Sea of Thieves: A Pirate's Life Tall Tale Guide - Rare Thief (2024)

Fleeing the wrath of the ever-vengeful Davy Jones, witty Captain Jack Sparrow has stolen “the greatest pirate treasure of all time: a golden key to other lands.”

Aye, the Sea of Thieves was already such a vast and wondrous world. Yet, this golden key could open these seas to another beloved pirate world: the Pirates of the Caribbean! But, more than that, this golden key can open a portal to a hitherto unreachable world within the Sea of Thieves: the Sea of the Damned!

Ah, yes. Although Captain Jack Sparrow did make it to the Sea of Thieves, he is not quite as free as he’d hoped. Upon discovering Jack and the golden key, the Ferryman locked both aboard the Ferry of the Damned.

You see, me hearties, the Ferryman worries who else might use that key. Aye, but if dark forces threaten the pirate life, we need to learn all we can about the threat we face. To do so, we must first find and free Captain Jack Sparrow!

Thus, we embark upon this noble quest—the first Tall Tale in the epic, original story “A Pirate’s Life”—also aptly named “A Pirate’s Life.”

If you are looking for just journal locations, check out our guide here! Finding all ten journals will earn you two commendations: (1) “Tales of the Damned” and (2) “The Crew of the Headless Monkey.” However, if you need help with the Tall Tale and finding the journals, read on!

After reading the lore above, you might be thinking, “Wait! How are we supposed to reach the Sea of the Damned? We don’t have the golden key!”

This is true.

However, there is someone who does not need this golden key to travel between worlds: the Mysterious Castaway.

The Mysterious Castaway has her own magic—magic that allows others to travel between worlds, too!

Thus, to begin your daring journey, you must first find the Mysterious Castaway at the “Castaway’s Camp.”

Do not worry. You can find this camp at any Outpost!

Conspicuously placed on the beach—relatively near the main dock—you’ll see a large structure made from a ship’s hull. Just outside the structure, beneath a tattered sail, you’ll see a campfire lit with green-teal flames.

Standing in front of those flames, you’ll see the Mysterious Castaway.

You may speak with the Mysterious Castaway, but she will be awfully cryptic at first.

Along the wall of her ship’s hull, you’ll see all five Tall Tale books. You’re looking for the book next to a small galleon.

Approach that book, and you’ll see its title and a brief description. You’ll also see the prompt to “Vote For Tall Tale.” Follow that prompt!

Once you and your crew have voted, the Mysterious Castaway will begin telling the tale—what has happened thus far, what you must do, and the fate that awaits if you do not.

She will also give you a Tall Tale quest book to assist you on your journey. You can find this book in your Quest Radial. The same way you might pull up your Voyage Quests.

Her spoken and written words are still less straightforward than poetic, but she shows you your next step in her mystical flames.

You must sail through the Mythical Portal.

After the Mysterious Stranger has finished speaking, you will see the portal appear near your Outpost.

Don’t worry, you’ll see it. It would be hard to miss this green, glowing light filling a colossal rock formation and beaming up toward the sky.

The mythical portal will take you into the Tunnel of the Damned.

In the Tunnel of the Damned, you are no longer in control. It will ferry you where it will.

Ah, but there’s still plenty to witness!

Gradually, you’ll see rowboats approaching, each seemingly ferrying a soul. But, tempted though you may be, you cannot jump off the side of your boat to get a closer look.

You’ll also see shadowy ships in the distance. Ah, but there’s no cause for alarm; they seem to keep that distance.

Finally, you’ll see your destination’s portal up ahead. There’s naught to do but take in an out-of-body experience in a cinematic view of your journey through to the other side.

You emerge from that second portal in “Strange Shores.”

After not having control of your wheel, you might be tempted to allow your ship to continue its course. However, it is now time for you to take the wheel, lest you fancy wrecking your vessel at the beginning of your journey.

You’ll see your destination straight ahead: an island silhouette of jagged rocks and palm trees.

Sail on over, raise your sails, and disembark!

If you pull out your compass, you’ll notice that you are roughly on the East-by-Southeast side of the island.

Look along the coastline for a large, hollowed-out hull emerging from the waters and up the beach.

From there, head inland (in a Southwest-by-West direction).

Up ahead, you’ll see another such hollowed-out hull. Follow where it leads.

Soon you’ll see a ghostly statue in the Ferryman’s characteristic garb. It stands before a corridor carved into the cliffs.

Head down that corridor, me hearty!

This statue is called the Wraith Statue. It functions similarly to the mermaid statues in the Heart of Fire Tall Tale.

Essentially, if you have a Tall Tale Checkpoint saved, you still must sail through the Tunnel of the Damned to arrive in this other realm.

After doing so, this statue can transport you to where you last saved a Tall Tale checkpoint.

Along this next part of your journey, you will walk through corridors that each lead to a cavern. In these caverns, there will be a gate, door, or other barrier preventing you from continuing along the path.

There are no journals to find in Dead Man’s Grotto. So, there is no need to fret about missing one as you enjoy your journey.

Taking in the scene of this first cavern, your eye will likely soon wander to a campfire.

Approach that campfire, and you will notice a prompt indicating that you must equip your lantern to take the flame.

Pull out and raise your lantern (left trigger). You should then receive the prompt to take the flame.

Interestingly, this is called the “Flame of Souls.”

We’ve had “Flames of Fate” in the past. Time will tell what all the differences might be.

If one member of your crew has taken the “Flame of Souls,” don’t worry if you cannot take the flame yourself. Once one crew member has collected that campfire’s green glow, everyone in the crew will have it flickering in their lantern.

You’ll then use the flame to light two lanterns.

Aye, there are two skeletons sprawled out on either side of the door. Each is holding a lantern. Light both lanterns and the door will open.

Follow the corridor into the next cavern. You’ll begin to hear more unmistakable sounds from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride—including a Seagull.

You’ll find this Seagull on the right-hand side of the room, sitting atop a skeleton’s hat. This skeleton also holds a lantern. Use your Flame of Souls to light this lantern.

Next, approach the skeletons to the left of the next door. You should stumble upon the remains of one pirate with the prompt “move arm.”

Once you move its arm, you’ll see yet another lantern. Light this lantern, too.

Ah, now you may notice an opening further off to the left of this cavern. It leads to a narrower tunnel, with a little rivulet slipping out to a cave opening.

Follow that trickling water until you come to a broken rowboat. In that rowboat, you’ll find the third and final lantern. Light the lantern and behold what happens next!

As you head back from the rowboat, you’ll see apparitions dragging chests up the rivulet and into the cavern. You’ll then see them circle the capstan, using it to lift the gate and clear your path.

From this path, you’ll emerge into the open air—and a strange scene.

You’ll see a ship with a captain at the wheel—perhaps the iconic storm-battered ship from the ride—and what appears to be his crew on the shore.

Meanwhile, an echoing voice issues warnings about the curse of “Dead Man’s Grotto.”

Continue to follow the path through the ship to the other side.

Waterfalls and grottos surround you along this following path—and a heartwarming tune fills the air: “Yo Ho! Yo Ho! A pirate’s life for me!”

Ah, but then the path grows darker.

You then come upon a scene of pirates drinking around a campfire—all except one. One pirate stands off to the side. Slowly, she reaches for her blade. We can only assume what befell the others.

On the West side of this cavern, you’ll see a waterfall. Jump through that waterfall, and you’ll find yourself in another cavern.

Propped against the North wall of this cavern is a shattered rowboat with a skeleton inside. You’ll also notice the glint of treasure!

Approach the skeleton, and you should see the prompt, “Pick Up Oar Handle.” Pick it up, and bring it with you to your next barrier.

This barrier looks like a proper door. Next to the door, you’ll see a lever. If you do not have the oar, the prompt will read, “Needs a Handle.”

If you approach while holding the oar, the prompt will read, “Repair.” So, repair the lever, use the lever, and continue on your way.

In this next section, you’ll get a bit of platforming. Falling is not so bad, though.

If you fall, your walk slows to a saunter, requiring you to amble your way to a spot where you can climb back up (usually the beginning).

Next, you’ll see water cascading down to and over your pathway. Don’t worry; simply walk across the rushing water to where your path continues on the other side.

Continue along the path, and you will walk into a large room with a raised drawbridge. Before the drawbridge, you’ll find a small dock jutting out over the water with a few broken crates and a lantern.

Light that lantern.

A rowboat carrying a ghostly crew will appear and begin rowing along towards the raised drawbridge. Though, they will disappear as their path is currently blocked.

Follow the ghostly crew up the path to the drawbridge to find a capstan. Raise the anchor to lower the drawbridge. Cross the drawbridge to a platform. At the edge of that platform, you’ll see a pulley. Use the pulley to create another platform.

This platform will allow you to jump across to the other side.

Once again, if you fall, it’s only a minor setback. Underneath the platform connecting to that first drawbridge, there’s a ladder underneath the platform you were standing on. Clamber to shore, climb the ladder, and try your luck again.

Walk along the dock to the next drawbridge.

Below the drawbridge, off to the left, you’ll see an unlit hanging lantern. Light that lantern. This will, in turn, light the remaining torches around the room.

Once you have lit both lanterns, the rowboat carrying a ghostly crew will suddenly appear again and begin rowing along the path towards the second drawbridge.

When the rowboat reaches the second drawbridge, the scene will end, and the drawbridge will open—but not before you’ve witnessed yet another dastardly act of betrayal!

Aye, follow these spectral sailors to the infamous treasure cavern!

If you’ve ever been on Disneyland’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride, you might remember suppressing an urge to clamber out of the boat and up to that mountain of treasure.

Well, now’s your chance!

You must hop over to that treasure-laden rock anyway because your path will continue on the other side.

This path will lead you up to a mildly perilous precipice. There, you’ll hop across what looks like fallen stalactites and into a tunnel, which leads to the final cavern.

You’ve come to your final cavern of platforms. Again, it’s not a far fall, but falling will mean you’ll need to go—slowly—back to the beginning of the section.

When you first enter, you’ll likely notice that the walkway marking your path forward has a significant gap in the middle. However, you’ll also likely spot a ladder to your right.

Climb that ladder up to the platform above. There you’ll see an armory chest.

If you don’t have a sword on hand, you’ll want to equip one now. Just ahead of the armory is a threadbare rope. Cut that rope to lower a platform. The walkway is now complete, and you can walk safely across.

Keep that sword equipped! You’ll need it again.

If you’re feeling a bit daring, you can also use your sword to lunge across the gap.

To the right of the next broken bridge, you’ll see a pulley. Use that pulley to bring the mast over.

Once you release the pulley, the mast will begin slowly falling back into place. So, you’ll want to board the mast quickly.

Next, you’ll come to another threadbare rope. Slice that rope and hop on over.

Finally, you’ll see a rushing river to your right. It looks a bit like a water slide, no?

This is a point of no return.

Aye, but there’s so much to explore ahead! Step on in. The water’s fine!

Soon, you’ll emerge with a beautifully eerie view of Sailor’s Grave!

Walk down the pathway to your right. Doing so will trigger two milestones in your Tall Tale journey!

First, you will unlock the Commendation for “Strange Shores”: “You successfully navigated Dead Man’s Grotto.”

Second, you will earn a checkpoint for the Tall Tale, allowing you to return to this spot in a later session.

You’ll need to open the gates of Sailor’s Grave to proceed.

As you walk down toward the town, look for a brazier to your left. Light that brazier, and you’ll see beacons light up throughout Sailor’s Grave.

You’ll then see apparitions raising a capstan, opening the gates, allowing you to enter.

Upon further inspection, that capstan looks an awful lot like the “Silent Barnacle”?

Slowly, as you descend further into Sailor’s Grave, you’ll hear the Cursed Captain begin to speak. Walk down to the shoreline, and pass the Sailor’s Grave sign on your right.

Continue following his voice until you see a glowing cage high overhead. He’ll beckon you up to where he dangles. If you look for a path up to the captain, you’ll soon notice stairs to your left.

As you climb those stairs, lanterns will guide your steps up to a ship.

The ship is quite close to the Cursed Captain but just out of reach. So, you’ll need to head the opposite way to reach him.

Walk across the fallen mast. Once you reach the other side, drop into a hole in the hull and into the waters below. Swim across.

You’ll emerge from the water to find a pulley. Use that pulley to hoist you and your crew to the next platform.

After letting go, the platform will lower back down. However, it will do so rather slowly. So, you might want to make sure your whole crew is aboard before you start to lift.

On this platform, you’ll see your next pulley ahead, a little to the left.

Ah, but to the right, you’ll see a captain’s quarters—with gold, too! Unfortunately, when you approach, you find the door reads, “Key needed to unlock.” Aye, best be saving that for after you’ve rescued the Cursed Captain.

Go back to that pulley. Use it to raise a platform of barrels and crates. Don’t worry; if you let go of this pulley, the platform stays.

Once you’ve made it across, you see a few stairs up to your right. There you’ll see the pulley you’ll need to make it to the shipwreck.

This pulley will move two platforms across the gap—one from your side and one from the other.

Pull the platforms just enough so that you can hop from one to the other without falling.

On the other side, you’ll see a brig with glinting treasure inside. However, again—since you do not yet have any further clues on how to enter this locked brig or what to do once you’ve entered—it would probably be best to continue to the Cursed Captain.

Climb the bowsprit over to the captain’s cage. Looking down at the cage, you’ll see another threadbare rope and a prompt that reads, “Requires lantern to Ignite.”

Despite the Captain’s plea for a gentle descent, it seems this is the proper way to get him loose.

(Alternatively, you can cut the rope with your sword if you prefer.)

Ah, despite the fall, the cage remains intact. You could leave the Captain to his fate. However, seeing as we know so little of this new world, and he’s offering words of wisdom, perhaps we’d better find the key.

From the fallen cage, head South toward a wrecked galleon. You’ll see a sign swinging from its bowsprit reading, “The Last Stand.”

You’ll see the key glinting atop the chandelier.

On the south side of the tavern—on the middle deck—you’ll see a pulley. That pulley is connected to the chandelier. Use that pulley to lower the chandelier and retrieve the key.

After you have read the journal, bring the key back to the Cursed Captain, and set him free.

By doing so, you will unlock the commendation, “Tales of the Dead: Do a good deed for a Cursed Captain.”

Before continuing through the Tall Tale, two nearby journals are off the beaten path you’ll want to ensure you read.

From the Cursed Captain’s cage, walk North to find a wooden path that leads North East to a shipwreck.

Following the wooden path will lead you to a door you can open to access the shipwreck’s hull. Open the door and step inside. You’ll find the journal on a table to the right of the bed.

Back to the Tall Tale! Go back to the Cursed Captain and pick him up. Then, walk toward the lighthouse with the Cursed Captain in hand. You’ll soon come to a large gap, where it seems a bridge should be.

Luckily, it seems that the Cursed Captain has a way to bring back that bridge.

Simply wait at the bridge’s entrance; soon enough, the ground will rumble, and the bridge will rise up, allowing you to cross.

Cross the bridge and continue up the lighthouse. You’ll know you’ve almost reached the top when the steps turn to stone.

Once you reach the top, the Cursed Captain requests that you place his skull upon a suitable body of bones. You’ll find such a headless skeleton seated with a spyglass in his grasp.

After you’ve read the journal, climb the ladder up to the very top of the lighthouse. There you’ll find the lighthouse brazier. Approach it, and you will see the prompt “Raise Lantern to ignite Lighthouse.”

Once you’ve revived the flame, you’ll see a beam of light emanating from the lighthouse. If you want to summon the Ferryman, you’ll need to aim this beam.

On either side of the flames, you’ll see two wheels. One wheel allows you to pitch the lighthouse lens. The other allows you to rotate it.

So, where are we aiming this beam? You are looking for three nearby beacons.

You’ll find one to the Southwest. From there, turn left, and you’ll soon see two more.

Light all three, and you’ll unlock the commendation, “Waiting for Eternity: Restore lost light and summon a rescue.”

You’ll also see the Ferry of the Damned sail into view.

Next, the Cursed Captain will request that you take him to his old ship: The Golden Hare. The Captain will direct you from there. Soon, the Cursed captain will ask you to reunite him with his body.

You might not wish to oblige him just yet.

Once you place the Cursed Captain’s head on his original body in the Captain’s Cabin of his ship, you will no longer be able to complete several commendations and find the rest of the journals.

We’ll discuss those commendations in the section below.

So, if you’d like to earn those commendations, do not honor the Cursed Captain’s wishes just yet.

If and when you are ready to continue progressing through the Tall Tale, you may grant the Cursed Captain’s wish.

In exchange for your services, the Cursed Captain gives you his Cabin Key.

Before leaving the Captain’s Cabin, be sure to read the journal on the nearby bookshelf.

There are six commendations to be found in Sailor’s Grave, and they are unlike any Tall Tale commendations we have ever encountered!

1. A Powerful Thirst
2. Raising the Dead
3. Treasure for the Dead
4. Ship of Thieves
5. Secret of the Grave
6. The Crew of the Headless Monkey

Most Tall Tale commendations occur naturally in the course of completing a tale. A few require little detours, but they generally don’t require pirates to stray too far from their main Tall Tale objectives.

Good examples of such little detours include two in The Sunken Pearl Tall Tale: Chest of Sorrow and Tale of Eternal Sorrow.

By contrast, this series of commendations is a complete departure from the Tall Tale path, and—to complete all six—you must do them in sequence and in one session.

Aye, completing these six commendations is its own grand adventure—and we love it!

Below you’ll find miniature guides for each commendation where we’ll walk alongside you every step of the way. Between the Cursed Captain and Rare Thief, we like to think Sailor’s Grave offers mighty fine company.

Begin by rowing your boat South. You won’t be able to see the Ferry at first, but it should come into view as you pass the lighthouse.

Ah, and what a sight it is! Keep a weather eye. As you hear a bell toll, you’ll see a darkly cloaked figure bringing souls from Sailor’s Grave to the Ferry of the Damned!

Upon beholding this sight, you will unlock your next Checkpoint!

Sail up to the back of the ship, until you see the prompt to dock the rowboat. Disembark from your little vessel and climb aboard the Ferry!

Rather than heading left to the captain’s door (which is locked), head around to the right. There you’ll find a ladder.

Upon reaching the top of the ladder you’ll hear the Ferryman giving a speech to the souls he brought aboard. Aye, and you’ll gain a bit more insight into the lore of Sailor’s Grave—and, indeed, of the Ferry of the Damned even as we know it in the Sea of Thieves.

Once the Ferryman has finished his remarks, the ship sets sail on what the Ferryman promises will be a long journey. Now is your chance!

To reach the prisoner you seek, you’ll need to get below that top deck.

Approach the Well of Fates, raise your lantern, and light the well with your Flame of Souls! Lighting the Well of Fates with the Flame of Souls will destroy the well and leave a hole where you can enter the lower deck.

Once below you’ll see a few resource crates. Stock up if you need.

More interestingly, you’ll an unlit lantern mounted beside a closed door. Light that lantern to open the door.

In this next chamber, you’ll see a room of sarcophagi—similar to the one seen in the Fate of the Morningstar Tall Tale.

Approach the sarcophagus on the right side of the room. Move the lid, and you will reveal a lantern. Light that lantern.

You’ll also need to light the lantern across from it on the left side of the room. Illuminating both lanterns will open the caged door.

Now, you must simply walk down the now-infamous stairs to the brig and its prisoner.

There you’ll find the famous Captain Jack Sparrow attempting to cajole man’s best friend into handing over the Brig Key. Unsuccessful as ever, he baits you into doing it for him.

Beware: the pirate that gets the keys, gets to pet the dog. We’re just saying.

Put the key into the lock and free Captain Jack!

By doing so, you’ll unlock your next commendation: The Prisoner: Release a prisoner from their captivity.

After you’ve released Captain Jack Sparrow, follow him as he ascends to the top deck of the Ferry. As he meanders, he let you in on a bit more lore.

Upon reaching the top deck, the Ferryman spots and chastises you all. Ah, but someone else has come to join the fray: Davy Jones!

Thank goodness for those resources barrels, eh? Oh, and there’s an ammo crate by the main mast on the top deck.

The Ferryman calls you to arms. All that’s left to do is answer that call, and watch the story play out.

When the Tale has ended, the Ferryman returns you to the Tunnel of the Damned, which then soon delivers you back into the Sea of Thieves.

Aye, but we can’t wait to go right back in…

Strange Shores: Make your way through a lair of treasure and treachery.

Tales of the Dead: Do a good deed for a Cursed Captain.

Waiting for Eternity: Restore lost light and summon a rescue.

Raising the Dead: Learn what happens to pirates who betray other pirates.

Treasure for the Dead: Return a treasure to its ‘rightful’ owner.

A Powerful Thirst: Help quench the thirst of one who cannot help themselves.

Ship of Thieves: Find a way to open the door of a locked ship.

Secret of the Grave: Discover the secret of Sailor’s Grave.

The Prisoner: Release a prisoner from their captivity.

A Pirate’s Life: Complete ‘A Pirate’s Life’.

Tales of the Damned: Discover the Cursed Captain’s Journals in Sailor’s Grave.

The Crew of the Headless Monkey: Discover the Journals of the Headless Monkey’s Captain.

Mist and Memory: Legendary Commendation: Complete all Commendations for ‘A Pirate’s Life’.