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Sea of Thieves works on both PC and Xbox Series X|S, supports cross-platform play, and carries progression across platforms when you use the same Xbox account. PC offers more control over graphics, resolution, frame-rate limits, field of view, and key bindings; Xbox gives you a standardized console setup. Official pages reviewed do not establish a current Series X resolution or frame-rate target, so there is no verified basis here for declaring one platform the performance winner.
PC vs. Xbox Series X at a glance
| What matters | PC | Xbox Series X |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Windows 10/11, according to the Xbox game listing. | Xbox Series X|S; the Xbox listing describes the game as optimized for Series X|S. |
| Performance information | Rare’s PC requirements page lists historical target configurations from 720p/30 fps through 4K/60 fps. These are dated PC guidance, not a benchmark of current hardware. | The reviewed official listing does not state a current Series X resolution or frame-rate target. |
| Graphics and display controls | Documented options include resolution, graphics settings, frame-rate lock or unlock, field of view, ultrawide support, and an FPS counter. | A more standardized console configuration; the reviewed sources do not document equivalent user-facing graphics controls. |
| Input | Keyboard and mouse or controller; most controls can be rebound, and PC has a setting to disable controller input. | Controller-focused console play; the official matchmaking options include a preference for console players using controllers. |
| Cross-platform play and progress | Supports cross-platform matchmaking and Xbox-account-linked progression. | Supports cross-platform matchmaking and Xbox-account-linked progression. |
Which platform is better for performance?
It depends on the PC’s hardware and the settings you choose. Rare’s PC System Requirements page, last updated June 22, 2023, describes target experiences including 720p at 30 fps, 1080p at 30 fps, 1080p at 60 fps, 4K at 30 fps, and 4K at 60 fps. Those figures are configurations in a dated requirements guide, not results from a contemporary, controlled PC-versus-Series-X test; they cannot predict performance on every PC.
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The Xbox listing calls Sea of Thieves optimized for Series X|S, but does not provide a current Series X output resolution or frame-rate target. “Optimized” should not be read as confirmation of a particular 4K or 60 fps mode. The available official material therefore supports a comparison of flexibility, not a definitive performance ranking.
When PC makes sense
Choose PC if you want to adjust graphics and display settings or tailor the frame-rate limit to your hardware and monitor. The result depends on your GPU, CPU, display, and chosen settings; the documented options are capabilities, not guarantees of a specific frame rate.
#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
When Xbox makes sense
Choose Xbox Series X if you prefer a consistent console configuration and do not want to tune PC graphics settings. The official listing confirms Series X|S optimization, but does not establish a current numerical performance target.
Controls: keyboard and mouse or controller?
PC supports keyboard and mouse as well as controller. Rare’s accessibility page says most controls are rebindable on both keyboard and controller; it also documents a PC option to disable controller input and sensitivity settings for mouse and gamepad. Xbox is naturally suited to controller play, and the game’s matchmaking settings let console players express a preference for sessions with other console players using controllers.
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.
These options do not establish that keyboard and mouse always has a competitive advantage over controller. Choose the input you handle comfortably, then use the available rebinding and sensitivity settings to make it fit your play style.
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Yes. PC and Xbox players can play together through cross-platform matchmaking. The settings let you express a matchmaking preference, but a preference is not a guarantee about every player you will encounter.
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
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- 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
Set a matchmaking preference
- From the Main Menu, open Settings > Matchmaking.
- Choose from the cross-platform matchmaking preferences available on your platform. Console players can indicate a preference for sessions with console players using controllers.
- Save or confirm the setting if prompted. Some options are platform-specific, and the preference does not promise that every session will contain only the preferred player group.
These instructions follow Sea of Thieves Support’s crossplay and matchmaking preferences article, last updated March 6, 2026.
Can you play with friends on another platform?
Yes. Sea of Thieves Support says to add people as Xbox Live friends to play together across platforms. See the official instructions for playing with friends on other platforms.
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
Does progress carry between PC and Xbox?
Yes. Progress is tied to your Xbox account, so sign in with the same account on both platforms. Sea of Thieves Support’s article, last updated March 31, 2026, says progression is available across PC, Xbox, Battle.net, and PlayStation. If a different pirate or unexpected progress appears after switching platforms, check that you are signed in to the intended Xbox account. Details are in the official cross-progression support article.
How should you choose?
- Pick PC if you already have suitable hardware and want more control over resolution, graphics, frame-rate limits, field of view, or key bindings.
- Pick Xbox Series X if you want a standardized console experience and prefer playing with a controller.
- For a mixed-platform crew, either platform can work: cross-platform matchmaking is supported, and progress follows the Xbox account you use.
- For a firm performance comparison, check current platform-specific information before relying on a numerical target. The official sources cited here do not provide a current Series X resolution or frame-rate figure.
The Xbox listing currently presents Sea of Thieves as included with Game Pass for PC and also offers purchase editions. Subscription inclusion, availability, and terms can change, so check the current Xbox listing for your region before choosing how to access it.
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.
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