How to play the Sea of Thieves closed beta on PS5

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The Sea of Thieves PS5 beta runs until April 15, but you'll need to preorder the game to get access to it

Sea of Thieves closed beta on PS5
(Image credit: Rare)

The Sea of Thieves closed beta on PS5 is now underway, meaning PlayStation players can experience this previously Xbox and PC exclusive title for the first time. However, it's not available for just anyone to grab a ship and set sail on the high seas, as you'll need to preorder the full game on PS5 in order to get access to the beta – making it very much an early peek situation rather than a try before you buy opportunity. There are exclusive rewards to be unlocked by taking part, so here's everything you need to know about the Sea of Thieves beta on PS5.

When is the Sea of Thieves closed beta on PS5? 

Sea of Thieves beta

The Sea of Thieves closed beta on PS5 started on April 12, and will run for three days until April 15. It is scheduled to end on April 15 at 2am PDT / 5am EDT / 10am BST, though once you've linked your PSN and Microsoft account any existing Sea of Thieves progress carries over to PS5 during the beta and will be saved to your account, so you can continue where you left off in both the Early Access period and the full release of the game.

How to download the Sea of Thieves PS5 closed beta

Sea of Thieves preorder for PS5 beta access

(Image credit: Rare)

To download the latest Sea of Thieves closed beta, you need to preorder either the Standard, Deluxe, or Premium Edition of the game on PS5 via the PlayStation Store. Once you've done that, you'll then receive access to download the beta so you can get started. As well as getting beta access, preordering will also unlock the following exclusive cosmetics:

  • Ruby Viper Weapon Set
  • Scarlet Storm Parakeet
  • Parakeet Kraken Outfit
  • Parakeet Sea Dog Outfit

What's included in the Sea of Thieves beta on PS5?

Sea of Thieves beta on PS5

(Image credit: Rare)

The Sea of Thieves closed beta on PS5 includes access to most of the experiences and features of the full game, though there are some aspects that won't be available. You won't be able to browse the Pirate Emporium or purchase any Ancient Coins, and you won't be able to create a Guild or sail on behalf of one if you have already joined through prior progress. You also can't earn Trophies during the beta, though any progress you make towards unlocking them will transfer to the final game.

By logging in to the Sea of Thieves closed beta on PS5, you'll unlock the exclusive Dauntless Adventurer Sails and Title, which will be added to accounts on April 25. Those cosmetics can only be used on PlayStation, so if you use your linked account on other platforms you won't be able to equip them there, but while playing on PS5 other non-PlayStation players on the server via Sea of Thieves crossplay will be able to see them. Closed beta participation also provides an exclusive boost at the launch of Season 12 on April 30, fast tracking players to level 10 Season Renown and unlocking rewards up to that level.

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Iain Wilson
Iain Wilson
Guides Editor

Iain originally joined Future in 2012 to write guides for CVG, PSM3, and Xbox World, before moving on to join GamesRadar in 2013 as Guides Editor. His words have also appeared in OPM, OXM, PC Gamer, GamesMaster, and SFX. He is better known to many as ‘Mr Trophy’, due to his slightly unhealthy obsession with amassing intangible PlayStation silverware, and he now has well over 900 Platinum pots weighing down the shelves of his virtual award cabinet. He does not care for Xbox Achievements.