• 2.1.1 Pirate Lord Dialogue
• 2.2.1 Cooking and Fishing
• 2.2.2 Cannon Fire
• 2.2.3 The Rowboat Cave
• 2.3 Secrets
• 3 Pirate Lord's Journals
• 4 Quest Items
• 5 Commendations
• 9 Patch history

The Maiden Voyage is very different from any other Tall Tale in the game, but it is listed as such under the Reputation Menu with its own Commendations , Rewards and Titles .

The main difference is that this Tall Tale is a solo adventure and cannot be voted on. Instead, players are tasked with completing this voyage after creating their pirate in the Infinite Pirate Generator and before setting sail to the Sea of Thieves . The Maiden Voyage can always be replayed from the Main Menu, where there is a designated button for the voyage in the bottom-right corner.

The Maiden Voyage

The main NPC related to this Tale is the ghostly Pirate Lord himself, guiding the player through the main aspects of the game on Old Sailor's Isle , a large island hidden in the Devil's Shroud .

Players are introduced to eating food , fighting with weapons , using equipment items and a X Marks the Spot Map to dig up an Old Sailor's Chest , maintaining a Sloop 's mast , repairs , sails , anchor and wheel and shooting cannons .

After all of these actions are performed, the player can then sail through the Devil's Shroud towards The Sea of Thieves .

Pirate Lord Dialogue

Pirate Lord

You look a little worse for wear, my friend. You must be on quite the journey. I should eat something, if I were you. A full belly can do wonders for your spirits. Once you're in good health, we'll speak properly.

After eating the Banana

There, you look better already. Maybe even strong enough to reach the Sea of Thieves. These days they call me The Pirate Lord, but back when I discovered this place I was just a bold explorer like you. I dreamt of finding uncharted waters filled with treasures and rife with danger, where every sunrise brought a new adventure... You've been brave to make it this far. Not many do. Now you've one last crossing to make. You'll want some trusty steel at your side, though. There's a sword in those trees whose owner doesn't seem to need it any more.

After receiving the Cutlass

There's far more to being a pirate than a blade in your hand and a love of other people's money. It's about finding your way through ancient caverns by lamplight, digging up long-lost treasures... ... and raising a frothing great tankard of grog when you live to tell the tale! For all of that, you'll need the right equipment. You can start by taking this old shovel.

After taking the Shovel

I stowed a few belongings around here back in the day. The map will show you the way.

After giving the Old Sailor's Chest to the Pirate Lord

Ah, my old chest! Let's see if she still hides her secrets.

After switching to the Flintlock

A fine weapon. She'll serve you well out there.

After you are done with your Equipment

There! Now you look like a true pirate. There's plenty more to see, so why not stretch your legs and explore? I'll be here when you're ready to leave.

Once you are ready to leave

Well now, I'd say you're as ready as you'll ever be for what's ahead. Allow me to show you the path... The Shroud is beginning to part, but you have one more task before your journey continues. You may be ready to sail, but your ship still needs repairs. Go, and tend to her wounds!

Once you set sail

Other Interactions

Cooking and fishing.

In addition to the base mechanics, Old Sailor's Isle is hiding the introduction to a couple of additional mechanics, hinted at in the Maiden Voyage Commendations , hidden in the Tall Tales section of the Reputation Menu.

Curious players can learn the cooking of food, by either killing any of the island's chicken for meat , or catching some fish with a fishing rod (which by itself is introduced when taking out the fishing rod item) and putting these food items on a campfire . There are two campfires on Old Sailor's Isle , one right by where the player spawns near the Pirate Lord , and another hidden inside a Cave.

Cannon Fire

Players are taught how to use the Cannons once they are aboard their Sloop , however attentive players will find an additional Cannon on the shipwreck of the Magpie's Fortune with a handful of Cannonballs in the Cannonball Barrel below. Here, players are taught that they can not only shoot Cannonballs out of Cannons, but also themselves!

The Rowboat Cave

At the island with the tallest peak, players will find a closed-off door with a Lever to open it. This will lead players to a hidden Cave with an additional Campfire and two steps of interactable objects to reveal the Cave's final secret. Players will need to drop a drawbridge by using a Capstan and then use a Pulley to lift another wooden door. This will lead players to a lonely Rowboat with a complete tutorial on how to use these small vessels.

Despite being a tutorial island, Old Sailor's Isle has quite a few secrets hidden away, which are all hinted at in the Maiden Voyage Commendations . The most notable secret is the rowboat cave described above, however, there are still a few hidden valuables on the island. Upon careful searching, players can find up to 10 journals hidden away on Old Sailor's Isle , which are all documented with their locations in the "Journals" section below.

The ultimate hidden secret of Old Sailor's Isle is the Pirate Lord 's Hideout below the Magpie's Fortune. A more attentive player can find that there is a locked hatch below the massive shipwreck, seemly requiring a key.

Pirate Lord's Journals

There are 10 journals written by the Pirate Lord that are hidden on Old Sailor's Isle during the Maiden Voyage. All 10 of these Journals have to be found and read for A Storied Crossing Commendation . The Journal transcriptions are presented below, with the Expand button showing the exact locations of each Journal. Reading these Journals is also part of Seasons ' Trials.

Regarding Merfolk

Inside the cabin of the shipwreck found on the northwest point of the island.

A new landmark! This stricken ship certainly wasn't here during my last visit. There's no sign of her crew, so perhaps they fell overboard and met their end. Things are very different on the Sea of Thieves — thanks in no small part to my own adventures, I must confess. We have an... arrangement... with the merfolk who live deep under the waves. Should any pirate become lost at sea, stranded, they'll help them back to their ship. If you should find yourself flung overboard, traveller, look for the merfolk's beacon before the sharks get your scent. You'll be glad you did!

The Sea of the Damned

In the cave hidden behind the waterfall found southwest of the campfire along the starting path.

Not all my journeys to this island are happy ones. Today I stumbled onto this poor soul, map still in their hands. To think, they were so close... No matter how swiftly we sail or how sharp our aim, it is only a matter of time before the Reaper's hand clamps down upon our shoulder. I am fortunate to have had a friend with wisdom enough to know this. Thanks to her, I live on beyond my years... at least in spirit. For younger pirates, another hope presents itself. When they perish, their souls are saved from drifting alone through the Sea of the Damned. If you should die on the Sea of Thieves and find yourself in the Ferryman's company, know this: he deserves your respect, for he has made the greatest sacrifice of all...

They Gave It a Name

On the railing to the right of the Magpie's Fortune' s wheel .

'The Sea of Thieves'. That's what they're calling it nowadays. The genie is out of the bottle, and more pirates are finding their way there every day. Some are looking to hide — from their enemies, from their pasts, from the Grand Maritime Union - while others have heard the call to adventure. It's only a matter of time before they reach this island, too. Maybe they'll be dreaming about all the Sea of Thieves has to offer, just as I was. If that's the shape of things to come, I'd be a fool to complain. Instead, I'll stow a few supplies around the place for those who need them. Things work differently beyond the Shroud. Better, for the most part, but newcomers will have to think on their feet if they're to survive.

Lost Secrets

On the railing of the Magpie's Fortune' s Crow's Nest .

Blast it all! The key to my ship's hold is missing. It must have slipped from my pocket at some point in my time here. Between this and that business with Rathbone, I'm developing a bad habit of losing the keys to my belongings. Perhaps it made its bid for freedom from my jacket when I climbed up for a drink of fresh spring water. It's another lost treasure now.

So Near and Yet...

Resting next to the broken barrels on the lowest level of the front half of the Magpie's Fortune .

You've really done it this time, Ramsey. It's one thing to return to your favourite island and quite another to wreck your ship at the heart of it! I was bound to get careless sooner or later. This place has been my little secret for so long now. I couldn't wait to get back here. To dream... I'm so close to the Shroud, I feel like I could reach out and touch it. I'm not ready to sport a hook for a hand, though. Not yet, anyway! What lies on the other side? Piles of glittering gems? Huge leviathans the size of galleons? Even better... Might there be a future for pirates like me? Next time, things will be different. I'll visit Magpie, the Shipwright, and buy a new vessel. Take my time, find a crew. We shall sail together.

The Lords of the Sea

Resting on a rock in foliage to the left of the ladder by the bridge below the shipwreck's bowsprit.

Once, long ago, I was standing atop these cliffs and staring out to sea, quite lost in my own thoughts. Suddenly, there was an almighty crashing sound. It was a kraken, and one of the largest I'd seen for quite some years! I was so startled, I couldn't help but take a leap backwards in surprise. Once I'd picked myself up, battered and bloody, I decided to install this ladder in case any future visitors took a tumble in the same way. Nowadays, thanks to that fool Merrick, krakens aren't the only sea monsters to watch for. Megalodons are once more roaming freely beneath the waves. They can prove quite the challenge even for experienced pirates. Why, I once battled a monstrous pale skinned beast at—well, I'll save that tale for another time.

Paintings from the Past

On the ground atop the peak of the second island, near a stool and rock painting.

Of all the unsolved mysteries that haunt my dreams, none are more tantalising than the long-lost people known to pirates as 'The Ancients'. Their legacy can be felt all across the Sea of Thieves, from ruins that lurk under deep waters to clifftop paintings that shame my humbler efforts. They clearly had a great wealth of knowledge and had mastered many curses and other arcane powers... and yet, something drove them to leave. Maybe some great war or calamity struck their civilisation? Perhaps it was simply time for them to move on. The truth, as it always has, eludes us all.

Making Camp

In a crate by the campfire inside a gated-off cave found along the tunnel through the tallest peak. Use the nearby lever to access the cave.

Even with all the wonders I've experienced, it's the simple things in life remain the most enjoyable. Tonight, that's a hot meal roasted over a roaring fire. Fresh fruit's all well and good, but if you take the time to properly prepare a meal, you'll feel all the better for it. The trick is to keep an eye on the dish and serve it up when it's perfectly cooked. No amount of grog can wash away the taste of burned food. With care and a bit of practice, even a humble splashtail can keep a pirate in good health with a full belly. At least they're good for something!

A Ship That Fits

Found by following the path past the campfire where "Making Camp" is found down into the lowest area with the rowboat. The journal is up on a ledge near a grate and ladder to the left if entering the cave from the gated path.

We've all seen what happens when huge armadas try to make it through the Devil's Shroud, and it's not pretty. Screaming sailors and splintered ships. I learned long ago that smaller crews have a better chance of making it along the twisting routes that provide safe passage to the Sea of Thieves. A lone traveller is best served by a sloop. They're small and nimble, though their size comes at the expense of firepower. Larger crews must learn to sail a brigantine, or even the mighty galleon - a commanding sight with her eight cannons and three great sails. Then, of course, we have the humble rowboat. These tiny craft can be carried by the other larger ships and are perfect for retaining the element of surprise...

My Secret Plan

Resting on a stool inside the locked hold of the Magpie's Fortune . See the secrets section above on how to access it.

If you're reading this, you've broken into my strongbox, which makes you a worthy pirate indeed! Worthy enough to hear my plan. Transforming this old stomping ground of mine into a safe haven for travellers has sparked something deep within my soul. It is the flame of an idea — a great tavern, far more magnificent than the usual pubs and alehouses, known only to truly legendary pirates. A den that sold only the finest plunder, where hardened adventurers and cunning sea dogs could meet to swap stories of gold and glory. If you make it to the Sea of Thieves, and should your heart desire a real challenge, heed my words: seek Athena's Fortune. I shall be waiting.

Quest Items

• Old Sailor's Chest
• Old Sailor's Key

Commendations

The following Title can be equipped at the Vanity Chest after finishing the Maiden Voyage:

• When the player finds and sits in the rowboat , a rendition of "Row Row Row Your Boat" starts playing.
• With this in mind it is quite possible that Old Sailor Isle is south of Thieves' Haven, just beyond the Devil's Shroud.

The final scene of the player entering the Sea of Thieves, sailing towards what's Thieves' Haven .

Patch history

• The parting sequence and passage through the Devil's Shroud during the Maiden Voyage have received a suite of improvements to visual fidelity, enhancing the visuals of the Shroud itself and clarity of direction for players.
• There is no longer an invisible wall blocking the path when exploring Old Sailor Isle during the Maiden Voyage.
• During the Maiden Voyage there should now be a ‘Climb Ladder’ prompt while on the crow's nest of the fallen mast.
• Introduced.
• Pages using Tabber parser tag
• Pages with broken file links

Sea of Thieves – The Maiden Voyage Tall Tale Guide | Gaming Instincts

• December 15, 2019

Sea of Thieves introduced its last update for 2019 with the Festival of Giving. With new Christmas-themed events, Ashen Chests, and a new Tall Tale, this new update will give players every reason to stick together and scavenge the Sea of Thieves for both treasure and gifts.

There are new commendations added to the Ashen Treasures Reputation tab, which adds more commendations to unlock more of the Ashen Dragon set through Tomes of Power found through Skull Forts, Fleet Battles, and Ashen Chests. Additionally, there are three Skeleton Lords that may be guarding these treasures: the Two-Faced Scoundrel, The Mutinous Helmsman, and the Duchess that must be defeated at least 25 times each to get the full commendation.

In Mercenary Voyages found in the Taverns, people can do Gift-Seeking voyages to find Humble and Generous gifts found throughout Sea of Thieves . The gifts can be given to the Masked Stranger, who is hiding out in the new Reaper’s Hideout island. Players must deliver 50 of each gift while allowing other players to deliver 30 gifts left on the chairs next to the Masked Stranger. Both parties will get the rewards, if a gift is left for someone else to deliver.

The Maiden Voyage

The Maiden Voyage is the new tutorial voyage that introduces novice players to Sea of Thieves with the help of a Legendary Pirate Lord. The tutorial is straightforward, as the Pirate Lord simply tells the player what to do as he leads them around the island and eventually helps players sail out on their way—but there are other secret commendations and journals to gather in order to unlock everything.

“A Fine Catch” commendation is simple. The Pirate Lord Ramsay gives the player the Old Sailor’s Equipment. Whip out the Fishing Pole and start fishing near the shore or on the nearby ship. Follow the tutorial prompts, catch a fish, and the “A Fine Catch” commendation will be completed.

“A Hearty Meal” requires the player cook a chicken. Since chickens are abundant, go and kill one. In order to cook it, players will have to go back to where they woke up and roast the chicken over the campfire. When the chicken is brown with some steam coming up, it will be ready to pick up along with the “A Hearty Meal” commendation.

“Saluting the Pirate Lord” requires that the player fire a cannon from the top of the shipwrecked Magpie’s Fortune. Players will have to venture to the third level of the wreck, and find a lone barrel full of cannonballs hidden in a corner. Afterwards, climb up the ship’s bow and shoot a cannon over or at this mountain to get the commendation.

Next up is finding the Pirate Lord’s Secret Hold that’s locked up and needs a key. From the Magpie’s Fortune, look west and use the mast bridge to head toward a pond. There will be some water overflowing from the side, creating a little waterfall. Search in the waterfall-corner of the pond to grab the old Sailor’s Key.

After grabbing the key, head to the broken hull of the ship and look for the staircase to continue. Now stop and look to the right of the hull’s staircase to find the trapdoor, which should give players a total of 25,000 Gold Coins and 200 Doubloons.

“Yer Boat” is one of the last commendations, and it’s southeast from the Secret Hold. There’s a waterfall that heads down into the sea revealing another part of the island. Swim along the left side of the island to find some waterfalls covering a cave entrance. Head to the entrance to find the rowboat and receive another tutorial. After completing the tutorial, players should have their commendation.

Hidden Journals

The hidden Journals are one of the more tedious of the commendations to look for as there are 10 scattered all over the island:

• Regarding Merfolk – In the northwestern section of the island is where the Captain’s Cabin of the Magpie’s Fortune was left. Swim into the cabin and on the floor lies the first journal.
• The Sea of the Damned – From the North Beach where the Pirate Lord is located, head south by southwest towards a small pond filled with a small waterfall with a cave entrance. Head into the waterfall and a skeleton should be next to the journal.
• They Gave it a Name – the Magpie’s Fortune has one of the books right near the ship wheel.
• Lost Secrets – Still on the Magpie’s Fortune is a mast standing straight up; climb the mast to find “Lost Secrets”
• So Near and Yet… – Still on the Magpie’s Fortune is another journal found on the lower levels on the eastern part of the ship. There will be a journal near two resource barrels.
• My Secret Plan – Head into the secret hold in the Magpie’s Fortune and the journal will be seen near a chair.
• Lords of The Sea – Head to the bridge that connects the two southern parts of the island near the Magpie and go down the ladder at the end heading that way. The book should be found in the corner after climbing down.
• Paintings from the Past – Head up the giant rock mountain that is found on the south east side of the island. There will be a path leading up, which will lead to a stool, some drinks, and a journal.
• Making Camp – In the southeast of Old Sailor’s Isle, there will be a path that leads to a door with a lever next to it. Use the lever to open up the door and the journal can be found in the open crate.
• A Ship that Fits – After continuing along the path of the previous journal, there will be a cavern with a rowboat. There is also a ladder that leads to an iron gate with a journal leaning against the wall.

After all is said and done, players can go back to the Pirate Lord, sail their ship, and head off into the Sea of Thieves. That’s everything that players need to know about completing the Maiden Voyage. Tune in next time for the next Tall Tales Guide for Sea of Thieves .

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Maiden Voyage

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The Maiden Voyage is a standalone introductory Tall Tale released with the December 2019 Sea of Thieves Festival of Giving (2019) Content Update.

• 1 Mechanics
• 2.1.1 Pirate Lord Dialogue
• 2.2.1 Cooking and Fishing
• 2.2.2 Cannon Fire
• 2.2.3 The Rowboat Cave
• 2.3 Secrets
• 3 Pirate Lord's Journals
• 4 Quest Items
• 5.1 Commendations

Mechanics [ ]

The Maiden Voyage can always be accessed from the Main Menu.

The Maiden Voyage is very different from any other Tall Tale in game, but it listed as such under the Reputation Menu with its own Commendations , Rewards and Titles .

The main difference is that this Tall Tale is a Solo adventure and cannot be voted on. Instead, Players are tasked with completing this Voyage after creating their Pirate in the Infinite Pirate Generator and before setting sail to the Sea of Thieves . The Maiden Voyage can always be replayed from the Main Menu, where there is a designated button for the Voyage in the bottom-right corner.

The Maiden Voyage [ ]

The voyage [ ].

The Old Sailor's Isle on the Map.

The main NPC related to this Tale is the ghostly Pirate Lord himself, guiding the Player through the main aspects of the game on Old Sailor’s Isle , a Large Island hidden in the Devil’s Shroud .

Players are introduced to Eating Food , fighting with Weapons , using Equipment items and a Treasure Map to dig up an Old Sailor's Chest , maintaining a Sloop ’s Mast , Repairs , Sails , Anchor and Wheel and shooting Cannons .

After all of these actions are performed, the Player can then sail through the Devil’s Shroud towards The Sea of Thieves .

Pirate Lord Dialogue [ ]

Pirate Lord

You look a little worse for wear, my friend. You must be on quite the journey. I should eat something, if I were you. A full belly can do wonders for your spirits. Once you’re in good health, we’ll speak properly.

After eating the Banana

There, you look better already. Maybe even strong enough to reach the Sea of Thieves. These days they call me The Pirate Lord, but back when I discovered this place I was just a bold explorer like you. I dreamt of finding uncharted waters filled with treasures and rife with danger, where every sunrise brought a new adventure… You’ve been brave to make it this far. Not many do. Now you’ve one last crossing to make. You’ll want some trusty steel at your side, though. There’s a sword in those trees whose owner doesn’t seem to need it any more.

After receiving the Cutlass

There’s far more to being a pirate than a blade in your hand and a love of other people’s money. It’s about finding your way through ancient caverns by lamplight, digging up long-lost treasures… … and raising a frothing great tankard of grog when you live to tell the tale! For all of that, you’ll need the right equipment. You can start by taking this old shovel.

After taking the Shovel

I stowed a few belongings around here back in the day. The map will show you the way.

After giving the Old Sailor's Chest to the Pirate Lord

Ah, my old chest! Let’s see if she still hides her secrets.

After switching to the Flintlock

A fine weapon. She’ll serve you well out there.

After you are done with your Equipment

There! Now you look like a true pirate. There’s plenty more to see, so why not stretch your legs and explore? I’ll be here when you’re ready to leave.

Once you are ready to leave

Well now, I’d say you’re as ready as you’ll ever be for what’s ahead. Allow me to show you the path… The Shroud is beginning to part, but you have one more task before your journey continues. You may be ready to sail, but your ship still needs repairs. Go, and tend to her wounds!

Other Interactions [ ]

Cooking and fishing [ ].

In addition to the base mechanics, Old Sailor’s Isle is hiding the introduction to a couple of additional mechanics, hinted at in the Maiden Voyage Commendations , hidden in the Tall Tales section of the Reputation Menu.

Curious players can learn the Cooking of food, by either killing any of the Island’s Chicken for Meat , or catching some Fish with a Fishing Rod (which by itself is introduced when taking out the Fishing Rod Item) and putting these Food items on a Campfire . There are two Campfires on Old Sailor’s Isle , one right by where the Player spawns near the Pirate Lord , and another hidden inside a Cave.

Cannon Fire [ ]

Players are taught how to use the Cannons once they are aboard their Sloop , however attentive players will find an additional Cannon on the shipwreck of the Magpie’s Fortune with a handful of Cannonballs in the Cannonball Barrel below. Here, players are taught that they can not only shoot Cannonballs out of Cannons, but also themselves!

The Rowboat Cave [ ]

At the Island with the tallest Peak, players will find a closed off door with a Lever to open it. This will lead players to a hidden Cave with an additional Campfire and two steps of interactable objects to reveal the Cave’s final secret. The Player will need to drop a drawbridge by using a Capstan and then use a Pulley to lift another wooden door. This will lead players to a lonely Rowboat with a complete tutorial on how to use these small vessels.

Secrets [ ]

Despite being a Tutorial Island, Old Sailor’s Isle has quite a few secrets hidden away, which are all hinted at in the Maiden Voyage Commendations . The most notable Secret is the Rowboat Cave described above, however there are still a few hidden valuables on the Island. Upon careful searching, players can find up to 10 Journals hidden away on Old Sailor’s Isle , which are all documented with their locations at the Journal subsection below.

The ultimate hidden secret of Old Sailor’s Isle, is the Pirate Lord ’s Hideout below the Magpie’s Fortune. A more attentive player can find that there is a locked hatch below the massive shipwreck, seemly requiring a key.

One of the hidden Journals hints to the location of the key.

The Journal you are looking for is hidden on the Shipwreck of Magpie’s wing. Look towards the skies!

The Old Sailor’s Key was dropped in the fresh-water pond that is above the shipwreck of Magpie’s Fortune. It is underwater along the edge of the waterfall.

Once unlocked, Players can find the final Journal and 3 chests of Gold worth 25,000!

Pirate Lord's Journals [ ]

There are 10 Journals written by the Pirate Lord that are hidden on Old Sailor’s Isle during the Maiden Voyage. All 10 of these Journals have to be found and read for A Storied Crossing Commendation . The Journal transcriptions are presented below, with the Expand button showing the exact locations of each Journal. Reading these Journals are also part of Seasons ' Trials.

• Regarding Merfolk
• The Sea of the Damned
• They Game It a Name
• Lost Secrets
• So Near and Yet…
• The Lords of the Sea
• Paintings from the Past
• Making Camp
• A Ship That Fits
• My Secret Plan

Regarding Merfolk [ ]

Outside of the door on the shipwreck on the Northwestern point of the Island.

A new landmark! This stricken ship certainly wasn't here during my last visit. There's no sign of her crew, so perhaps they fell overboard and met their end. Things are very different on the Sea of Thieves — thanks in no small part to my own adventures, I must confess. We have an… arrangement… with the merfolk who live deep under the waves. Should any pirate become lost at sea, stranded, they'll help them back to their ship. If you should find yourself flung overboard, traveler, look for the merfolk's beacon before the sharks get your scent. You'll be glad you did!

The Sea of the Damned [ ]

In the cave behind the waterfall southwest of the campfire .

Not all my journeys to this island are happy ones. Today I stumbled onto this poor soul, map still in their hands. To think, they were so close… No matter how swiftly we sail or how sharp our aim, it is only a matter of time before the Reaper's hand clamps down upon our shoulder. I am fortunate to have had a friend with wisdom enough to know this. Thanks to her, I live on beyond my years… at least in spirit. For younger pirates, another hope presents itself. When they perish, their souls are saved from drifting alone through the Sea of the Damned. If you should die on the Sea of Thieves and find yourself in the Ferryman's company, know this: he deserves your respect, for he has made the greatest sacrifice of all...

They Gave It a Name [ ]

On the railing to the right of the shipwreck Magpie's Fortune's wheel .

'The Sea of Thieves'. That's what they're calling it nowadays. The genie is out of the bottle, and more pirates are finding their way there every day. Some are looking to hide — from their enemies, from their pasts, from the Grand Maritime Union - while others have heard the call to adventure. It's only a matter of time before they reach this island, too. Maybe they'll be dreaming about the Sea of Thieves has to offer, just as I was. If that's the shape of things to come, I'd be a fool to complain. Instead, I'll stow a few supplies around the place for those who need them. Things work differently beyond the Shroud. Better, for the most part, but newcomers will have to think on their feet if they're to survive.

Lost Secrets [ ]

On the railing of the shipwreck Magpie’s Fortune's crow's nest .

Blast it all! The key to my ship's hold is missing. It must have slipped from my pocket at some point in my time here. Between this and that business with Rathbone, I'm developing a bad habit of losing the keys to my belongings. Perhaps it made its bid for freedom from my jacket when I climbed up for a drink of fresh spring water. It's another lost treasure now.

So Near and Yet… [ ]

Resting next to the broken barrels on the lowest level of the front half of the shipwreck Magpie’s Fortune.

You've really done it this time, Ramsey. It's one thing to return to your favorite island and quite another to wreck your ship at the heart of it! I was bound to get careless sooner or later. This place has been my little secret for so long now. I couldn't wait to get back here. To dream… I'm so close to the Shroud, I feel like I could reach out and touch it. I'm not ready to sport a hook for a hand, though. Not yet, anyway! What lies on the other side? Piles of glittering gems? Huge leviathans the size of galleons? Even better… Might there be a future for pirates like me? Next time, things will be different. I'll visit Magpie, the Shipwright, and buy a new vessel. Take my time, find a crew. We shall sail together.

The Lords of the Sea [ ]

Resting on a rock in foliage to the left of the ladder under the bridge below the shipwreck’s bowsprit.

Once, long ago, I was standing atop these cliffs and staring out to sea, quite lost in my own thoughts. Suddenly, there was an almighty crashing sound. It was a kraken, and one of the largest I'd seen for quite some years! I was so startled, I couldn't help but take a leap backwards in surprise. Once I'd picked myself up, battered and bloody, I decided to install this ladder in case any future visitors took a tumble in the same way. Nowadays, thanks to that fool Merrick, krakens aren't the only sea monsters to watch for. Megalodons are once more roaming freely beneath the waves. They can prove quite the challenge even for experienced pirates. Why, I once battled a monstrous pale skinned beast at—well, I'll save that tale for another time.

Paintings from the Past [ ]

At the camp near the peak of the second island.

Of all the unsolved mysteries that haunt my dreams, none are more tantalizing than the long-lost people known to pirates as 'The Ancients'. Their legacy can be felt all across the Sea of Thieves, from ruins that lurk under deep waters to clifftop paintings that shame my humbler efforts. They clearly had a great wealth of knowledge and had mastered many curses and other arcane powers… and yet, something drove them to leave. Maybe some great war or calamity struck their civilization? Perhaps it was simply time for them to move on. The truth, as it always has, eludes us all.

Making Camp [ ]

In a crate by the campfire inside the cave below the tallest peak. Follow the path up from the bridge and use the lever by the portcullis to access the cave.

Even with all the wonders I've experienced, it's the simple things in life remain the most enjoyable. Tonight, that's a hot meal roasted over a roaring fire. Fresh fruit's all well and good, but if you take the time to properly prepare a meal, you'll feel all the better for it. The trick is to keep an eye on the dish and serve it up when it's perfectly cooked. No amount of grog can wash away the taste of burned food. With care and a bit of practice, even a humble splashtail can keep a pirate in good health with a full belly. At least they're good for something!

A Ship That Fits [ ]

Follow the path past the campfire down into the Rowboat cave. The journal is up near the grate to the left upon entering the cave.

We've all seen what happens when huge armadas try to make it through the Devil's Shroud, and it's not pretty. Screaming sailors and splintered ships. I learned long ago that smaller crews have a better chance of making it along the twisting routes that provide safe passage to the Sea of Thieves. A lone traveler is best served by a sloop. They're small and nimble, though their size comes at the expense of firepower. Larger crews must learn to sail a brigantine, or even the mighty galleon - a commanding sight with her eight cannons and three great sails. Then, of course, we have the humble rowboat. These tiny craft can be carried by the other larger ships and are perfect for retaining the element of surprise…

My Secret Plan [ ]

Resting on a stool inside the Pirate Lord’s Hideout. See the Secrets section above on how to access the Hideout.

If you're reading this, you've broken into my strongbox, which makes you a worthy pirate indeed! Worthy enough to hear my plan. Transforming this old stomping ground of mine into a safe haven for travelers has sparked something deep within my soul. It is the flame of an idea — a great tavern, far more magnificent than the usual pubs and alehouses, known only to truly legendary pirates. A den that sold only the finest plunder, where hardened adventurers and cunning sea dogs could meet to swap stories of gold and glory. If you make it to the Sea of Thieves, and should your heart desire a real challenge, heed my words: seek Athena's Fortune. I shall be waiting.

Quest Items [ ]

• Old Sailor's Chest
• Old Sailor’s Key

Commendations, Rewards and Titles [ ]

Commendations [ ].

The following Title can be equipped at the Vanity Chest after finishing the Maiden Voyage:

• Maiden Voyager - After braving the journey through the shroud you have reached the Sea of Thieves!
• When the player finds and sits in the Rowboat , a rendition of "Row Row Row Your Boat" starts playing.
• Therefore it can be determined that Old Sailor Isle is south of Thieves' Haven, just beyond the Devil's Shroud.

Gallery [ ]

The Player finally arriving at the Sea of Thieves, towards what's supposedly Thieves' Haven

• Sea of Thieves
• 1 Commendations