Sea of Thieves Random Crew: How It Works

Yes, you can join a random crew in Sea of Thieves, and the game will match you with other players looking for a crew. You choose this option from the main menu before setting sail, and the game places you on a ship with up to three other players. This article explains how the random crew system works, what to expect, and how to get the most out of it.

How Random Crew Matching Works

Sea of Thieves offers two main ways to start a session: Open Crew and Closed Crew. When you select Open Crew, the game searches for an existing ship with an open slot or creates a new one and fills it as players join. You can choose your preferred ship size (Sloop for 1–2 players, Brigantine for 3, Galleon for 4) before matchmaking. The game does not use skill-based matchmaking or a reputation system for random crews; you are simply placed with whoever else selected the same ship type at that moment.

Once on board, you are free to play however you like. There is no vote to kick feature, but you can leave the session at any time and re-queue. If you leave, your character remains on the ship until the session ends, and your loot stays with the crew unless you return.

Choosing Open vs. Closed Crew

Before you set sail, the game asks whether you want an Open Crew or a Closed Crew. Open means anyone can join your ship during the session. Closed means only invited friends can join. If you want to play with random players, you must select Open Crew. You can also change this setting later from the crew management menu while in-game, but it only applies to future openings, not current members.

If you are starting a new game and want to be matched with random players, select “Open Crew” and then choose your ship type. The game will immediately begin matchmaking. You might be placed on a ship that is already in the middle of a voyage, or you might be the first to join a fresh ship. There is no way to filter by playstyle, microphone use, or experience level.

What to Expect from Random Teammates

Random crews are a mixed bag. Some players are friendly and cooperative, while others may be new, uncommunicative, or even hostile. Here are common scenarios:

• New players who have never sailed before and need guidance.
• Silent players who do not use voice chat or text chat, making coordination difficult.
• Griefers who might throw your treasure overboard, steer the ship into rocks, or attack other ships without warning.
• Experienced veterans who are happy to teach and lead the crew.

There is no reputation system, so you cannot avoid toxic players except by leaving the session. If you encounter a griefer, your best option is to leave and find a new crew. You lose nothing by leaving except your place on that ship.

Common Problems and How to Handle Them

The most frequent issue with random crews is lack of communication. Many players do not use a microphone, and text chat is only visible to your crew. If you are playing with silent teammates, try using the in-game quick chat wheel (press E on PC or the right d-pad on console) to send canned phrases like “Follow me” or “Let’s go to the outpost.”

Another common problem is being kicked from the ship. While there is no vote-to-kick, the ship’s captain (the player who created the session) can remove you from the crew through the crew management menu. If that happens, you are returned to the main menu and can re-queue. This is rare but can occur if the captain wants to play with friends.

If you are placed on a ship that is already in the middle of a voyage, you might not know what the crew is doing. Look at the quest table to see the active voyage, or simply ask. If the crew is unresponsive, you can choose to do your own thing, but remember that all loot is shared as a crew, so working together is usually more profitable.

Tips for a Better Random Crew Experience

To get the most out of playing with random players, consider these practical tips:

• Use a microphone – Communication is key. Even a simple “hello” sets a positive tone.
• Be patient with new players – Everyone was new once. Offer guidance rather than criticism.
• Set a clear goal – Suggest a voyage or activity at the start. Most players will follow if you seem confident.
• Stay on the ship – If you leave the ship on an island, the crew might sail away without you. Use the mermaid to return if you get left behind.
• Know when to leave – If the crew is toxic or uncooperative, don’t waste your time. Leave and find a better group.

Remember that you can always switch to a Closed Crew if you prefer to play solo or with friends. Random crews are not for everyone, but they can be a great way to meet new players and learn the game.

Alternatives to Random Crews

If random crews are not working for you, there are other ways to find teammates:

• Official Sea of Thieves Discord – The official Discord server has a looking-for-group channel where you can find players with similar interests.
• Xbox LFG (Looking for Group) – On Xbox and Windows, you can post a group listing with your playstyle and requirements.
• Friends and communities – Join a gaming community or subreddit like r/Seaofthieves to find regular crewmates.
• Solo play – Many players enjoy the game solo on a Sloop. It is harder but entirely possible.

These alternatives give you more control over who you play with, which can lead to a more consistent experience.

Costs and Requirements

Joining a random crew is completely free; there is no in-game currency or premium currency required. You only need a copy of Sea of Thieves and an active internet connection. The game is available on Xbox Game Pass, Steam, and Microsoft Store. Cross-play is enabled by default, so you can be matched with players on any platform. If you want to avoid cross-play, you can disable it in the settings, but this will increase matchmaking times.

There are no level requirements or prerequisites to join a random crew. Even a brand-new player can select Open Crew and be placed with others immediately. The game’s matchmaking does not consider your pirate legend status or reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose which random players I am matched with?

No, Sea of Thieves does not offer filters for random matchmaking. You can only choose the ship size. The game does not use skill, language, or playstyle preferences.

What happens if I disconnect during a random crew session?

If you disconnect, your character remains on the ship for a few minutes. If you reconnect quickly, you will rejoin the same session. If you take too long, you will be removed and can join a new crew.

Can I be kicked from a random crew?

Yes, the crew captain can remove you from the crew via the crew management menu. There is no vote-to-kick, but the captain has full authority to remove anyone.

Is there a penalty for leaving a random crew early?

No, there is no penalty. You can leave at any time without losing progress or reputation. You will lose any loot you have not turned in, but you keep your personal gold and reputation earned during the session.

Do random crews share loot equally?

All loot collected by the crew is shared equally among all crew members when sold. Each player receives the same gold and reputation for the sale, regardless of who picked it up or turned it in.

Can I play with random players on PC and console together?

Yes, cross-play is enabled by default. You will be matched with players on Xbox, Windows, and Steam. If you prefer to play only with PC players, you can disable cross-play in the settings, but this may increase matchmaking time.

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