This Smuggler’s Fortune update adds far more than a typical monthly update! We knew it was big—I mean, PETS were added! Yet, we really did not grasp just how big this update was until we started writing about it. It’s been a bit staggering.

For those who are curious, we’ve created a separate page just for the Smuggler’s Fortune update. For every Smuggler’s Fortune article, we’ve provided a brief synopsis and a link: Sea of Thieves Smuggler’s Fortune Update.

One incredibly exciting new addition that seems to have been snuck into this update is the Ancient Skeleton!

To understand Ancient Skeletons, we must first understand Ancient Coin.

Ancient Coin

In the Smuggler’s Fortune update the Pirate Emporium opens its doors for pirates to purchase pets, emotes and ship cosmetics!

For more on the Pirate Emporium: Sea of Thieves: The Pirate Emporium. For more on pets: Sea of Thieves Pets—All You Need to Know!

For the purposes of understanding Ancient Skeletons, you should know that the Pirate Emporium accepts payment in neither Gold Coins, nor Doubloons. To purchase items at The Pirate Emporium you will need Sea of Thieves’ newest currency: Ancient Coin.

The primary means of attaining Ancient Coin in Sea of Thieves is purchasing the coin with real-world currency. This currency exchange can be performed through the Xbox Store or in-game through the Pirate Emporium.

Seeing as Sea of Thieves is an ever-developing game as a service, Ancient Coin is meant to be an additional revenue stream to help the developers continue their work enriching this wondrous world.

While real-world currency will be the main way to fill your pockets with Ancient Coin, the Sea of Thieves team is also introducing a fun new in-game mechanic for players to earn Ancient Coin. Queue Ancient Skeletons!

What are Ancient Skeletons?

Ancient Skeletons are very special skeletons you can kill to earn Ancient Coin.

These Ancient Skeletons are emergent foes, who will climb out of the ground when you least expect it! Worse, if left undefeated for too long, this slippery skeleton will burrow back into the ground—disappearing along with that precious Ancient Coin.

How will I know it’s an Ancient Skeleton?

First, these skeletons have their own distinct look. Shining brightly in metallic blue and gold, they carry a satchel emblazoned with the Ancient Coin symbol and stuffed full with coins.

Second, you will hear music sure to make your your senses snap to attention! Nothing quite captures a moment like a Robin Beanland composition.

Once you’ve heard this tune, learn it well. You might not be able to see the skeleton pop, but hearing the music will alert you to its presence—and you’ll want to act swiftly!

How often will Ancient Skeletons Spawn?

Rare. We’re not quite sure how “rare” this means. The developers plan to tinker with this as they see how players are interacting with the store. However, we did receive confirmation that Ancient Skeletons will not be as rare as the Shrouded Ghost Meg.

Where can I find Ancient Skeletons?

Anywhere! Well, it seems they are land based like most skeletons. So, I wouldn’t be diving into shipwrecks to seek them out. However, they can be found on any island through the SoT. They can be found in adventure mode and in the Arena!

So while you and several crews are duking it out over some chests in an Arena Match, an Ancient Skeleton could appear. Drop that chest! The first crew to kill it takes the spoils!

Who Gets the Ancient Coin?

Upon killing the Ancient Skeleton, you and your entire crew will earn Ancient Coins. Everyone on your crew will get the same amount as they are not divided between crew members.

But! Pirates ye Beware: Ancient Coins are not dispersed across alliances.

How many Ancient Coins do you get from an Ancient Skeleton?

This is variable. Just as with current treasure, there is a range of values that you can earn.

Based on current sightings and confirmed kills from the SoT community, it appears the range of Ancient Coins that can be obtained from an Ancient Skeleton can be anywhere from 100 to 600. Based on those numbers, if you are lucky enough, you could gain enough Ancient Coin from just one Ancient Skeleton to buy a monkey or parrot!

Happy Hunting!

Again, these Ancient Skeletons will make their debut this Wednesday with the Smuggler’s Fortune update. Armed with this newfound Ancient Skeleton knowledge, you should be well poised to deal some deadly blows if ever they cross your path.

What else is new?

This Smuggler’s Fortune update is chock-full of new shops, cosmetics, voyages, lore, and pets to explore. Below you’ll find various and sundry articles for all things “Smuggler’s Fortune.”

Curious? Let’s take a little scroll…





Here you’ll find the locations for Stitcher Jim, the “Masked Stranger,” and five mysterious sketches. In addition to gaining insight, you will earn several Mercenary Voyage commendations. Perhaps more enticingly, you’ll earn some extra doubloons!



Stitcher Jim Resurfaces in the Sea of Thieves Scouring the seas for Stitcher Jim? At least this shamed and wretched soul knows he should be in hiding.Here you’ll find the locations for Stitcher Jim, the “Masked Stranger,” and five mysterious sketches. In addition to gaining insight, you will earn several Mercenary Voyage commendations. Perhaps more enticingly, you’ll earn some extra doubloons!





Here you’ll find everything you need to know and more, including average sailing times, sample voyage routes, and tips to help you maximize your profits.



Sea of Thieves Reaper’s Grave of Shipwreck Bay Voyage Doubloons in your pocket feeling a little light? Duke’s new Mercenary Voyages should add a bit of weight! To acquire these commendations—and the accompanying doubloons—you’ll need speed, strategic planning, and a healthy dose of PvP!Here you’ll find everything you need to know and more, including average sailing times, sample voyage routes, and tips to help you maximize your profits.





What is this shop? What items can you buy? How long will these items remain stocked on these shelves? What is this premium currency, Ancient Coin? How do I get it? All fantastic questions, me hearties! Allow us to introduce you to “The Pirate Emporium.”



Sea of Thieves: The Pirate Emporium There’s a curious new shop above the Order of Souls with exotic new offerings from beyond the Shroud.What is this shop? What items can you buy? How long will these items remain stocked on these shelves? What is this premium currency, Ancient Coin? How do I get it? All fantastic questions, me hearties! Allow us to introduce you to “The Pirate Emporium.”





With so much to celebrate, we could not keep our furry and feathered friends caged in the general Pirate Emporium article. Plus, we will surely be adding even more to this article as we get to know our newest little crewmates.



Sea of Thieves Pets—All You Need to Know Since pirates first awoke in these taverns, we have eagerly anticipated this moment: Pirate Pets have arrived in the Sea of Thieves!With so much to celebrate, we could not keep our furry and feathered friends caged in the general Pirate Emporium article. Plus, we will surely be adding even more to this article as we get to know our newest little crewmates.





This article marks the inauguration of a new series in which we will publish each and every Pirate Emporium update. We’ll introduce the newest offerings, let you know which items might not be stocked for long, and keep you up to date on any and all Pirate Emporium news.



In Store on the Shores! Sept. 9th – Oct. 11th 2019 Ways and means cloaked in mystery, the Pirate Emporium is a bit cagey about their curation. Offerings may seem to disappear just as quickly as they appear—unless you keep a weather eye. Well, we’ve got our spyglass trained for you.This article marks the inauguration of a new series in which we will publish each and every Pirate Emporium update. We’ll introduce the newest offerings, let you know which items might not be stocked for long, and keep you up to date on any and all Pirate Emporium news.





Here you’ll learn a bit of backstory, how Duke plans to operate the Black Market, the categories of items you might find, which currencies Duke will accept, how long these offerings last, how you can keep up with Duke’s inventory, and more!



Duke’s Black Market in the Sea of Thieves Explore the underbelly of commerce in the Sea of Thieves. Duke has opened a Black Market offering scarce goods coveted throughout the seas.Here you’ll learn a bit of backstory, how Duke plans to operate the Black Market, the categories of items you might find, which currencies Duke will accept, how long these offerings last, how you can keep up with Duke’s inventory, and more!





This article kicks off a series we will be publishing for each and every Black Market update. We’ll introduce Duke’s newest offerings—making sure you don’t miss out before the items drift away:



What is Duke Selling Sept. 11th – Oct. 9th 2019 Unpredictable as it is whimsical, Duke’s Black Market offerings change every single month! Blink, and you might miss an enviable item for your pirate collection. Never fear!This article kicks off a series we will be publishing for each and every Black Market update. We’ll introduce Duke’s newest offerings—making sure you don’t miss out before the items drift away: