Sea of Thieves is a popular multiplayer pirate adventure game where your identity in the game world is tied to your gamer tag or display name. Changing your name can be important for various reasons such as privacy, rebranding your pirate persona, or simply starting fresh with a new identity.
However, unlike some games that allow you to change your in-game name directly, Sea of Thieves uses the display name from your gaming platform. This means the process involves changing your Xbox or Microsoft account gamertag rather than an in-game setting.
Understanding How Names Work in Sea of Thieves
Your name in Sea of Thieves is essentially your Xbox Live Gamertag or Microsoft account display name. This name appears to other players during gameplay, in leaderboards, and on your profile.
“Your Sea of Thieves identity is linked to your Xbox or Microsoft account. Changing your gamertag changes your pirate name in the game.”
Since the game does not provide an internal feature to change your pirate name, the only way to change it is by modifying the gamertag on your associated account. This applies to players on Xbox consoles as well as those playing on Windows PC through the Microsoft Store or Steam.
Step-by-Step Guide to Change Your Name in Sea of Thieves
Step 1: Identify Your Gaming Platform
Before changing your name, confirm the platform you use to play Sea of Thieves. The process differs slightly depending on whether you play on Xbox, Windows PC via Microsoft Store, or Steam.
| Platform | Gamertag/Display Name Source | Change Location |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Console | Xbox Live Gamertag | Xbox Gamertag Website or Console Settings |
| Windows PC (Microsoft Store) | Microsoft Account Gamertag | Microsoft Account Profile |
| Windows PC (Steam) | Steam Display Name | Steam Client or Website |
Step 2: Changing Your Xbox Gamertag
If you play Sea of Thieves on Xbox or Windows PC via Microsoft Store, your name is your Xbox Live Gamertag. Follow these instructions to change it:
- Visit the official Xbox gamertag change page.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
- Enter a new gamertag in the search box to check availability.
- If the name is available, you can confirm the change.
- Xbox allows one free gamertag change. Subsequent changes require a fee.
You can also change your gamertag directly from your Xbox console:
- Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
- Navigate to Profile & system > Settings > Account > Your info.
- Select Edit profile and then Choose new gamertag.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to change your name.
Step 3: Changing Your Microsoft Account Name on PC
If you play on Windows PC through Microsoft Store, your gamertag is linked to your Microsoft account. To change it:
- Go to the Microsoft Account Profile page.
- Sign in with your Microsoft credentials.
- Click on Edit name under your profile name.
- Update your name and save changes.
Note: Changing your Microsoft account name may affect other Microsoft services, but your Xbox gamertag remains the main display name in-game.
Step 4: Changing Your Steam Display Name (If Applicable)
Players using Steam to play Sea of Thieves have a different display name which can be changed through Steam itself. This name is what friends and other players see on Steam but not necessarily in-game.
- Open the Steam client or visit the Steam Community website.
- Log into your Steam account.
- Click your profile name at the top and select View Profile.
- Click Edit Profile on the right side.
- Change your Profile Name and save.
Keep in mind, Steam display names are separate from your Xbox Live gamertag which is shown in-game for Sea of Thieves.
Important Considerations When Changing Your Name
Changing your name in Sea of Thieves is tied to your account identity and has some important caveats:
- Limited Free Changes: Xbox allows only one free gamertag change; subsequent changes require a payment (typically around $10 USD).
- Availability: Your desired gamertag must be unique and not already taken by another user.
- Propagation Time: Changes might take some time to be reflected across all Xbox and Microsoft services.
- Impact on Friends: Your friends list and game history remain intact, but friends will see your new name.
- Steam Users: Your Steam display name does not affect your in-game name if you are playing through Microsoft services.
“Your gamertag is your pirate’s flag. Make sure to choose a name that you want to sail under for many adventures.”
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Gamertag Change Not Reflecting in Game
Sometimes after changing your gamertag, the new name may not immediately appear in Sea of Thieves. This delay is usually due to synchronization lag between Xbox Live servers and the game.
- Try signing out and back into your Xbox or Microsoft account.
- Restart the game and your console or PC.
- Check the Xbox Live status page for any ongoing service issues.
Gamertag Change Denied or Unavailable
If your desired name is unavailable or flagged:
- Try variations or adding numbers/symbols.
- Avoid offensive or restricted words, as Xbox enforces community guidelines.
- If you encounter technical errors, contact Xbox Support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I change my Sea of Thieves name for free multiple times? | You get one free gamertag change on Xbox. Additional changes require a fee. |
| Does changing my gamertag affect my game progress? | No. Your game progress, achievements, and inventory remain unchanged. |
| Can I change my name directly in Sea of Thieves? | No. Name changes must be done through your Xbox or Microsoft account. |
| Will my friends see my new name immediately? | Usually yes, but it might take some time for the change to propagate fully. |
| Is there a way to have a different in-game name than my Xbox gamertag? | No. The game uses your Xbox/Microsoft account gamertag as your in-game name. |
Tips for Choosing a Good Gamertag
Your gamertag is your identity in the vast seas. Here are some tips to pick a memorable and suitable name:
- Keep It Short and Simple: Easy to remember and type.
- Unique and Creative: Avoid common names to stand out.
- Avoid Numbers and Special Characters: Unless they add meaning.
- Reflect Your Pirate Style: Names that hint at your playstyle or personality.
- Check Availability: Use the Xbox gamertag checker before settling.
Summary
Changing your name in Sea of Thieves involves updating your Xbox or Microsoft account gamertag. This process is external to the game and requires you to use official Microsoft or Xbox websites or your console settings.
While only one free change is allowed, you can pay for additional changes if you want to update your pirate identity again. Steam players should remember that changing their Steam name does not affect their in-game name unless they change their Xbox gamertag linked to the game.
By following the steps and guidelines outlined in this article, you can confidently rename your pirate and continue your adventures on the high seas with a fresh identity.
