Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Choose PC if you want more control over graphics, frame rate, display settings, and input; choose Xbox Series X if you prefer a standardized console setup. Sea of Thieves supports cross-platform play, and your progress carries between PC and Xbox when you use the same Xbox account. The official sources reviewed confirm that the game is optimized for Series X|S, but do not state a current Series X resolution or frame-rate target—so they do not support a verified 4K/60 comparison.
PC vs. Xbox Series X at a glance
| What matters | PC | Xbox Series X |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Depends on your PC hardware, display, and settings. Rare documents several target configurations, but its requirements page was last updated June 22, 2023. | Xbox lists the game as optimized for Series X|S. The reviewed listing does not give a current Series X resolution or frame-rate target. |
| Graphics and display control | Documented options include resolution, graphics settings, field of view, frame-rate locking or unlocking, ultrawide support, and an FPS counter. | A more standardized console experience; the reviewed official material does not document equivalent granular settings. |
| Input | Keyboard and mouse or controller; most controls can be rebound. PC also has a setting to disable controller input. | Controller-focused play, with rebindable controls documented by Rare. |
| Cross-platform play | Supported. Matchmaking preferences are available under Settings > Matchmaking; some options depend on platform. | Supported. Console players can prefer sessions with console players using controllers; this is a preference, not a guarantee. |
| Progression | Shared across supported platforms when signed in to the same Xbox account. | Shared across supported platforms when signed in to the same Xbox account. |
These platform details come from Xbox’s Sea of Thieves listing, Rare’s PC system requirements and accessibility information, and Sea of Thieves support’s articles on matchmaking and cross-progression.
Performance: what can and cannot be compared
What Xbox confirms
Xbox lists Sea of Thieves as optimized for Xbox Series X|S. That is an optimization designation, not a published performance specification. The reviewed listing does not establish a current Series X output resolution or frame rate, so a precise claim such as “Series X runs at 4K/60” cannot be verified from these sources.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →What PC settings let you tune
Rare documents PC options for resolution, graphics, field of view, frame-rate locking or unlocking, ultrawide displays, and an FPS counter. These give PC players more direct adjustment, but do not promise a particular result. A PC’s processor, graphics card, display, and chosen settings all affect what it can deliver.
#1 Best Overall
- Weigh anchor and get ready to fight, sail, and loot in style with the supernatural Xbox Wireless Controller - Sea of Thieves Limited Edition
- Gaze into the murky depths of the deep purple translucent design, haunted by a mysterious skull that glows at sundown
- Adorned with laser etched barnacles and one treasured golden trigger
- Take hold of the textured grip for enhanced comfort during your voyage
- Includes in-game Ferryman Clothing Set
Rare’s PC requirements page, last updated June 22, 2023, lists target configurations from 720p at 30 fps through 4K at 60 fps. Those are dated PC specification tiers, not a current benchmark and not evidence of Xbox Series X output:
| Rare PC target in the June 2023 requirements | How to interpret it |
|---|---|
| 720p at 30 fps | Published PC target tier; actual results depend on the system and settings. |
| 1080p at 30 fps | Published PC target tier; not a measurement across all PCs. |
| 1080p at 60 fps | Published PC target tier; not a guarantee for every configuration. |
| 4K at 30 fps | Published PC target tier; not a current console comparison. |
| 4K at 60 fps | Published PC target tier; not a current console comparison. |
Because the cited PC guidance is from 2023 and the official Xbox listing supplies no matching Series X target, these sources do not establish which platform performs better in a like-for-like current benchmark.
Rank #2
- Welcome, pirates! Have you ever dreamed of being out on the open waves in search of treasure and adventure?
- Well then, the Sea of Thieves is calling!
- Inspired by the hit video game, Sea of Thieves: Voyage of Legends is a competitive seafaring game of piracy for 2-4 players.
- Explore the high seas with your friends in voyages packed with danger and excitement, but don't forget - only one of you can be crowned a Pirate Legend...
- You'll build a fearsome reputation as you compete for that title, battling sea monsters and pilfering plunder as you go.
Controls: keyboard and mouse or controller?
PC supports keyboard and mouse as well as controller, and Rare says most controls on both keyboard and controller can be rebound. Its accessibility documentation also describes a PC option to disable controller input and sensitivity settings for mouse and gamepad. Xbox provides the controller-oriented console experience.
There is no basis here for saying keyboard and mouse always gives a competitive advantage. Pick the input you handle comfortably; if you play on PC, you can choose between the two and adjust supported bindings and sensitivities.
Rank #3
- Day 1 Edition contains a 5.3” x 7.3” softcover 70-page art book, a CD featuring select songs from the soundtrack, and a 7” x 4” Santa Destroy commemorative biker license plate, all in a custom box with an original illustration
- Grow Your Galactic Legend - In classic No More Heroes style, the Galactic Superhero Rankings are packed with outrageous boss battles, each oozing with personality; Soar through the ranks and prove you're the baddest in the universe
- Old Dog, New Tricks - From beam katana boss to wrestling pro, Travis can do it all; Take violence to new extremes with the customizable Death Glove, and punish those deadly invaders with combat that suits your style
- Superheroic Side Hustles - Explore Santa Destroy on Travis’ Demzamtiger to pick up odd jobs, from Coast Guard missions to toilet cleaning, then hit the road to unique locales like Neo Brazil and Thunderdome to keep the cash rolling in
- Bolder, Badder, and Better Than Ever - Thanks to sharper visuals, No More Heroes 3 has never looked better; Add in improved load times and better responsiveness, and you’ll be dishing out eye-popping ultra-violence in no time
Cross-play and matchmaking preferences
Sea of Thieves supports matchmaking across platforms. You can change matchmaking preferences from Main Menu > Settings > Matchmaking. Sea of Thieves support says console players can indicate a preference for sessions with other console players using controllers. Some options are platform-specific, and a preference should not be treated as a guarantee that every player in a session will use a particular platform or input.
Playing with friends and keeping your progress
Invite friends on another platform
Sea of Thieves support instructs players to add friends as Xbox Live friends to play together across platforms. Follow the game’s friend and crew flow after adding them. See the official cross-platform friends guide.
Rank #4
- Minecraft Dungeons Hero Edition includes the Hero Pass DLC content: a Hero Cape, two player skins, and a chicken pet. It also includes the Jungle Awakens and Creeping Winters DLC packs.
- Dungeon Creeper Battle new-and-nasty mobs in this all-new action-adventure, inspired by classic dungeon crawlers.
- Multiplayer Up to four players can team up and fight together in co-op mode.
- Power Up Unlock dozens of unique items and weapon enchantments for devastating special attacks.
- Options Personalize your character, then fight up-close and personal with melee swings, hang back with ranged attacks, or tank your way through swarms of mobs, by heavy armor
Use the same Xbox account for progression
Progression is tied to the Xbox account and is available across PC, Xbox, Battle.net, and PlayStation according to the support article last updated March 31, 2026. For a PC-to-Xbox switch, sign in with the same Xbox account on both platforms. If a different pirate or unexpected progress appears after switching, check which Xbox account is signed in.
Which version should you choose?
- Choose PC if your existing hardware is suitable and you value adjusting resolution, graphics, frame-rate behavior, field of view, or input. You can also play with a controller on PC.
- Choose Xbox Series X if you want the console setup and a standardized platform experience rather than PC-specific graphics and display tuning.
- Choose based on your friends and account only after confirming you can add one another as Xbox Live friends and will use the same Xbox account for shared progression.
For access, Xbox’s listing currently presents the game as included with Game Pass for PC and also offers purchase editions. Subscription inclusion, availability, and terms can change, so check the listing for your region before deciding: Sea of Thieves on Xbox.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Battle against over 50 players simultaneously in a massive multiplayer playground—over 20 players on Xbox One.
- Compete in an all-out mass start race—collide, grind, and fight your way to the finish
- Customize your character to show off your style to your friends or show up the competition.
- Bike, ski, snowboard, or wingsuit through a seamless open world in Career mode or multiplayer events.
- Go wild on the heights of iconic US national parks like Yosemite, Zion, and Bryce Canyon.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
