In the vast and mysterious waters of Sea of Thieves, few rewards shine brighter—literally—than the Gold Curse. This glittering cosmetic turns your pirate into a half-man, half-treasure masterpiece, dripping with gold from fingertips to brow.
But make no mistake—unlocking this shimmering skin is a true test of dedication. Only 0.33% of players have achieved it. If you want to join the elite crew of golden legends, this guide is your treasure map.
What Is the Gold Curse in Sea of Thieves?
The Gold Curse is a cosmetic skin that coats parts of your pirate in golden armor, as if cursed by the riches they’ve sought. Inspired by the lore of cursed gold in pirate legends, it’s one of the most prestigious visual unlocks in the game.
Depending on your character model and outfit, the Gold Curse appears in different ways:
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Thicker pirates show more gold on the chest and arms.
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Slimmer pirates display it more subtly, often just on the face and hands.
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Outfits can enhance or hide the effect, especially if you’re going for a shirtless look.
It’s not just about looking flashy—wearing the Gold Curse is the ultimate flex. It tells the world: “I’ve done the grind. I’ve lived the tales. I’m one of the few.”
How to Unlock the Gold Curse
Step-by-Step Requirements
To unlock the Gold Curse, you must 100% complete all nine original Tall Tales from the Shores of Gold storyline. This includes:
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Completing each Tall Tale five times.
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Finding all hidden journals.
That’s not a small ask. Here’s how it breaks down:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of Tall Tales | 9 |
| Repetitions per Tale | 5 |
| Total Playthroughs | 45 Tall Tale completions |
| Extra Task | Find every hidden journal (9 tales) |
| Estimated Time | 34+ hours total |
Yes, it’s a grind. But remember, there’s no rush—this is a long-term achievement that rewards persistence.
Why So Rare?
With a completion rate of only 0.33%, the Gold Curse stands among the rarest achievements in Sea of Thieves. That’s because:
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Each Tall Tale averages 45 minutes to 1 hour.
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Collecting journals requires exploration and knowledge of hidden locations.
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You must complete tales multiple times, which means dealing with possible interruptions from PvP, storms, and shipwrecks.
In short: it’s not for the faint of heart.
Tips for Unlocking the Gold Curse Faster
Use a Guide for Every Journal
Finding all the hidden journals is one of the most time-consuming parts. Use reliable YouTube walkthroughs or written guides to locate each journal quickly.
Play with a Crew
Tales can be completed solo, but going with a crew:
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Makes navigation faster
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Helps fight enemies
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Speeds up puzzle-solving
Prioritize Progression Over Perfection
You don’t need to get all journals in your first run. Focus on completing the tale, then come back for the journals on a later run.
Track Your Progress
Keep a checklist or spreadsheet to track which tales you’ve completed and how many times.
How Long Will It Take?
Assuming no interruptions, and you’re relatively efficient:
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Each Tall Tale run: ~45 minutes
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Total runs: 45
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Total time: ~34–40 hours
That’s a significant time investment. But once you complete the challenge, you’ll earn:
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A glorious golden skin
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Bragging rights among the community
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A permanent reminder of your pirate legacy
How the Gold Curse Looks on Different Pirates
Big Pirates
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More surface area = more gold!
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The chest, arms, and face light up.
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Works best with minimal clothing (e.g., shirtless outfits or gloves only).
Slim Pirates
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The effect is subtler.
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Mostly visible on the face and hands.
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Best paired with cosmetics that leave upper skin exposed.
Outfit Pairings
Some pirates prefer minimalist fashion to show off the gold. Try:
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No shirt, just gloves, pants, and boots.
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Tattoos that peek through the gold effect.
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Face paint to enhance the golden glow.
Is the Gold Curse Worth It?
If you love the lore of Sea of Thieves, want to chase a long-term challenge, and enjoy showing off rare cosmetics, the answer is YES.
Sure, it’s not the flashiest flex (like the Ghost Set or Athena weapons), but the Gold Curse is dripping with meaning. It’s a testament to your commitment to the game’s story, and it genuinely makes your pirate look like a cursed legend.
FAQs About the Gold Curse
Can I unlock the Gold Curse solo?
Yes, but it will be more difficult and slower than doing it with a crew.
Do I need to complete the Tall Tales in order?
Yes. The Shores of Gold arc must be completed sequentially to unlock the final tale and the Gold Hoarder boss.
What if I miss a journal?
You can replay the tale and collect the journal you missed. You do NOT have to collect all journals in one run.
Will changing my pirate body type affect the Gold Curse?
Yes. The curse shows differently depending on your pirate’s size and body type.
Does my progress carry between seasons?
Yes. The progress toward Tall Tales and the Gold Curse is permanent and does not reset.
Final Thoughts
Unlocking the Gold Curse in Sea of Thieves is no easy feat—but it’s one of the most rewarding. It takes time, effort, and a real love for the game’s lore and storytelling. If you’re committed to sailing the same waters over and over again, solving riddles, outwitting skeletons, and out-sailing rival crews, then this is the journey for you.
Once you’re glowing gold, you’ll know it was all worth it.