Sea Of Thieves Selling Emissary Flag – When & Why To Sell
So you've raised your Emissary flag in Sea of Thieves, braved the seas, and amassed a hoard of treasure. Congratulations, pirate! But knowing when to sell that hard-earned Emissary flag is just as crucial as knowing how to find the loot in the first place. Selling at the right time can significantly boost your gold and reputation gains, while selling too early or too late can leave you regretting your decision. This guide will break down the optimal times and reasons to sell your Emissary flag in Sea of Thieves, ensuring you maximize your profits and avoid unnecessary risks.
We'll cover everything from understanding Emissary Grades to recognizing the signs that it's time to cash in. So, grab your grog, settle in, and let's dive into the art of selling your Emissary flag!
Understanding Emissary Grades and Bonuses
Before we get into the "when," let's quickly recap the "why." Raising an Emissary flag for a Trading Company (Gold Hoarders, Order of Souls, Merchant Alliance, Athena's Fortune, or Reaper's Bones) grants you increasing bonuses as you progress through the Emissary Grades. These grades, from I to V, are determined by the amount of treasure you collect and actions you perform related to that specific Trading Company.
Here's a simplified breakdown of what each grade offers:
- Grade I: Minimal bonus. Just starting out.
- Grade II: Small bonus to gold and reputation.
- Grade III: Noticeable bonus to gold and reputation.
- Grade IV: Significant bonus to gold and reputation.
- Grade V: Maximum bonus to gold and reputation, plus access to special Emissary Voyages.
The higher your Emissary Grade, the more gold and reputation you'll earn when you sell your treasure. This is why reaching Grade V is the ultimate goal for most pirates running Emissary flags. But remember, a higher grade also makes you a bigger target!
The Golden Rule: Grade V is Almost Always Best
Generally speaking, the best time to sell your Emissary flag is when you reach Grade V. The bonus to gold and reputation is substantial, making it the most efficient way to level up your Trading Company and fill your coffers. The Emissary Voyages unlocked at Grade V also offer lucrative opportunities to continue earning.
However, "almost always" isn't "always." There are specific situations where selling before Grade V might be the smarter move. Let's explore those scenarios.
When to Sell Before Reaching Grade V
While Grade V is the ideal, these situations warrant selling earlier:
- Imminent Threat: This is the most crucial reason to sell early. If you're being relentlessly pursued by another crew, especially one flying the Reaper's Bones flag, don't risk losing everything. Sell your loot and flag at the nearest Outpost and live to fight another day. A smaller payout is better than no payout.
- Low Supplies: Running low on cannonballs, planks, or food? A well-supplied ship is essential for survival in Sea of Thieves. Selling your loot allows you to restock and continue your adventure without being at a significant disadvantage.
- Changing Objectives: Perhaps you started as a Gold Hoarder Emissary but now want to focus on Order of Souls voyages. Selling your flag allows you to switch to a different Trading Company and start earning reputation with them.
- Time Constraints: Real life calls! If you only have a limited amount of time to play, selling your loot at your current Emissary Grade is better than risking losing it all before you have to log off.
- Server Instability: Sea of Thieves, like any online game, can experience server issues. If you're experiencing lag, disconnects, or other signs of instability, it's wise to sell your loot before you lose connection and potentially lose everything.
- Accumulated Too Much Loot: While having a mountain of treasure sounds amazing, it also makes you a massive target. The more loot you have on board, the more attractive you are to other players. If you feel like you're carrying too much, consider selling some of it to reduce your risk profile.
Recognizing the Signs: Is it Time to Cash In?
Beyond specific scenarios, there are general signs that it might be time to sell your Emissary flag:
- Increased Player Activity: Notice more ships on the horizon? Hearing more cannon fire in the distance? These are signs that the server is becoming more active, increasing the likelihood of encountering hostile players.
- Reaper's Bones Presence: Spotting a Reaper's Bones Emissary is a major red flag. These players are specifically hunting other Emissaries, and they will prioritize sinking you. If you see one, consider selling your loot and flag immediately.
- Persistent Harassment: Being constantly chased or attacked, even if you manage to escape, can be exhausting and frustrating. Sometimes, it's simply not worth the hassle. Sell your loot, lower your flag, and find a less hostile server.
- Feeling Overwhelmed: If you're feeling stressed or anxious about losing your loot, it's probably time to sell. Sea of Thieves is meant to be fun, and if you're not enjoying yourself, there's no point in risking everything.
Selling Your Emissary Flag: The Process
Selling your Emissary flag is straightforward:
- Navigate to an Outpost: Choose any Outpost on the map.
- Find the Trading Company Representative: Locate the representative of the Trading Company you're an Emissary for (e.g., the Gold Hoarder for Gold Hoarders Emissaries).
- Lower Your Flag: Go to the main mast of your ship and lower your Emissary flag. This will automatically sell the flag to the Trading Company.
- Sell Your Treasure: Sell all the treasure you've collected to the appropriate Trading Company representatives.
Remember to sell your flag before selling your treasure. The bonus from your Emissary Grade applies to all treasure sold while the flag is active.
A Final Word on Risk vs. Reward
Ultimately, the decision of when to sell your Emissary flag comes down to balancing risk and reward. Reaching Grade V offers the highest potential payout, but it also makes you a bigger target. Consider your current situation, the level of threat on the server, and your own comfort level when making your decision.
Don't be afraid to sell early if you feel like the risk is too high. A smaller profit is always better than losing everything. And remember, Sea of Thieves is a game of chance and adventure. Sometimes you'll win, sometimes you'll lose, but the most important thing is to have fun! So raise your flag, brave the seas, and may your coffers be overflowing with gold!