There are many wonders to be found across Rare’s brilliant Sea of Thieves, but one of the best I’ve discovered lately is something created entirely by its players. Somewhere among the waves are a group of pirates competing in races, for the ultimate glory of being crowned champion of something titled The Race of Legends.
These races are a “community-lead game mode”, Dread Pirate Doug (@DreadDoug on Twitter) tells me, organised by himself and his team of Legendary First Mates. Together, they have created lengthy courses across the ocean to be navigated for real-life prizes.
Doug and his crew have been running the events for over a year, and in that time they’ve created a community of more than a hundred pirates (about 26 crews) who have registered to race through their website.
Most races see four crews sailing head to head, while Doug and the Pirate Legends take ships to various places along the course to act as referees and camera crew. Pirates must abide by a strict code of the race, and the whole thing is streamed on Twitch.
Race of Legends Season 1 Route Watch on YouTube
Doug was inspired by one of the achievements in Sea of Thieves, “The Greatest Race of All Time!” which requires you to sail alongside another ship for a certain amount of time without firing at them (though you are heartily encouraged to fire upon your enemies in the Race of Legends).