Sea Of Thieves Ancient Vaults – Locations & Solutions
Ancient Vaults in Sea of Thieves offer a thrilling blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and lucrative rewards. These hidden chambers, brimming with treasure and guarded by intricate mechanisms, are a fantastic way to boost your pirate hoard. However, finding and conquering these vaults can be tricky. This guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to locate Ancient Vaults and crack their secrets, maximizing your plunder and minimizing frustration.
So, grab your shovel, your compass, and your sharpest wit – it's time to delve into the mysteries of the Ancient Vaults!
Finding the Ancient Vault Voyage
Before you can raid an Ancient Vault, you need a voyage. These voyages are obtained from the Gold Hoarders.
- Rank Requirement: You need to be at least level 25 with the Gold Hoarders.
- Voyage Purchase: Head to any Outpost and speak to the Gold Hoarder representative. Look for the "Ancient Vault Voyage" in their available voyages.
- Cost: These voyages are generally more expensive than standard Gold Hoarder voyages, reflecting the potential for greater rewards.
Once you've purchased the voyage, vote on it at the voyage table on your ship. This will activate the quest and provide you with the necessary maps and clues.
Deciphering the Map and Finding the Vault Location
The Ancient Vault voyage will give you a map leading to a specific island. This is where the real adventure begins.
- Island Identification: Examine the map closely and compare it to your ship's map table to identify the island.
- X Marks the Spot: The map will feature a large "X" marking the general location of the Ancient Vault.
- Journal Clues: Once you reach the island, consult your voyage journal. It contains crucial clues, often in the form of drawings or riddles, that pinpoint the exact location of the vault entrance.
Tip: Pay close attention to landmarks mentioned in the journal. These could be rock formations, trees, or even specific points on the beach.
Unlocking the Vault Entrance
Once you've found the correct spot, you'll likely encounter a stone structure with a series of rotating blocks. This is the Vault Door.
- Journal Puzzle: Your journal contains a series of images or symbols that correspond to the images on the rotating blocks.
- Block Rotation: Rotate the blocks to match the order of the images in your journal.
- Correct Sequence: Once the blocks are in the correct sequence, the Vault Door will open, revealing the entrance to the Ancient Vault.
Common Mistake: Many players rush this step. Take your time to carefully compare the images in your journal to the blocks. A single mistake will prevent the door from opening.
Navigating the Ancient Vault and Solving the Medallion Puzzle
Inside the Ancient Vault, you'll find a central chamber and four pedestal locations. Your goal is to find three medallions hidden within the vault and place them on the correct pedestals.
- Medallion Locations: The medallions are hidden in various spots within the vault. Look behind objects, in corners, and even underwater if the vault is partially flooded.
- Pedestal Identification: Each pedestal has a symbol on it. These symbols correspond to clues in your journal.
- Journal Clues: The journal will provide descriptions or images that relate to each symbol. Use these clues to determine which medallion belongs on which pedestal.
- Placing the Medallions: Once you've identified the correct pedestal for each medallion, place them accordingly.
Tip: Listen carefully! Some vaults have audio cues that can help you identify the correct pedestal. For example, a pedestal might emit a specific sound when the correct medallion is placed.
The Final Challenge: The Vault Timer
Once all three medallions are placed correctly, the central chamber will open, revealing the main treasure hoard. However, a timer will begin! The vault will slowly flood with water, forcing you to grab as much treasure as possible before it's completely submerged.
- Prioritize High-Value Items: Focus on grabbing the most valuable items first. These include Ancient Chests, Relics, and Trinkets.
- Teamwork is Key: Coordinate with your crew to efficiently gather and transport the treasure.
- Strategic Placement: Place the treasure near the vault entrance to make it easier to load onto your ship.
- Escape Before Flooding: Make sure everyone escapes the vault before it's completely flooded. Drowning is a real possibility!
Pro Tip: Designate one crew member to stay near the entrance and continuously ferry treasure to the ship. This maximizes efficiency and prevents bottlenecks.
Vault Types and Treasure Quality
There are three types of Ancient Vaults, each offering different levels of difficulty and rewards:
- Stone Vault: The easiest type, offering the least valuable treasure.
- Silver Vault: A medium-difficulty vault with moderately valuable treasure.
- Gold Vault: The most challenging type, containing the most valuable and abundant treasure.
The type of vault you encounter is determined by the Ancient Vault Voyage you purchase. Gold Hoarders at higher reputation levels will offer voyages to the more challenging and rewarding Gold Vaults.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing the Puzzle: Take your time and carefully analyze the clues in your journal. Rushing will likely lead to mistakes and wasted time.
- Ignoring the Timer: Be aware of the timer and prioritize high-value items. Don't get bogged down with less valuable trinkets.
- Poor Teamwork: Coordinate with your crew to efficiently gather and transport the treasure.
- Forgetting to Check for Mermaids: Before setting sail, ensure you've collected all the treasure and that no one is left behind.
Maximizing Your Profit
Here are a few tips to maximize your profits from Ancient Vaults:
- Emissary Flag: Raise a Gold Hoarders Emissary Flag to increase your gold and reputation rewards.
- Grade 5 Bonus: Reaching Emissary Grade 5 before selling your loot will significantly boost your profits.
- Sell at an Outpost: Sell your treasure at the nearest Outpost to avoid the risk of losing it to other players.
- Consider the Reaper's Hideout: If you're feeling bold, you can sell your treasure at the Reaper's Hideout for a slightly higher gold bonus, but be prepared for a fight!
Conclusion
Ancient Vaults in Sea of Thieves offer a rewarding and challenging experience for pirates of all skill levels. By understanding the mechanics of these vaults, deciphering the clues, and working effectively as a team, you can unlock their secrets and amass a fortune in gold and treasure. So, set sail, brave the dangers, and claim your rightful share of the Ancient Vault's riches! Remember to always be aware of your surroundings, watch out for other players, and most importantly, have fun! Now go forth and plunder!