Start by checking Sea of Thieves and Xbox service status, then use the exact Beard error code to choose the right fix. Only move on to device, account, network, or matchmaking settings when the status and error point that way: matchmaking preferences can change who you meet, but they cannot repair an outage or a broken connection.
1. Check whether Sea of Thieves or Xbox services are having problems
Before changing router settings, check the Sea of Thieves Support notices and Xbox service status. If there is a service interruption or maintenance, local network changes are unlikely to help; wait for the service to recover and try again. Status is a useful first diagnostic check, not proof by itself that every matchmaking or gameplay symptom is caused by an outage.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Sea of Thieves: Standard Edition – Xbox One | $38.87 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Sea of Thieves Xbox One (Renewed) | $30.14 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Sea of Thieves: Standard Edition – Xbox One [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41RiuntPiNL._SL160_.jpg)
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Sea of Thieves: Standard Edition – Xbox One [Digital Code] | $35.19 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Sea of Thieves - Xbox One/PC - Full Game - Key Card | $57.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Sea of Thieves Xbox One | $76.41 | Buy on Amazon |
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2. Find the exact Beard error and follow its category
Open Rare’s Beard Errors guide and match the code shown in the game. Its entries cover different causes, including maintenance or service interruption, a lost connection, an outdated game, account or license problems, and local network or firewall issues.
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Use the remedy attached to that code: some errors call for relaunching or retrying, while others point to updating, signing in, or contacting support. A maintenance-related error will not be fixed by port forwarding, and an account or license error calls for account checks rather than router changes.
#1 Best Overall
- A shared-world adventure game by acclaimed UK developer Rare Ltd. Xbox Live Gold required to play (sold separately)
- Live the essential pirate life in a world rich with Rare’s irreverent charm. Sail and fight together, hunt treasure and create your own legends
- A fantastical world of unspoiled islands, mythical monsters and mouth-watering loot. Total freedom to decide how you approach the world and its players
- Xbox One Console exclusive
- Battery: no battery used;Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Crude humor, use of alcohol, violence
3. Try low-risk device and network checks
If services appear available and the error suggests a local connection problem, work through these checks in order. The Windows/Steam guidance cited below is an older Store-availability article, last updated June 23, 2023; its account and network suggestions are specific published troubleshooting advice, not a guarantee for every platform or current connection problem.
- Relaunch, then restart. Fully quit Sea of Thieves and open it again. If that does not help, restart the device and router, then retry.
- Check the account and updates on Windows or Steam. On Windows, make sure the expected Microsoft Store/Xbox account is signed in and that the game and Windows have no relevant pending updates. On Steam, confirm that the Xbox account is linked to the Steam account that owns the game.
- Verify Steam files if installation corruption is plausible. In Steam, open the game’s properties and use its installed-files integrity check. This checks the installation; it does not resolve service, account, or network faults.
- Check VPN and security software behavior. A VPN, firewall, or antivirus configuration may interfere. Test only as needed, and if the result implicates a firewall or security product, adjust its application allow-list rather than leaving protections disabled.
- Try a direct wired connection if available. Connect the PC to the router by Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi or an intervening network bridge and compare the result. This is an optional diagnostic test, not a guaranteed gameplay fix. It cannot resolve an outage or account problem, and you may already have a suitable cable.
Rare’s Beard Errors guide and its Windows / Steam Store troubleshooting page also discuss advanced areas such as NAT, IPv6, Teredo, Xbox network ports, alternate internet access, and contacting an ISP if traffic may be blocked. These are not universal first steps. Change settings only when they fit your platform and error, and prefer the relevant platform’s official instructions.
Rank #2
- A shared-world adventure game by acclaimed UK developer Rare Ltd. Xbox Live Gold required to play (sold separately)
- Live the essential pirate life in a world rich with Rare's irreverent charm. Sail and fight together, hunt treasure and create your own legends!
- A fantastical world of unspoiled islands, mythical monsters and mouth-watering loot
- Total freedom to decide how you approach the world and its players
- Available on the Xbox One family of devices and Windows 10 PCs. Supports Xbox Play Anywhere and cross-platform play** (**Play on one device at a time. PC hardware requirements may vary for games on Windows 10).The Hungering Deep, the first major Sea of Thieves content update landing May 2018, brings with it an exciting new threat to the Sea of Thieves world. Work together with other crews on a completely new adventure with gameplay enhancements and unique rewards.The May kick-off of the Sea of Thieves weekly events programme also introduces fun new ways to play with weekly events and rewards.
4. Adjust matchmaking preferences only when the symptom fits
Cross-region matchmaking
Sea of Thieves uses cross-region matchmaking by default. If performance trouble appears connected to being matched with players in other regions, open Main Menu > Settings > Matchmaking and toggle Disable Cross-Region Matchmaking. Rare says this option can be disabled when matching across regions causes performance issues; it is not a promised ping reduction or a fix for every long search or connection failure. The support article was last updated September 5, 2025. See Cross-Region Matchmaking.
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In Settings > Matchmaking, players can choose whether to use cross-platform matchmaking; console players can also set a preference to play with other console players using a controller. These preferences shape the player pool, not service availability or network reliability. Options vary by platform: Rare notes, “Please note that some settings may only appear on certain Platforms.” Its preferences article was last updated March 6, 2026. See Crossplay and player matchmaking preferences.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A shared-world adventure game by acclaimed UK developer Rare Ltd. Xbox Live Gold required to play (sold separately)
- Live the essential pirate life in a world rich with Rare's irreverent charm. Sail and fight together, hunt treasure and create your own legends!
- A fantastical world of unspoiled islands, mythical monsters and mouth-watering loot
- Total freedom to decide how you approach the world and its players
- Available on the Xbox One family of devices and Windows 10 PCs. Supports Xbox Play Anywhere and cross-platform play** (**Play on one device at a time. PC hardware requirements may vary for games on Windows 10).The Hungering Deep, the first major Sea of Thieves content update landing May 2018, brings with it an exciting new threat to the Sea of Thieves world. Work together with other crews on a completely new adventure with gameplay enhancements and unique rewards.The May kick-off of the Sea of Thieves weekly events programme also introduces fun new ways to play with weekly events and rewards.
Rank #3
- Sea of Thieves offers the essential pirate experience, from sailing and fighting to exploring and looting – everything you need to live the pirate life and become a legend in your own right.
- Whether you’re voyaging as a group or sailing solo, you’re bound to encounter other crews in this shared-world adventure – but will they be friends or foes, and how will you respond?
5. Escalate only when the evidence points beyond basic checks
- If the Beard error identifies a service interruption, maintenance, or account/license issue, follow that code’s direction rather than changing network equipment.
- If the problem persists after service, account, update, and basic connection checks, consult the official error entry and platform-specific support guidance before changing advanced router settings.
- If the relevant official guidance indicates that your ISP may be blocking traffic, contact the ISP with the platform and error details. Avoid leaving firewall or antivirus protections disabled as a workaround.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
