Fireworks and flares were introduced in Sea of Thieves Season 5. Crews can now light up with the sky with colored explosions. These displays are beautiful to look at and surprisingly useful, if you know what you're doing. We'll tell you everything you need to know in our Sea of Thieves fireworks and flares guide.
Pirates and pyrotechnics
Fireworks and flares exist as collectible inventory items, like food or planks. A limited number can be carried on your pirate, and large amounts can be hidden on cannonball barrels, supply crates, and firework crates.
Fireworks explode in colorful displays. Some just sparkle different colors when it rains. Others form shapes in the sky, like mermaids, skulls, and a capital R, in the form of the Rare logo. They are decorative, and mostly just for visual effect.
Flares are more specially designed. They form a unique and long-lasting colored ball of light. It's fantastic for lighting up islands at night or signaling something to anyone within sight.
Fireworks and flares also have some use in combat. Shooting other pirates in the face temporarily blinds them, which can be a useful distraction in a prolonged sea battle. You can also fire them directly at enemy ships to deal a small amount of damage, and while rare, they can occasionally start fires.
You use fireworks by loading them into cannons. However, unlike cannonballs, which fire instantly, fireworks come with a fuse. Hold your chosen ammo in your hand and move forward to the barrel. Follow the bottom prompt to load the cannon and press fire to ignite the fuse. Once the fuse burns, the cannon fires and you can ooh and ahh as you please.
How to get fireworks
You can find these randomly colored explosives in barrels in Sea of Thieves. Search any of the supply barrels, especially around outposts, and you should quickly fill your pockets with fireworks.
You can also visit the Merchant Alliance representative at the docks of any outpost and purchase crates of fireworks. There are several themed options for crafts, each containing inventories that explode into shapes that match that theme. At 20 gold, the crates are expensive, but can you put a price on beauty?
Crates of fireworks will also wash up randomly on the shores of various islands, or in the holds of shipwrecks. Keep your eyes peeled as you travel, and you'll likely encounter several on your travels.
The beauty and usefulness of fireworks and flares have made them a much-loved addition to Sea of Thieves. Using them correctly is a great way to have fun after burying treasure or finishing a long journey. If you're looking for your next great conquest to celebrate in Sea of Thieves, check out our other Sea of Thieves guides.
