Sea of Thieves is available on Steam now

Sea of Thieves is no longer moored to the Windows Store and is now available on Steam. The launch doesn't coincide with any changes, though there was an update only last week that added checkpoints to the Tall Tales adventures—much needed—and daily bounties. 

Despite being a bit lukewarm on it at launch, it's grown on me a lot over the course of its many updates, which have added plenty of additional diversions and systems and, yes, pets, without bogging it down. It's still got this leisurely, nautical holiday vibe, at least until everything goes up in flames, leaving you stuck out at sea in your pitiful rowing boat, if you're lucky. 

We called it the best ongoing game of 2019, and it's continued to draw us back in through 2020, but I have unfortunately ruined it for myself by purchasing a pet that I hate. Cap'n Crappo is a moody cat that just kind of hangs around meowing at everyone when we're trying to put out fires or fight skeletons or just find somewhere to hide from him. He brings everyone down and, while I could just select one of my other pets, I feel compelled to only select Cap'n Crappo. I bought him a little outfit. I'm pretty sure he's controlling me. 

Anyway, aside from the cat, it's pretty great. If you'd rather take it for a trial run before splashing out, you can always try Xbox Game Pass for PC for £1/$1 and spend a month seeing if it's a good fit.