Sea of Thieves is a popular multiplayer pirate adventure game developed by Rare and published by Xbox Game Studios. Many players enjoy creating their unique identities through display names that represent their pirate personas.
A common question among fans is whether it is possible to change the display name they chose when first starting the game.
This article explores the options available for changing your Sea of Thieves display name, the limitations involved, and the processes you might need to follow. Additionally, it explains how the game handles display names differently depending on the platform you are using, such as Xbox or Steam.
Understanding Your Sea of Thieves Display Name
Before diving into the name change possibilities, it’s important to clarify what exactly your Sea of Thieves display name is. Essentially, your display name is the in-game name other players see when you are sailing the seas or engaging in adventures.
It is tied closely to your gaming platform account.
Sea of Thieves does not manage display names independently. Instead, your display name is usually inherited from your Xbox Gamertag if you are playing on Xbox or Windows 10/11 through the Microsoft Store.
For Steam players, the name shown is connected to their Steam profile name.
Key point: Your Sea of Thieves display name is controlled by your platform account, not by the game itself.
How Platform Accounts Affect Your Display Name
Because your display name is linked to your platform, the ability to change it depends on the rules and policies of those platforms. This means:
- If you play on Xbox or Microsoft Store versions, your display name comes from your Xbox Gamertag.
- If you play on Steam, your display name matches your Steam profile name.
This setup means that to change your in-game name, you need to change your platform account name.
Can You Change Your Sea of Thieves Display Name?
The short answer is: yes, but indirectly. Sea of Thieves itself does not offer an internal option to change your display name.
Instead, you must change your Xbox Gamertag or Steam profile name, depending on your platform.
Changing your platform name will update your display name in Sea of Thieves across all sessions. However, there may be some restrictions or costs involved depending on your platform.
Changing Your Xbox Gamertag
For players on Xbox consoles or Windows PC via Microsoft Store, your display name is your Xbox Gamertag. Here’s what you need to know about changing it:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| How to Change | Go to your Xbox profile page online or on your console and select Edit Profile to change your Gamertag. |
| First Change | The first Gamertag change is free of charge. |
| Subsequent Changes | Each additional change costs a fee, typically around $9.99 USD. |
| Name Availability | Your desired name must be unique and not already taken by another user. |
| Propagation Time | Name changes usually take effect immediately but can take up to 24 hours to reflect everywhere. |
Important: Changing your Xbox Gamertag will change your display name across all Xbox Live-enabled games and services, not just Sea of Thieves.
Changing Your Steam Profile Name
If you are playing Sea of Thieves via Steam, your display name is derived from your Steam profile name. Changing it is simpler and free:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| How to Change | Log in to your Steam client or the Steam website, go to your profile, and select Edit Profile. Update your profile name there. |
| Cost | Changing your Steam profile name is free and unlimited. |
| Effect in Sea of Thieves | Your new Steam profile name will be shown as your display name in Sea of Thieves. |
| Propagation Time | Changes usually appear instantly, but may take some time to appear in-game depending on the servers. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Sea of Thieves Display Name
For Xbox or Microsoft Store Players:
- Open the Xbox app on your PC or use your Xbox console.
- Navigate to your profile and select Edit Profile.
- Choose the Change Gamertag option.
- Enter your desired new Gamertag and check availability.
- If available, confirm the change. Remember the first change is free; subsequent changes incur a fee.
- Wait for the change to propagate. Your new name will now appear in Sea of Thieves.
For Steam Players:
- Launch the Steam client or visit the Steam website.
- Click on your profile name in the top-right corner.
- Select Profile and then click Edit Profile.
- Update your profile name in the Profile Name field.
- Save your changes.
- Restart Sea of Thieves or wait for the name change to update in-game.
Common Questions About Changing Sea of Thieves Display Name
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I change my display name directly in Sea of Thieves? | No, Sea of Thieves does not allow you to change your display name directly within the game. |
| Is there a limit to how often I can change my Xbox Gamertag? | There is no strict limit, but each change after the first free one requires payment. |
| Will changing my Xbox Gamertag affect other games? | Yes, your new Gamertag will be visible across all Xbox Live services and games. |
| Can I revert to my old display name if I change my mind? | Only if the old name is still available. Otherwise, you will need to choose a new unique name. |
| Does changing my Steam profile name cost money? | No, changing your Steam profile name is free and can be done as often as you like. |
Tips for Choosing a New Display Name
When selecting a new display name for Sea of Thieves, keep the following tips in mind to ensure a smooth experience:
- Uniqueness: Your name must not be taken by another player on Xbox Live or Steam.
- Appropriateness: Avoid offensive or inappropriate terms to comply with platform policies.
- Memorability: Choose a name that your friends and teammates can easily recognize.
- Length: Most platforms have a character limit (usually between 12-15 characters).
- Consistency: If you play multiple games on the same platform, consider using the same name for brand recognition.
Note: Changing your display name too often can confuse your friends and other players.
What Happens After You Change Your Display Name?
After successfully changing your platform name, your new display name will be reflected in Sea of Thieves in the following ways:
- Other players will see your updated name on their leaderboards, friend lists, and in-game interactions.
- Your achievements and game progress remain unaffected by the name change.
- Your friends will receive a notification about your name change on Xbox or Steam.
- Your old name will become available for other users unless reserved by the platform.
Important: Some third-party tools or leaderboards may take longer to update your new name.
What If You Encounter Issues Changing Your Name?
Occasionally, players may face difficulties when trying to change their display name. Some common issues include:
- Name not available: The desired name is already taken or reserved.
- Payment problems: Issues with billing when attempting to pay for a Gamertag change.
- Propagation delays: Your new name is not showing up in Sea of Thieves immediately.
- Technical glitches: Errors within Xbox Live or Steam services.
In such cases, the following steps can help:
- Verify the name is unique by trying alternative spellings or adding numbers.
- Check your payment method and ensure it is valid if you need to pay for a Gamertag change.
- Restart your game and console/PC to force a refresh.
- Contact Xbox or Steam support if the problem persists beyond 24 hours.
Summary Table: Changing Your Sea of Thieves Display Name
| Platform | Where to Change Name | Cost | Change Frequency | Propagation Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox / Microsoft Store | Xbox Profile (Gamertag) | First change free, subsequent changes ~$9.99 | Unlimited, but paid after first | Immediate to 24 hours |
| Steam | Steam Profile Name | Free | Unlimited | Usually immediate |
Final Thoughts
Changing your display name in Sea of Thieves is straightforward once you understand that the game itself does not manage player names. Your display name is controlled by your platform account, meaning you need to adjust your Xbox Gamertag or Steam profile name to see a change in-game.
While the process is simple, be mindful of the costs associated with Xbox Gamertag changes and the impact it has across all your gaming activities. Steam users enjoy more flexibility with free and unlimited name changes.
By carefully selecting a new display name and following the right steps, you can sail the Sea of Thieves with a fresh identity that matches your pirate style and personality.
