'A Dark Deception' is Sea of Thieves' 12th story-driven Adventure in the pirate action-adventure game. In 'A Dark Deception', players embark on a secret mission for the Pirate Lord. However, there are also some backstory nods to look out for, including the resurrection of Captain Flameheart and the return of Briggsy from Sea of Thieves Adventure 11. 'A Dark Deception' is straightforward to complete, but at times, it's possible to get stuck or lost about where to go next. Fortunately, this handy Sea of Thieves Dark Deception walkthrough guide leads the way.
After a short Adventure-hiatus, 'A Dark Deception' takes players to unexpected places, with intriguing twists and turns, humor, and some new quest design mechanics that lean somewhat towards the style of the Monkey Island games. This new slant on Adventures also makes sense, given the recently announced Sea of Thieves crossover with Monkey Island in a new set of Tall Tales called Sea of Thieves: The Legend of Monkey Island.
How Long Is Sea Of Thieves Dark Deception Adventure?
Sea of Thieves 'A Dark Deception' time-limited Adventure takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete, depending upon the impact of unpredictable variables like encountering pirate ships, storms, or other players along the way in a live-service game where almost anything can happen. The Adventure is quite short, but players must sail to 3 islands to complete it.
To complete all 11 deeds in the Adventure checklist, players should also locate and interact with 3 rat locations, discoverable with their bright green glowing eyes. Finding all rats is optional to complete the Adventure but essential if players want to achieve all Adventure rewards.
Sea Of Thieves Dark Deception Walkthrough Guide
Players should complete 'A Dark Deception' in the following order to avoid retracing their steps:
How To Begin Sea Of Thieves Dark Deception
To begin 'A Dark Deception', speak to Larinna at any Sea of Thieves outpost and select the 'Begin Adventure' dialogue option.
Larinna gives players a mysterious note instructing them to sail to the uncharted island at point N-13 on the map to meet someone.
Sail To The Uncharted Island
Locate and speak with the Pirate Lord, who is easy to spot on the tiny uncharted island. The Pirate Lord gives players a journal of instructions and a letter of permission.
Obtain Madame Olivia's Pocket Watch At Plunder Outpost
Sail to Plunder Outpost at point K-18 on the map and speak with Madame Olivia inside the Order of Souls tent. She won't give up Pendragon's compass easily, so go behind the nearby tavern and tap on the door to reveal a mysterious rat. Follow the rat back into the Order of Souls tent and grab the compass off the table while she is distracted by the rat. There's also Pendragon's letter on the table to read.
Claim A Burning Blade Figurehead Fragment At Shipwreck Bay (Rat Location 1)
Head to Shipwreck Bay at M-10 on the map, docking to the west of the island in front of Captain Flameheart's Burning Blade ship wreckage.
Use a cannon to launch on top of the shipwreck, aiming for the figurehead. Climb the ladders on either side of the figurehead to obtain a fragment from both sides, ticking off the objective.
Players should also check inside Pendragon's ship wreckage opposite to find the first rat locatedon the floor behind the Tall Tale quest table, in the upper level of Pendragon's ship, the Blackwyche.
Instruct Madame Olive At Sanctuary Outpost To Create An Enchanted Compass (Rat Location 2)
It's time to sail to Sanctuary Outpost at point F-7 on the map. Speak with Madame Olive inside the Order of Souls tent to continue the Adventure, giving her the Pirate Lord's letter of permission.
She then crafts players an enchanted compass. The second rat is outside to the right of Madame Olive's tent. Approach and interact with it to tick off the deed objective.
Follow The Compass To Retrieve The Treasure (Rat Location 3)
Players should return to their ship and follow the enchanted compass to Port Merrick at point D-10 on the map. Follow the compass inside the Captain's Head tavern to find the third rat located by the door opposite where Larinna stands. Follow it downstairs to the cellar and out the door, watching it disappear through a hole in the wall.
Interact with the hole in the wall to reveal a secret entrance to a hidden room where the Pirate Lord appears.
Once inside the secret room, talk to the Pirate Lord for an unexpected twist and to complete the Adventure, exploring the area for other objects that many players may recognize.
Sea Of Thieves Dark Deception Adventure Rewards
Players who complete 'A Dark Reception' receive Pendragon's pocket watch as a reward. Additionally, those who cross off all 11 deeds on the Adventure checklist receive a Title called 'The Deceiver and the Deceived'. A Dark Deception is available to play until July 6th.
Sea Of Thieves is available on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC.