Sea of Thieves is a popular multiplayer pirate adventure game developed by Rare and published by Xbox Game Studios. Players create unique personas, sail the seas, and engage in thrilling quests and battles.
One common question among players is whether or not they can change their in-game name once it has been set. This article will explore the options available for changing your name in Sea of Thieves and provide detailed information about the process.
Understanding Your Name in Sea of Thieves
Before diving into whether you can change your name, it is important to understand what “name” means in the context of Sea of Thieves. The game uses your Xbox or Microsoft account gamertag as your primary identifier that other players see during gameplay.
Unlike some games that allow you to create a unique in-game display name independent of your account, Sea of Thieves ties your pirate name directly to your Xbox/Microsoft account gamertag. This means your pirate name is not created or stored separately within the Sea of Thieves game itself.
Important: Your Sea of Thieves name is always your Xbox or Microsoft Gamertag.
Can You Change Your Pirate Name in Sea of Thieves?
Because Sea of Thieves uses your Xbox/Microsoft gamertag as your name, the only way to change your pirate name in the game is to change your gamertag on your Microsoft account. There is no in-game option to change your name independently.
This means that if you want to have a new name appear in Sea of Thieves, you must change your gamertag through Microsoft’s official channels. Once your gamertag updates, your new name will appear in Sea of Thieves and all other Xbox Live-enabled games.
Steps to Change Your Xbox/Microsoft Gamertag
Changing your gamertag is straightforward but comes with some limitations and possible fees depending on whether it is your first change or not.
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sign in to your Microsoft account | Go to account.xbox.com and log in with your credentials. |
| 2 | Navigate to your gamertag settings | Click on your profile and select “Customize profile.” Then click “Change gamertag.” |
| 3 | Enter your desired new gamertag | Type in the new name you want. The system will check availability. |
| 4 | Confirm and finalize | If the gamertag is available, confirm the change. The first change is free; subsequent changes may cost a fee. |
Important Considerations When Changing Your Gamertag
First Change is Free: Microsoft provides the first gamertag change free of charge. If you decide to change your name again after the first time, there is usually a fee involved, which varies by region and currency.
Availability: Your desired gamertag must be unique and not currently used by another player. Microsoft will prompt you to try different variations if your first choice is taken.
Character Limits and Restrictions: Gamertags can be up to 12 characters long and may include letters, numbers, and spaces. Special characters are generally not allowed.
How Long Does the Gamertag Change Take?
The change is usually instant and synchronized across all Xbox Live-enabled games, including Sea of Thieves. Once you confirm your new gamertag, it will appear immediately in the game the next time you log in.
Will Changing Your Gamertag Affect Your Sea of Thieves Progress?
Changing your gamertag does not affect your saved game data, achievements, or progress in Sea of Thieves. Your game profile and progression are tied to your Xbox/Microsoft account, not your gamertag string.
All your items, reputation, and experience remain intact. Only the visible name other players see will change.
Alternatives to Changing Your Name
If you want to keep your current gamertag but want to present a different persona or nickname in Sea of Thieves, the game itself does not provide an official feature to customize or alter your displayed name independently.
However, some players use external communication platforms like Discord or Xbox party chat to go by nicknames with their friends. Within the game, though, your gamertag is the only identifier.
Summary: Changing Your Name in Sea of Thieves
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I change my pirate name in Sea of Thieves? | Yes, but only by changing your Xbox/Microsoft gamertag. |
| Is there an in-game option to change my name? | No, the game uses your account gamertag exclusively. |
| Is changing my gamertag free? | The first change is free; additional changes may require a fee. |
| Will my progress be lost when changing my gamertag? | No, progress remains tied to your account, not your name. |
| How do I change my gamertag? | Sign in at account.xbox.com and follow the instructions. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I revert back to my old gamertag after changing it?
Generally, once you change your gamertag, your old one becomes available for others to claim. Microsoft does not guarantee you can revert to a previous gamertag unless it is still available.
Are there any restrictions on what my new gamertag can be?
Yes, your new gamertag must comply with Microsoft’s code of conduct. It cannot contain offensive language, impersonate others, or violate trademark rules.
What happens if my desired gamertag is already taken?
Microsoft will notify you that the gamertag is unavailable and suggest alternative variations. You can also try different spellings or add numbers.
Does changing my gamertag affect my friends list or Xbox Live friends?
No, your friends list remains unchanged. Your friends will see your new gamertag automatically.
Can I use different gamertags on different platforms for Sea of Thieves?
No, your gamertag is consistent across Xbox and Windows 10/11 platforms because it is linked to your Microsoft account. You cannot have separate names on different platforms for the same account.
Conclusion
Changing your name in Sea of Thieves is directly tied to your Xbox or Microsoft gamertag. Since the game does not provide an independent naming system, your only option is to change your gamertag through Microsoft’s official website.
This process is straightforward, with the first change free and subsequent changes potentially costing a fee.
Remember, changing your gamertag will update your name across all Xbox Live-enabled games and services, not just Sea of Thieves. Always choose a name you’re comfortable with to avoid frequent changes.
While it may seem limiting, this system ensures consistent identity across the Xbox ecosystem and helps maintain security and integrity for players.
