Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

Xbox

PC/Steam

PlayStation

Screenwise Verdict

Sea of Thieves is one of the better examples of a game that respects player agency—no manipulative monetization, no loot boxes, just a big ocean and the freedom to be whatever kind of pirate you want. The cartoonish violence and silly grog-drinking keep it from being too mature, but the PvP element is real: other players will sink you, steal your stuff, and sometimes be jerks about it.

The magic happens when you're crewing with friends or family—coordinating during a storm, laughing when someone falls off the ship, celebrating when you finally take down that galleon that's been chasing you. Solo play is lonelier and the grind more apparent. Younger kids (under 10) might find the sea monsters genuinely frightening and the loss of treasure too crushing.

It's not perfect—the core loop can feel samey after a while, and you need to be okay with the fact that 'pirate game' means sometimes you're the one getting robbed. But for kids who love the fantasy and can handle the occasional frustration, it's a genuinely imaginative sandbox with real teamwork baked in.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-11+ who can handle losing progress to other players and won't be too spooked by sea monsters. The cooperative elements shine with friends or siblings, but solo play can be lonely and frustrating. Teens and adults genuinely enjoy this, so it's got staying power beyond the kid years.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

Sea of Thieves encourages teamwork and cooperation as players crew ships together, but the pirate theme naturally involves combat, looting, and drinking grog. The tone is cartoonish rather than dark—skeleton pirates and sea monsters lean into fantasy adventure. Online play means exposure to other players' behavior varies, though the game lacks built-in voice chat (players use platform chat). The 'crude humor' descriptor and alcohol use are present but not gratuitous. Pacing is player-driven rather than frenetic.

Imaginative

88

This is a genuine sandbox pirate simulator with real freedom—sail anywhere, hunt treasure, engage in ship combat, explore islands, fight megalodons and krakens. No set roles or rigid progression means players create their own stories and goals. The open-ended structure invites creativity in how you approach encounters with other crews (alliance, betrayal, negotiation). The pirate fantasy is fully realized with ship customization, treasure hunting, and emergent gameplay moments that become memorable stories.

Safe

68

ESRB rated T for Teen with descriptors for crude humor, use of alcohol, and violence. The violence is cartoonish (skeleton pirates, sea creatures) with no blood or gore. Interactive elements note 'users interact' which means PvP encounters with other real players—this can range from friendly to frustrating depending on who you meet. No in-game purchases or loot boxes listed, which is good. The kraken, megalodons, and sharks are noted as 'thrilling and scary' for younger kids. Parent reviews suggest 10+ for responsible kids, though official rating is 12-14+. The unpredictability of other players is the main safety concern—you might lose hours of treasure to a more skilled crew.

Enriching

71

Requires spatial reasoning, navigation skills, communication, and teamwork (especially when crewing with others). Players learn resource management, strategic thinking in combat, and problem-solving. The open-ended nature means setting and pursuing goals independently. However, the core loop is repetitive—sail, find treasure, fight, repeat—and doesn't offer deep narrative or educational content. The social dynamics of cooperation and competition can teach negotiation and sportsmanship, but also frustration when other players sink your ship. Entertaining for those who enjoy the pirate fantasy, but not everyone will find the grind engaging long-term.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuine creative freedom—no rails, no prescribed roles, just you and the open sea deciding what kind of pirate you want to be
Cooperative gameplay that actually requires teamwork: someone's steering, someone's adjusting sails, someone's bailing water during a storm
Memorable emergent moments: outrunning a kraken while another crew chases you, forming surprise alliances, epic ship battles at sunset
No loot boxes or pay-to-win mechanics—cosmetic progression only, so skill and creativity matter more than wallet size
Cartoonish violence keeps it light; skeleton pirates crumble, no blood or gore

⚠

What to Watch For

PvP means other players can and will sink your ship and steal your treasure—hours of work can vanish in minutes, which is devastating for some kids
Alcohol is part of the pirate aesthetic (grog drinking, stumbling around) but presented in a silly, cartoonish way
Sea monsters (kraken, megalodon) and sharks can be genuinely scary for kids under 10
Requires platform chat (Xbox Live, etc.) for voice communication, so you're subject to whatever other players say—mute liberally
The grind can get repetitive; if your kid doesn't love the pirate fantasy, they'll burn out fast

Conversation Starters

"What's the coolest treasure you've found, and did you make it back to sell it or did another crew get you?"
"Have you made any alliances with other ships? How did that go—did they betray you or did you work together?"
"What's scarier: the kraken or running into a really good enemy crew?"
"If you could add one thing to your ship or the game, what would it be?"
"How do you decide when to fight another crew versus when to run away?"

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