The Fire Rises: New Content in The Devil’s Roar

Sea of Thieves Season 18, titled Return to The Devil’s Roar, injects new life and serious incentive into the game’s most dangerous volcanic region. Previously a quiet area avoided by most pirates due to the constant threat of volcanoes, geysers, and earthquakes, the region is now the focal point of a major new loot chase tied to the secretive Dark Brethren.

Key factual elements of the update:

  • Sanctuaries of the Banished: The Dark Brethren used explosives to uncover ancient structures called Sanctuaries of the Banished beneath the islands of The Devil’s Roar. These underground vaults are now home to high-value treasures, including Chests of Banished Tribute and Banished Ancient Rune Tablets, which are highly sought after by the Trading Companies.
  • The Eternal Guard: Accessing these locked Sanctuaries requires a key, dropped by the new enemy type, the Eternal Guard. These ancient, loyal foes are challenging, capable of utilizing an invisibility cloak to flank players, summoning additional skeletal enemies, and utilizing poison attacks. They also explode upon defeat.
  • New Weapon Variant: Among the treasures found within the Sanctuaries is the Trident of the Banished. This new variant of the popular ranged weapon fires faster-charging, more damaging energy bubbles, making it a powerful tool in naval and close-quarters combat.
  • Volcanic Balance: The update includes sandbox adjustments, including a rebalancing of volcanic effects to potentially reduce player frustration, making extended stays in the zone less randomly punishing.

The developers’ intent is to activate The Devil’s Roar, forcing high-risk, high-reward encounters in an area previously marginalized. The new high-value loot is designed to draw both PVE farmers and PVP aggressors.

Community Reaction: Sandbox Excitement and PvP Concerns

The community response is largely positive, focusing on the quality of the content fitting the game’s sandbox nature, but tempered by the usual concerns over player density and risk.

  • Emergent Content Hype: Many pirates praise the new content for enhancing the “wandering adventurer style.” The introduction of the mysterious Sarcophagi which summon the Eternal Guard, leading to the key, which leads to a loot-filled Sanctuary, is seen as a perfect “breadcrumb” for organic, unguided adventure. This emergent content makes the world feel more alive.
  • Revived Roar: There is widespread agreement that this update finally gives players a reason to sail to The Devil’s Roar beyond avoiding other ships. The new high-value treasure and new faction activities (Smugglers’ League members offering work) make the zone a desirable destination.
  • Density and Risk: The primary concern, especially among solo players, is that the increase in valuable loot will drastically increase the PvP density in The Devil’s Roar. This area was previously a safe zone; now, high-risk is paired with high-reward, leading to caution among those who prefer quiet farming.

Strategic Impact: High-Risk Farming and New Weapon Meta

The Season 18 update significantly alters strategic routes and combat loadouts.

Firstly, The Devil’s Roar instantly becomes the highest-risk PVE farming zone in the game. The sheer gold value of the Banished Ancient Treasure, combined with the difficulty of the Eternal Guard and the constant volcanic hazards, means crews who successfully extract loot will be immensely rewarded. This will be the preferred destination for high-tier Emissaries.

Secondly, the introduction of the Trident of the Banished may spark a new weapon meta. If its faster charge and higher damage prove to be substantial, pirates will prioritize finding this new tool to gain a decisive edge in ship-to-ship combat and boarding actions.

Season 18 is a successful attempt to reignite the volatility and excitement of The Devil’s Roar. By integrating high-value, emergent PVE content and a unique new weapon into the volatile region, the developers ensure that the seas are spicier than ever, demanding that pirates master both the environment and the new, challenging foes.