Choose PC if you want more control over graphics, resolution, frame-rate settings, and inputs; choose Xbox Series X if you prefer a standardized console setup. Sea of Thieves supports cross-platform matchmaking, and progress carries between PC and Xbox when you use the same Xbox account. The official material reviewed confirms the game is optimized for Xbox Series X|S, but does not establish a current Series X resolution or frame-rate target—so a blanket claim that either platform performs better would go beyond the evidence.
Performance: flexible PC settings, no verified Series X target
Xbox lists Sea of Thieves for Xbox Series X|S and describes it as optimized for those consoles. That confirms platform support, not a specific current output resolution or frame rate. The Xbox listing does not state a Series X target in the reviewed material: Xbox’s Sea of Thieves listing.
On PC, Rare documents settings for resolution, graphics, field of view, frame-rate locking or unlocking, and an on-screen FPS counter. These options let you tune the experience, but they do not guarantee a particular result: performance depends on the PC’s components, display, and settings. See Rare’s PC system requirements.
That requirements page was last updated June 22, 2023. It gives PC hardware tiers associated with the following target experiences. Treat them as dated specification guidance, not as a current controlled benchmark or a prediction for every system.
#1 Best Overall
- Weigh anchor and get ready to fight, sail, and loot in style with the supernatural Xbox Wireless Controller - Sea of Thieves Limited Edition
- Gaze into the murky depths of the deep purple translucent design, haunted by a mysterious skull that glows at sundown
- Adorned with laser etched barnacles and one treasured golden trigger
- Take hold of the textured grip for enhanced comfort during your voyage
- Includes in-game Ferryman Clothing Set
| Rare’s PC target experience | Qualification |
|---|---|
| 720p at 30 fps | Target tier in Rare’s June 2023 PC requirements |
| 1080p at 30 fps | Target tier in Rare’s June 2023 PC requirements |
| 1080p at 60 fps | Target tier in Rare’s June 2023 PC requirements |
| 4K at 30 fps | Target tier in Rare’s June 2023 PC requirements |
| 4K at 60 fps | Target tier in Rare’s June 2023 PC requirements |
The table describes PC configurations; it does not establish what Series X currently outputs. The available official sources also do not provide a contemporary, controlled PC-versus-Series-X benchmark. Your practical choice is therefore between PC adjustability—if your hardware supports the settings you want—and a console experience whose configuration is more standardized.
Controls: pick the input that suits you
PC supports keyboard and mouse as well as controller input. Rare says most controls can be rebound on both keyboard and controller; its accessibility documentation also describes a PC option to disable controller input and settings for mouse and gamepad sensitivity. Details are on Sea of Thieves’ accessibility page.
Rank #2
- Welcome, pirates! Have you ever dreamed of being out on the open waves in search of treasure and adventure?
- Well then, the Sea of Thieves is calling!
- Inspired by the hit video game, Sea of Thieves: Voyage of Legends is a competitive seafaring game of piracy for 2-4 players.
- Explore the high seas with your friends in voyages packed with danger and excitement, but don't forget - only one of you can be crowned a Pirate Legend...
- You'll build a fearsome reputation as you compete for that title, battling sea monsters and pilfering plunder as you go.
Keyboard and mouse may feel more natural to some players, while others prefer a controller, but the documented input options do not establish a universal competitive advantage for either. On Xbox, a controller is the straightforward console input. If you play on PC, choose the input you handle comfortably and adjust bindings or sensitivity to suit it.
Cross-play and matchmaking preferences
PC and Xbox players can play together through cross-platform matchmaking. Console players can set a preference for sessions with other console players using controllers. This is a matchmaking preference, not a guarantee that every player in a session will fit that description; some settings are platform-specific.
Rank #3
- Day 1 Edition contains a 5.3” x 7.3” softcover 70-page art book, a CD featuring select songs from the soundtrack, and a 7” x 4” Santa Destroy commemorative biker license plate, all in a custom box with an original illustration
- Grow Your Galactic Legend - In classic No More Heroes style, the Galactic Superhero Rankings are packed with outrageous boss battles, each oozing with personality; Soar through the ranks and prove you're the baddest in the universe
- Old Dog, New Tricks - From beam katana boss to wrestling pro, Travis can do it all; Take violence to new extremes with the customizable Death Glove, and punish those deadly invaders with combat that suits your style
- Superheroic Side Hustles - Explore Santa Destroy on Travis’ Demzamtiger to pick up odd jobs, from Coast Guard missions to toilet cleaning, then hit the road to unique locales like Neo Brazil and Thunderdome to keep the cash rolling in
- Bolder, Badder, and Better Than Ever - Thanks to sharper visuals, No More Heroes 3 has never looked better; Add in improved load times and better responsiveness, and you’ll be dishing out eye-popping ultra-violence in no time
To review the options, open Main Menu > Settings > Matchmaking. The support article describing the preferences was last updated March 6, 2026: Crossplay and player matchmaking preferences.
Playing with friends and carrying progress between platforms
Invite friends on another platform
Sea of Thieves support advises adding players as Xbox Live friends to play with them across platforms. Follow the friend setup guidance in How do I play with my friends on other platforms?.
Rank #4
- Minecraft Dungeons Hero Edition includes the Hero Pass DLC content: a Hero Cape, two player skins, and a chicken pet. It also includes the Jungle Awakens and Creeping Winters DLC packs.
- Dungeon Creeper Battle new-and-nasty mobs in this all-new action-adventure, inspired by classic dungeon crawlers.
- Multiplayer Up to four players can team up and fight together in co-op mode.
- Power Up Unlock dozens of unique items and weapon enchantments for devastating special attacks.
- Options Personalize your character, then fight up-close and personal with melee swings, hang back with ranged attacks, or tank your way through swarms of mobs, by heavy armor
Keep your pirate and progress
Progress carries between PC and Xbox when you sign in with the same Xbox account. If you switch platforms and see a new pirate or unexpected progress, check that the correct Xbox account is signed in. The support article, last updated March 31, 2026, also covers cross-progression with Battle.net and PlayStation: Will my progress carry between PC, Xbox and PlayStation platforms?.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which version should you choose?
- Choose PC if you already have hardware suited to your preferred settings, want more graphics and frame-rate controls, or prefer keyboard and mouse.
- Choose Xbox Series X if you want a more standardized console setup or prefer playing with a controller.
- Choose based on your crew if friends are already on one platform: cross-platform matchmaking lets PC and Xbox players play together, and progression can follow you between them with the same Xbox account.
Xbox’s current listing presents Sea of Thieves as included with Game Pass for PC as well as offering purchase editions. Availability and subscription terms can change by region and over time; check the Xbox listing for current details.
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Best Value
- Battle against over 50 players simultaneously in a massive multiplayer playground—over 20 players on Xbox One.
- Compete in an all-out mass start race—collide, grind, and fight your way to the finish
- Customize your character to show off your style to your friends or show up the competition.
- Bike, ski, snowboard, or wingsuit through a seamless open world in Career mode or multiplayer events.
- Go wild on the heights of iconic US national parks like Yosemite, Zion, and Bryce Canyon.
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.
