There are a few Trading Companies for the player to join in Sea Of Thieves. Each of these organizations cater to different playstyles and motivations ensuring every player has a faction that represents their interest.
Of course, no two factions are equal and some are superior to others in terms of rewards, requests, and general theme. Players are likely to find themselves ranking up with multiple Trading Companies if not all of them. But for those starting out looking for a flag to rally under there are some that are better than others.
8 Bilge Rats
Bilge Rats barely qualify as a Trading Company and that’s largely intentional. They’re adventurers without ties to anyone or anything and seek to explore. There is no reputation system or traditional employment all they care about are Commendations.
The Bilge Rats do have the Black Market where players can go for cosmetics and other services. Players must have Bilge Rat doubloons which are obtained through challenges during events or carrying out Mercenary Voyages. It’s a good Trading Company for solo players who prefer events and a lack of structure, but there’s little reward for being exclusive to them.
7 Sea Dogs
Sea Dogs are a Trading Company obsessed with The Arena. This Company is all about going head to head with other players to gather Glorious Sea Dog Chests and battle on the high seas in multiplayer. There are few rules and only the best will survive to earn Silver and Glory.
For players interested in competitive PVP combat without the open world this is a great choice. Apart from fame and glory the player can receive the Triumphant Sea Dog Set and Glorious Sea Dog Set for their character to wear. The Trading Company is rather niche and offers few incentives to explore the wider world which is arguably the point of the game as a whole.
6 Hunter’s Call
The Hunter’s Call is a simple Trading Company that challenges players to hunt animals, monstrous beasts, and fish. Players can fish and sell their catch to the Company, hunt animals and sell their cooked meat, or gain status for taking down the Kraken and Megalodon.
In terms of rewards players can obtain the Killer Whale Set for the ship. Interestingly there’s no costume, but the player can earn various tattoos and facepaints for their character. There’s not a lot to do with this Company quest wise and players will earn most of their Reputation fishing or collecting meat while doing other things.
5 Merchant Alliance
The Merchant Alliance is one of the larger if not the largest Trading Companies in the game. It’s a group of merchants obsessed with controlling the flow of trade and amassing a large fortune in the process. They oversee the passage of goods and will send players on delivery runs or to fetch items for special clients.
It’s a great Company to make money with as there’s a steady flow of work and Commodities can be worth up to ten times their normal price when sold on Commission. The Merchant Alliance Set makes for a great looking ship and the Costume isn’t too bad either. It doesn’t always offer the most interesting quests, but players looking for steady work to grind out their fortunes would do well here.
4 Order of Souls
The Order Of Souls seeks to master the magical forces of the open sea. To do it they are intent on gathering Cursed Skulls from the Skeleton Captains that roam the open ocean with their Ghosts Ships and skeletal crew. It’s also noted that the various maps in this RPG are derived from these skulls. The Order has found a way to gather the Captain’s knowledge from the skulls and learn about the places they’ve been and the treasure they’ve buried.
Players who enjoy tackling these PVE pirates will find this Trading Company a great fit for them. The Order of Souls Ship Set gives their ships and character a mystical appearance. This Company from a lore perspective is what makes the ocean safer by providing magical weapons, maps, and Emissaries to hunt the undead.
3 Gold Hoarders
Gold Hoarders are obsessed with amassing massive piles of gold. Supposedly riddled with a curse that turns them into gold if they stop their hoarding this Company places a high emphasis on gathering treasure and valuable items.
Players who enjoy hunting for treasure and gathering artefacts will be well rewarded by this Company. Their Costume is unique and their Ship Set seem suited for a large Galleon laden with gold and trinkets. Of course this makes them a target for every pirate for miles looking to make a big score. For PVE minded characters wanting to amass a fortune and defend that fortune from the wider player base this is a great faction.
2 Reaper’s Bones
Where other Trading Companies dabble in piracy the Reaper’s Bones live it. Their outposts are kept secret and their organization is shrouded in mystery and darkness. Players will serve the Servant of the Flame by bringing back the loot they’ve snatched from the cold dead clutches of their enemies. Every Trading Company has learned to fear these violent marauders.
Players who want to sail the high seas plundering and robbing everyone they come across should absolutely join this Trading Company. It’s a life of adrenaline and adventure as they descend upon other players and steal their fortunes. Players have learned to be wary of this Trading Company’s ominous Ship Set and costumes.
1 Athena’s Fortune
This Trading Company is reserved for those who’ve proven themselves to be Legendary Pirates. Players must achieve the highest ranking in at least three Trading Companies before they can be considered for this elite club. This Company offers the most difficult challenges and quests that offer the greatest rewards.
For players who’ve mastered various aspects of the game and seek a real challenge this is the Company for them. Merchant and treasure hunting types will enjoy the Legendary Set and PVE and PVP pirates will likely prefer the Ghost Set. This is where all roads lead, no matter the players preferred playing style or favorite activity they’ll find enjoyment with this Trading Company.