Embark on an epic adventure with The Shroudbreaker Guide, your ultimate resource for navigating the inaugural Tall Tale in Sea of Thieves’ Shores of Gold storyline. If you’re ready to delve into other captivating narratives after conquering The Shroudbreaker, our comprehensive list of Tall Tale Guides awaits. For those seeking to uncover hidden lore, our dedicated journal guide will lead you to every journal location.
However, if this is your maiden voyage into the Shores of Gold Tall Tales, you’ve anchored at the perfect spot! This Shroudbreaker guide is meticulously crafted to steer you through your initial quest towards the legendary Shores of Gold.
Enhance your journey with our interactive Sea of Thieves companion map! Discover a brand-new series of markers specifically designed for the Shroudbreaker Tall Tale, empowering you to meticulously chart your course.
Explore the Shroudbreaker Tall Tale marker series on the Rare Thief Sea of Thieves interactive companion map, designed to assist players in navigating their quest.
Access the web version of the interactive SoT companion map here.
Utilize the web application interface of the Sea of Thieves interactive map, featuring Shroudbreaker markers for easy quest tracking.
For pirates on the move, the SoT Companion app brings the interactive map to your fingertips on your phone or tablet.
The Rare Thief Sea of Thieves Interactive Map is also available as a mobile app for both iPhone and Android, ensuring pirates can access the Shroudbreaker guide on the go.
Apple Pirates, Click Here
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The Shroudbreaker Tall Tale: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s embark on your quest! This Shroudbreaker guide breaks down each step to ensure a smooth and successful adventure.
Step 1: Initiating The Shroudbreaker Tall Tale
As the first tale in the Shores of Gold saga, The Shroudbreaker is remarkably accessible. You can begin your adventure the moment you step into the Sea of Thieves, regardless of which outpost tavern you find yourself in.
Locate the Mysterious Stranger within the tavern. To your right, a curious, glowing book awaits. This is your gateway to The Shroudbreaker Tall Tale.
Interact with the book and vote to propose this tall tale to your crew. Once your crewmates have cast their votes in agreement, the Tall Tale will be activated, and the book will be added to your Map Radial for easy access.
Engage with the Mysterious Stranger in the tavern to start The Shroudbreaker Tall Tale, as indicated by the glowing book.
Hold your sea horses! The Mysterious Stranger has crucial words for you, foreshadowing the perilous and grand voyage you are about to undertake. He speaks of a Shroudbreaker artifact – the very object of your quest! The Shroudbreaker is essential to navigate through the treacherous Devil’s Shroud and reach the Shores of Gold.
Having listened to the Mysterious Stranger’s premonitions, open your Map Radial and select the newly acquired Tall Tale book. Within its pages lie the Pirate Lord’s personal notes!
Initially, these notes might appear fragmented and disjointed. However, within the Pirate Lord’s cryptic entries are clues that, when pieced together, will unveil the challenge that lies ahead. Let’s work backward to understand your objectives:
Your ultimate mission is to recover the Shroudbreaker. This powerful artifact is concealed within an Ancient Vault. Access to the vault requires a Totem, and the Totem itself is secured within an Ancient Chest. To locate the Ancient Chest, you must first consult the Ship’s Log. Thus, our journey begins with finding the Ship’s Log.
Step 2: Retrieving the Magpie’s Wing Ship’s Log
In the initial pages of your Tall Tale book, you’ll discover that the Ship’s Log was lost with the Pirate Lord’s vessel, the Magpie’s Wing. Pursued relentlessly by the formidable ship known as “The Burning Blade,” the Magpie’s Wing made its last stand at an uncharted island positioned between The Crooked Masts and Crook’s Hollow.
For seasoned Sea of Thieves navigators, it’s clear the book alludes to the uncharted island at N13. Open your map table, set a course for coordinates N13, and commence your voyage!
For precise navigation, click here to pinpoint your destination: The Magpie’s Wing Ship’s Log Location. Zoom out to orient this marker in relation to familiar islands on your Sea of Thieves map.
As your ship approaches N13, scan the horizon for a small island distinguished by a vibrant red plant at its center. This is the uncharted island you seek, the resting place of the Magpie’s Wing.
The uncharted island at N13, easily identifiable by the bright red plant at its center, is your destination to find the Magpie’s Wing Ship’s Log.
Before diving into the depths to retrieve the Ship’s Log, take a moment to locate the journal on the northwest side of the island. For completionists aiming for every commendation, journals are scattered across Plunder Outpost, Thieves’ Haven, Devil’s Ridge, and Ancient Spire Outpost.
While these islands aren’t directly en route during this Tall Tale, consider a detour as you sail through the Ancient Isles to collect these journals. Detailed locations can be found in our dedicated journal guide.
The Tall Tale book indicates a journal location on the uncharted island N13, adding to the lore and commendations of The Shroudbreaker.
After reading the journal, submerge yourself in the waters on the northwest side of the uncharted island. The shipwreck of the Magpie’s Wing will come into view. Where lies the Ship’s Log? Precisely where you’d expect: the Captain’s Cabin.
Swim towards the shipwrecked Captain’s Cabin, retrieve the Ship’s Log from the Captain’s Chair, and pages from the log will be added to your Shroudbreaker Tall Tale book, enriching your guide.
Finding the Ship’s Log also unlocks The Lost Voyage commendation, a testament to your growing prowess in Tall Tales.
The Magpie’s Wing Ship’s Log, found within the Captain’s Cabin of the shipwreck, is crucial for progressing in The Shroudbreaker Tall Tale.
Step 3: Uncovering the Location of the Ancient Chest
The Ship’s Log, now integrated into your tale book, will guide you to the Ancient Chest’s location—though indirectly.
The log recounts the Magpie’s Wing’s desperate flight from the “Burning Blade.” It was during this chase that the Pirate Lord, in a bid to safeguard its contents, cast the chest overboard.
The log provides a starting island, followed by compass directions and island descriptions, leading you on the Magpie’s Wing’s evasive route and ultimately to the chest’s watery resting place.
Having a map at hand—be it your ship’s map table or the interactive map—is invaluable. It will assist in identifying the unnamed islands described in the log and tracing the Magpie’s Wing’s course to outmaneuver the “Burning Blade.”
Deciphering the clues from the Ship’s Log pages is essential to locate the Ancient Chest in The Shroudbreaker Tall Tale.
Helpful Hints for Locating the Ancient Chest
While the routes may vary, these hints should illuminate your path in your Shroudbreaker guide:
Island Identification
- Chain or Clump of Islands: Likely refers to Snake Island.
- Fortified Island: Indicates a fort location.
- Large Tangled Nest of Islands: Points to Shark Bait Cove.
- Large Island with Tall Arches: Suggests Thieves’ Haven.
- Small Shallow Isles: Describes Old Salts Atoll.
Remember, these islands are landmarks along the route, not the final destination. They are clues to help you find the island where the chest was dropped.
The Ancient Chest’s final location is variable, but common spots include: Paradise Spring, Snake Island, Devil’s Ridge, Lookout Point, Chicken Isle, Fools Lagoon, and Cutlass Cay.
Pinpointing the Chest on the Island
Pay attention to the side of the island where the chest was discarded. The log may explicitly state a compass direction (North or South).
If no direction is specified, look for subtle hints. “Top” usually indicates the North side, while “bottom” suggests the South side.
Once you’ve identified the side, prepare to dive! The chest is typically not far from shore, within about 20-30 feet. Look for the telltale glint of the chest underwater.
The Ancient Chest in Sea of Thieves, identifiable by its underwater glint, is the next key item in The Shroudbreaker Tall Tale.
Retrieve the Ancient Chest, bring it aboard your ship, and open it. Inside, you’ll find more pages for your tale book and the Totem!
There are six possible totems, each a key to a vault on a specific island. The new book pages offer clues to match your Totem to its island. If the hints are insufficient, here’s a direct guide:
- Boar Totem: Devil’s Ridge
- Crab Totem: Uncharted Island at N13
- Moon Totem: Crescent Isle
- Scarab Totem: Crook’s Hollow
- Snake Totem: Mermaid’s Hideaway
- Shark Totem: Kraken’s Fall
Locate your Totem’s corresponding island on your map and set sail!
Step 4: Discovering the Ancient Vault
The six islands linked to the totems now harbor concealed Ancient Vaults. These vaults are exclusively accessible by inserting the correct Totem into the lock on the vault door.
Unlocking an Ancient Vault also grants the Vault of the Ancients commendation, marking another milestone in your Shroudbreaker guide journey.
For many pirates, the challenge lies in locating where to use the totem.
This is where the interactive SoT companion map proves invaluable. Each vault is marked, allowing you to zoom and orient yourself with ease.
Alternatively, the descriptions and images below may suffice to guide you.
Hints for Finding Totem “Locks”
First, familiarize yourself with the “lock.” It’s not a traditional lock, but a flat-topped rock, slightly wider than your totem’s base, etched with a small square—roughly the size of your Totem’s base.
If you’re still searching, hold out your Totem as you explore the vault’s vicinity. When you approach the correct “lock,” a “Place Totem” prompt will appear.
The Ancient Vault lock at Uncharted Island N13, a key location in The Shroudbreaker Tall Tale, requires the correct totem for access.
Ancient Vault on Devil’s Ridge
This vault is relatively easy to find. Head to the southeast beach and look for boar head rock paintings. The Totem’s lock is just to the left.
The Ancient Vault entrance at Devil’s Ridge, marked by boar head rock paintings, is a straightforward location in The Shroudbreaker quest.
Locate it on your map: Devil’s Ridge Ancient Vault
Ancient Vault on the Uncharted Island at N13
This vault is well-concealed. You’ll need to swim to it! Remember the red plant? It’s on the west side of the island.
Dive underwater near the red plant to find an underwater tunnel. Follow it to surface in an underwater cave.
Inside, look for a workbench. Behind it, on the back wall, is where you’ll place your Crab Totem.
The hidden Ancient Vault entrance at Uncharted Island N13, accessible via an underwater tunnel, adds a layer of challenge to The Shroudbreaker.
Find it on your map: N13 Uncharted Island Ancient Vault
Ancient Vault on Crescent Isle
Crescent Isle has a hollow center with ground-level caves to the north and south. The vault is in the northern cave.
Enter the island’s center archway from the east, then turn right into the northern cave. Inside, turn right again (facing east) to find where to place your Moon Totem.
The Ancient Vault on Crescent Isle, situated within a northern cave, requires the Moon Totem for access in The Shroudbreaker.
Locate it on your map: Crescent Isle Ancient Vault
Ancient Vault on Crook’s Hollow
This vault is near the island’s waterfall, in the south cave behind the waterfall’s cascade.
Look for Scarab rock paintings on the south cave wall. Facing the waterfall from inside the cave, it will be on your right.
The Ancient Vault on Crook’s Hollow, cleverly concealed behind a waterfall, is part of The Shroudbreaker’s island vaults.
Find it on your map: Crook’s Hollow Ancient Vault
Ancient Vault on Mermaid’s Hideaway
This vault is also relatively easy to locate. Head to the northwest side of the island, to the archway often used to restock ammo.
The Snake Totem’s spot is below and slightly behind the archway, on the western side. Placing the totem opens the vault on the eastern side.
The Ancient Vault entrance on Mermaid’s Hideaway, located under a prominent archway, is another step in The Shroudbreaker Tall Tale.
Find it on your map: Mermaid’s Hideaway Ancient Vault
Ancient Vault on Kraken’s Fall
Archways are indeed key for finding these vaults. On Kraken’s Fall, the vault is under the island’s main archway.
This archway is large, so narrow your search to the north side. Shark paintings are nearby.
Despite the conspicuous archway, the Shark Totem’s spot is less so. To open the vault, place the Shark Totem among some rocks on the beach.
The Ancient Vault on Kraken’s Fall, situated beneath a large archway, is one of the final vault locations in The Shroudbreaker.
Find it on your map: Kraken’s Fall Ancient Vault
Step 5: Solving the Ancient Vault Puzzle
Inside the Ancient Vault, you’ll find an altar. To begin the puzzle, light all four braziers at its corners.
Crucially, don’t start the puzzle immediately!
First, study the last page from the Ancient Chest in your tale book. This page holds the puzzle solution.
Review these solutions—and decide crew roles for rotating columns—before lighting the altar. Once activated, the vault will begin to flood!
As the Shroudbreaker Vault fills with water, players must solve the puzzle quickly to progress in the Tall Tale.
You must solve the puzzle before drowning; there’s only one attempt! Failure means restarting the Tall Tale from the Mysterious Stranger.
There are two puzzle types you might encounter.
Shroudbreaker Vault Puzzle #1
One puzzle type features three lines of four symbols each. In front of the altar are four columns with rotatable blocks.
During the puzzle, rotate each pillar to display the correct symbols in the right order, sequence by sequence.
A sample solution to the Shroudbreaker Vault Puzzle, showing the sequence of symbols needed to solve the challenge.
For example, if the first sequence is Shroudbreaker, then three Warrior symbols, rotate the first pillar to Shroudbreaker, and the next three to Warrior.
Pillars can be rotated in any order. Only the final combination’s left-to-right order matters when confirming your solution at the altar.
Players rotate blocks on pillars in the Shroudbreaker Vault Puzzle to match the symbol sequences provided in their Tall Tale book.
After setting all four symbols correctly, confirm at the altar to advance to the next sequence.
Continuing the example, the next sequence might be three boats, then a Shroudbreaker symbol.
The final sequence often starts with Shroudbreaker followed by three symbols of a group of three.
Shroudbreaker Vault Puzzle #2
The second puzzle type has lines with more than four symbols. Rotate the four blocks to match the symbol order, ensuring the total symbols on the blocks match the puzzle’s symbol count.
Example of a Shroudbreaker Vault Puzzle requiring players to match symbol counts across the rotating blocks.
For instance, “8 Followers” with the follower symbol means you must rotate blocks to show a total of eight follower symbols, like:
- Block 1: 3 Followers
- Block 2: 2 Followers
- Block 3: 2 Followers
- Block 4: 1 Follower
The follower count across blocks totals eight, allowing you to enter the solution.
If a line has a different symbol, use the remaining blocks to sum up the required symbols. The second puzzle line demonstrates this.
Another example of the Shroudbreaker Vault Puzzle, this time with mixed symbols and specific counts that players must achieve through block rotation.
For “1 Shroudbreaker” and “4 Boats,” a possible solution is:
- Block 1: Shroudbreaker
- Block 2: 2 Boats
- Block 3: 1 Boat
- Block 4: 1 Boat
After correctly setting symbols and counts, confirm at the altar to proceed. Complete three sequences to dissipate the water and solve the first vault puzzle part! Now, medallion hunting begins.
Example solution for the Shroudbreaker Vault Puzzle, illustrating block rotation for two boats and four followers.
Step 6: Retrieving Vault Medallions
Vault Medallion Retrieval
After solving the symbol puzzle, a map appears on the altar, showing a section of your island and a Vault Medallion location. Retrieve the medallion and return it to the altar. Repeat this three times.
Each medallion retrieval changes the altar map, revealing a new dig location on the island. The glowing circle marks the medallion’s precise spot.
Beware! Digging up a medallion spawns two coral skeletons, ready to ambush you. Prepare for combat with these new foes!
The Scarab Medallion, a key item in the Shroudbreaker Vault, is revealed on the altar map, guiding players to its location.
Tips for Tricky Medallion Locations
If island navigation is challenging, use the interactive map. Zoom in on your island to match it with the altar map.
Enable landmark or rock painting markers for nearby visual aids. These landmarks will help you orient yourself as you search.
While not every medallion location is documented, here are known locations on Crook’s Hollow, Devil’s Ridge, and Uncharted Island at N-13.
Crook’s Hollow Medallions
Crook’s Hollow medallions are at: (1) Scarab rock painting in the south cave, (2) behind the waterfall at the south cave’s east entrance, and (3) atop the island in front of the Stone Head landmark.
First Crook’s Hollow Medallion location, indicated by the altar map and found near the Scarab Rock Painting.
Map Link: Crook’s Hollow Medallion by Scarab Rock Painting
Second Crook’s Hollow Medallion location, hinted at by the altar map and situated behind the island’s waterfall.
Map Link: Crook’s Hollow Medallion by Waterfall
Third Crook’s Hollow Medallion location, as shown on the altar map, found near the Stone Head landmark on the island.
Map Link: Crook’s Hollow Medallion by Stone Head
Devil’s Ridge Medallions
Devil’s Ridge medallions are: (1) in front of the pond near the waterfall, (2) on the middle island level, on the walkway above the Ancient Vault, and (3) in the central island cave, in front of the Boar Shrine landmark.
First Devil’s Ridge Medallion location, indicated by the altar map and positioned near the island’s pond.
Map Link: Devil’s Ridge Medallion in front of Pond
Second Devil’s Ridge Medallion location, as hinted on the altar map, is found on the walkway above the Ancient Vault.
Map Link: Devil’s Ridge Medallion above Vault
Third Devil’s Ridge Medallion location, indicated on the altar map, is situated near the Boar Shrine within the island’s central cave.
Map Link: Devil’s Ridge Medallion by Boar Shrine
Mermaid’s Hideaway Medallions
Mermaid’s Hideaway medallions are: (1) north side of the island, above the Ancient Vault, (2) on a pillar on the west side, south of the wooden bridge (accessible on foot), and (3) near a lantern below the bridge.
First Mermaid’s Hideaway Medallion location, hinted at by the altar map, is positioned above the Ancient Vault on the north side.
Map Link: Mermaid’s Hideaway Medallion above Vault
Second Mermaid’s Hideaway Medallion location, as shown on the altar map, is found on a pillar west of the wooden bridge.
Map Link: Mermaid’s Hideaway Medallion on Pillar
Third Mermaid’s Hideaway Medallion location, hinted by the altar map, is near a lantern beneath the island’s wooden bridge.
Map Link: Mermaid’s Hideaway Medallion below Wooden Bridge
N13 Uncharted Island Medallions
Uncharted Island at N13 medallions are: (1) near the cave entrance on a pillar, (2) on the southeast islet, and (3) southwest of the shipwreck, under two arches.
First N13 Uncharted Island Medallion location, shown on the altar map, is near the cave entrance on a pillar.
Map Link: Uncharted Island Medallion on Pillar
Second N13 Uncharted Island Medallion location, as hinted by the altar map, is situated on the southeast-most islet.
Map Link: Uncharted Island Medallion on Islet
Third N13 Uncharted Island Medallion location, indicated on the altar map, is under two arches southwest of the shipwreck.
Map Link: Uncharted Island Medallion under two Arches
Kraken’s Fall Medallions
Kraken’s Fall medallions are: (1) high on the south side, near the Highest Tree, (2) on the stone bridge connecting north and south peaks, and (3) in the water on the kraken spine southeast of the island.
First Kraken’s Fall Medallion location, as shown on the altar map, is near the Highest Tree on the south side of the island.
Map Link: Kraken’s Fall Medallion near Highest Tree
Second Kraken’s Fall Medallion location, hinted by the altar map, is on the stone bridge connecting the island’s peaks.
Map Link: Kraken’s Fall Medallion on Stone Bridge
Third Kraken’s Fall Medallion location, as indicated by the altar map, is on the spine of the kraken remains to the southeast.
Map Link: Kraken’s Fall Medallion on Kraken Remains
Crescent Isle Medallions
Crescent Isle medallions are: (1) south side of the main cave, near stalagmites, (2) near large boulders on the northeast side, and (3) in the north rockpool’s water.
First Crescent Isle Medallion location, hinted by the altar map, is in the south cave, near the stalagmites.
Map Link: Crescent Isle Medallion in South Cave
Second Crescent Isle Medallion location, as shown on the altar map, is near large boulders on the northeast side of the island.
Map Link: Crescent Isle Medallion near North Boulders
Third Crescent Isle Medallion location, indicated on the altar map, is in the water of the north rockpool.
Map Link: Crescent Isle Medallion in North Rockpool
After returning all three medallions, the Ancient Vault puzzle concludes, and the Shroudbreaker materializes on the altar between the middle pillars.
Act swiftly to seize the Shroudbreaker! A horde of coral skeletons will spawn, aggressively driving you off the island!
The Shroudbreaker is revealed in the Ancient Vault after completing the puzzle, marking the objective of this stage in the Tall Tale.
Step 7: Returning The Shroudbreaker
Grab the Shroudbreaker and escape back to your ship amidst a skeleton onslaught. Completing the puzzle unlocks the commendation: The Key to Adventure.
While you can return the Shroudbreaker to any Mysterious Stranger, Plunder Outpost, the starting point for the second Tall Tale, The Cursed Rogue, is recommended.
Approach the Mysterious Stranger and turn in the Shroudbreaker. Completing this Tall Tale earns you The Shroudbreaker commendation.
Return the Shroudbreaker to the Mysterious Stranger to complete the first Tall Tale of the Shores of Gold storyline.
The Cursed Rogue – Next Steps
Eager for the Shores of Gold? Not yet!
The Shroudbreaker lacks four crucial stones essential for its full power. The Mysterious Stranger directs you to Olivia at Plunder Outpost for guidance in finding these stones.
In Madame Olivia’s tent, you’ll find the second Tall Tale Book in the Shores of Gold saga: The Cursed Rogue.
Madame Olivia offers cryptic clues, typical of the Order of Souls. For clearer guidance, consult The Cursed Rogue Tall Tale Guide.
The Rare Thief guide cover for The Cursed Rogue Tall Tale, the next adventure in the Shores of Gold storyline following The Shroudbreaker.
Shroudbreaker Commendations – Replay for Rewards!
Remember to replay The Shroudbreaker Tall Tale!
To earn “Footsteps of the Pirate Lord,” complete The Shroudbreaker Tall Tale five times!
Upon your first completion, check your clothing chest for a new, vibrant plumed hat.
The Pirate Lord’s Hat, a cosmetic reward for completing The Shroudbreaker Tall Tale once in Sea of Thieves.
Earn the “Footsteps of the Pirate Lord” commendation to unlock “A Sunken Legacy,” rewarding you with the coveted Magpie’s Wing Cannons!
For the ultimate “Shores of Gold Curse,” gilding your pirate in gold, you must unlock all commendations for every Tall Tale.
Revisit a Mysterious Stranger to replay The Shroudbreaker, perhaps encountering different storylines each time. If you get stuck, this Shroudbreaker guide remains your steadfast first mate!
The Magpie’s Wing Cannons, a prestigious reward for completing commendations in The Shroudbreaker Tall Tale of Sea of Thieves.
Shroudbreaker Journal Locations – Uncover Mercia’s Lore
For the “Shores of Gold Curse,” you must find all Tall Tale Journals.
Each Tall Tale has five journals scattered across the shores, with ten in the final Shores of Gold Tall Tale!
For help finding The Shroudbreaker’s five journals, see our Shroudbreaker Journal Guide or use the interactive map. The final marker in each Tall Tale series pinpoints each journal’s location.
The Shroudbreaker journals are penned by Mercia, a character from the novel “Sea of Thieves: Athena’s Fortune.”
Discover all of Mercia’s journals to earn the “Mercia’s Lost Memories” commendation.
A journal location on Uncharted Island N13, part of Mercia’s journals in The Shroudbreaker Tall Tale, enriching the game’s lore.
Congratulations on completing the first Tall Tale!
Your grand adventure has just begun. Ready for the next step? Visit Olivia for the next step towards the Shores of Gold: The Cursed Rogue Tall Tale Guide.
