Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • View Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
Trending
  • Saros review
  • Arc Raiders
  • The Boys S5
  • Best turn-based RPGs
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
  • Delta Force giveaway
Don't miss these
Arc Raiders player holding a gun in red light
Third Person Shooters Arc Raiders studio contacted by crime scientist "intrigued by how players are interacting"
A crop of the Windrose key art showing two pirates in front of a montage of ships, posing with guns
Survival Games Windrose is a pretty good karaoke cover of Assassin's Creed: Black Flag with a survival twist
In Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, protagonist Edward Kenway lies in wait with his hidden blade for a guard to approach around a corner
Assassin's Creed 13 years on, Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is finally fixing the biggest problem I had with the original
A bearded pirate grins as ship sails billow in the background
City Builder Games The pirate game renaissance continues as Manor Lords publisher announces new nautical city builder
Marathon cinematic shot of assassin runner
FPS Games Bungie makes Marathon less vicious as players keep leaving: update adds new friendly options
Screenshot from Windrose, showing a pirate aiming down the sights of her rifle while standing in front of tropical trees.
Open World Games Open-world pirate survival game Windrose launches to 69,000 peak players and 88% positive Steam reviews
Pragmata Diana hacking in the Shelter with her arm outstretched
Action Games 12 Pragmata tips and tricks for new players
Fifteen Men on a Dead Man's Chest in Windrose
Survival Games How to complete Fifteen men on a Dead Man’s chest mission in Windrose
starfield money
RPGs Starfield money glitches, farming credits, and how to get fast cash
Starfield Mathis Crimson Fleet choice betray Delgado
RPGs Starfield betray Delgado choice in Echoes of the Past
How to farm money in Crimson Desert
RPGs Best way to make money in Crimson Desert
Gabe Newell in a white shirt
Games "Gabe cannot buy yachts with wishlists": Steam expert begs devs to make the most of their hit games
The best Windrose build
Survival Games Best Windrose builds to get high damage and destroy enemies
Windrose key art shows a pirate holding a gun.
Open World Games "Assassin's Creed Black Flag is the best pirate game of all time" according to Windrose devs
Crimson Desert: Macduff looking out into the distance during the new game, Crimson Desert.
RPGs The ultimate Crimson Desert guide for exploring Pywel
  1. Games
  2. Action
  3. Sea of Thieves

Don’t want to be griefed in Sea of Thieves? Here’s how to tell if other pirates are friendly or stabby

Features
By Zoe Delahunty-Light published 22 March 2018

Fed up of being slashed with cutlasses or peppered with enough holes that you look like swiss cheese? Here’s how to tell friend from foe in Sea of Thieves

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
Subscribe to our newsletter

Pirates aren’t exactly famous for being good guys. Centuries ago they robbed, stole, looted, and generally terrorised the high seas, so you’d hope things had changed a bit in Sea of Thieves with much kinder pirates sailing on the horizon. Realistically it’s unlikely everyone you meet will be after your friendship instead of your treasure, so an Imgur user Saphirewolf highlighted how you can tell peaceful pirates from pillaging pirates. 

According to the merchants’ code, if you want to be friends with someone coming your way make sure you have a flagon of grog held high, or your cannons pointing to the sky if you’re manning a galleon or sloop. See someone act like that and they’re probably just looking to buddy up to take on a skeleton fort… or they’re exploiting the guidelines I’ve just laid out to fool you into thinking they’re nice before they board your ship and stick their cutlass into your belly. 

On the other hand, spot a vessel with dimmed lanterns and you should get the hell out of there. They’re obviously hunting for some loot, and won’t be fussed about killing anyone standing in their way. Likewise, a good clue to look out for is if any pirates are wielding cutlasses when you spy them in the distance - if they are, then you want to get out of there sharpish. By the way, a good way to turn around pretty dang fast is to make sure your sails are full, then drop your anchor (hear me out) and spin that steering wheel until it’s fully locked on one side. You’ll spin around super quickly, then all you need to do is hoist the anchor and flee. Oh, did I say flee? I meant advance in another direction. For tactical purposes. If you need any more advice, check out our Sea of Thieves tips for all the guidance you need for how to become the scourge of the high seas. 

You may like
  • Arc Raiders character holding golden sledgehammer on dark blue starry background 10 Arc Raiders tips for securing safe victory and epic loot
  • Lie to or Attack Brogan in Starfield Should you Lie to or Attack the Pirate in Starfield?
  • Windrose art with pirate pointing gun toward an offscreen character I can't stop playing the demo for this pirate game with Black Flag sailing, Sea of Thieves combat, and Ark crafting

Need more Sea of Thieves advice? Check this lot out:

  • Sea of Thieves: Order of Souls mission guide
  • Sea of Thieves: Merchant Alliance mission guide
  • Sea of Thieves: Gold Hoarders mission guide
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
CATEGORIES
PC Gaming Xbox One Platforms Xbox
Zoe Delahunty-Light
Zoe Delahunty-Light
Social Links Navigation
Former GamesRadar+ Staff

While here at GamesRadar, Zoe was a features writer and video presenter for us. She's since flown the coop and gone on to work at Eurogamer where she's a video producer, and also runs her own Twitch and YouTube channels. She specialises in huge open-world games, true crime, and lore deep-dives.

Read more
Arc Raiders character holding golden sledgehammer on dark blue starry background
Third Person Shooters 10 Arc Raiders tips for securing safe victory and epic loot
 
 
Lie to or Attack Brogan in Starfield
RPGs Should you Lie to or Attack the Pirate in Starfield?
 
 
Windrose art with pirate pointing gun toward an offscreen character
Survival Games I can't stop playing the demo for this pirate game with Black Flag sailing, Sea of Thieves combat, and Ark crafting
 
 
Condor leaps into the air in Highguard while aiming through a scoped rifle
FPS Games 12 Highguard tips and tricks for new Wardens to help your team run riot while raiding
 
 
Arc Raiders characters standing together
Third Person Shooters Arc Raiders devs now force themselves to act nice in playtests to understand friendly players
 
 
Arc Raiders player holding a gun in red light
Third Person Shooters Arc Raiders studio contacted by crime scientist "intrigued by how players are interacting"
 
 
Latest in Action
Alice stands in front of flames
Action Games EA asked ex-Doom dev to make new game "'sexy,'" so he put "dildos onto the head of a giant snail"
 
 
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced Collector's Edition on a green background with pre-order badge
Assassin's Creed Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced pre-orders are now live, sea shanty sheet music and all
 
 
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced key art showing famous pirate Blackbeard
Assassin's Creed Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced will have enough blood to quench a pirate come July, Ubisoft producer promises
 
 
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced key art showing famous pirate Blackbeard
Assassin's Creed Ubisoft taps Skull & Bones studio to lead Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced development
 
 
Pragmata MPA new york skyline
Action Games How to find all Mass Production Array collectibles
 
 
Two bikers posing with a revolver and a motorbike in Grand Theft Auto 6 area Ambrosia
Grand Theft Auto GTA 6 sickos in a frenzy as Rockstar owner Take-Two finally announces delayed financial call
 
 
Latest in Features
Hell Let Loose: Vietnam gameplay showing combat in a jungle
FPS Games If you like Battlefield at its most chaotic, I promise you'll love Hell Let Loose: Vietnam
 
 
Samara Weaving and Jason Segel in Over Your Dead Body
Action Movies Over Your Dead Body is an ultra-violent, surprisingly heartwarming gorefest
 
 
Arc Raiders player holding a gun in red light
Third Person Shooters Marathon, Arc Raiders, and Last Flag devs discuss the ongoing evolution of multiplayer shooters
 
 
Vampire Crawlers screenshots taken on Nintendo Switch, showing card-based roguelite gameplay
Roguelike Games Vampire Survivors meets first-person deckbuilding in my new handheld obsession
 
 
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced key art showing protagonist Edward Kenway pointing dual wielding pistols
Assassin's Creed The 5 biggest changes coming to Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced
 
 
In Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, protagonist Edward Kenway lies in wait with his hidden blade for a guard to approach around a corner
Assassin's Creed 13 years on, Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is finally fixing the biggest problem I had with the original
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Square Enix's Hikaru Tamaki smiles at crowd
    1
    Final Fantasy 14 dev got his job when he interviewed Yoshi-P as a journalist and asked him for a job
  2. 2
    Yoshi-P won't tell Final Fantasy 14 players what the new tank and ranged physical DPS jobs are
  3. 3
    Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred is so big that Blizzard decided the new season doesn't need its own theme
  4. 4
    Slay the Spire 2 devs say the Doormaker mentioned in negative Steam reviews is actually weak
  5. 5
    The Boys spin-off Gen V is cancelled after two seasons as prequel Vought Rising gets release date

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...