Rare have launched the latest season of content for Sea of Thieves, but this one brings with it more than just some fancy new ships, it also brings factions and a new way for players to battle it out on the high seas.

One of the big new additions for this season is the choice to opt into the new PvP system, which will let players get into ship-to-ship combat much faster. If you do, you will need to choose between either the Guardians of Fortune or the Servants of the Flame.

Using the new Hourglass of Fate on their ships, all pirate crews who wish to join the fray can vote on a Faction to side with: the Guardians of Fortune, backed by the likes of the Pirate Lord and Belle, or the Servants of the Flame, fuelled by the hunger of the Reapers and their loyalty to Flameheart.

Once you’ve chosen your Faction, the goal is simple: sink as many enemy ships from the opposing Faction as you can. Unfurl the War Map, dive beneath the waves and enter head-to-head showdowns with crews of similar ability to your own. Fight and win, and you’ll earn Allegiance and unlock Faction rewards!

Building up a streak of defeated enemy Faction ships will also result in boosted Allegiance, and sinking four or more in a row will mark you as a Faction Champion! Be warned though, becoming a Champion will make you visible to any other players in the area and taking you down will grant them a greater boost than usual. An enticing target for any pirate looking to make a name for themselves.

The more battles you win in a row, the more loot you can earn, as with every victory your hourglass increases its value and when you cash it in, the rewards will match the level. Just watch out, if you sink before then you will lose all that hard work.

There is much more about the new PvP system, so check out this handy deep dive video, which will explain all that you need to know.

Of course, a new season means new cosmetic items and there is a host to enjoy obtaining. First up is the opulent King’s Ransom Ship Collection based on the kind of wildly wealthy royalty found only in fables, letting players deck out their vessels in glorious gold and maybe accentuate the look with a King’s Ransom Crown. And as the Night Wulf Ship Collection is a perennial favourite, its influence expands this month with the Night Wulf Costume and Weapon Bundle!