What Happens When You Fail an Ancient Vault in Sea of Thieves?
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Failing an Ancient Vault in Sea of Thieves can be a frustrating experience, especially if you’re not prepared. Essentially, if you fail to solve the vault puzzle before the time runs out, the vault door slams shut, and the room begins to flood. This leads to a swift and watery demise for any pirates still inside. What’s more, once the vault door is closed, there is no way to re-enter the Ancient Vault and retrieve any loot left inside during that voyage.
Let’s delve deeper into the mechanics, consequences, and strategies to avoid this watery fate.
The Perils of a Failed Vault Run
The Ancient Vault voyages, offered by the Gold Hoarders Trading Company, are a lucrative way to amass gold and reputation. However, they come with inherent risks. The main challenge involves solving a series of puzzles within a time limit to unlock the central treasure room. Failing to do so triggers the vault’s self-preservation mechanism:
- The Door Closes: Once the timer expires, the stone door of the Ancient Vault will automatically close, preventing any further entry.
- Flooding Commences: The vault will begin to fill with water, leaving those trapped inside with no escape.
- Loss of Progress: Unlike some other quests in Sea of Thieves, there is no way to re-open the vault once it closes. You lose any loot you didn’t manage to collect from the side rooms and the central room.
- No Second Chances: Solving the puzzle after the door closes will not unlock the vault.
- Death and Restart: Ultimately, you’ll drown, respawn at your ship, and have to decide whether to try another voyage or cut your losses.
Strategies for Success
Knowing the risks, how can you avoid failing an Ancient Vault? Here are a few key strategies:
- Preparation is Key: Familiarize yourself with the mechanics of the Ancient Vault. Consider watching videos or reading guides beforehand to understand the puzzle-solving process.
- Efficient Puzzle Solving: Work quickly and communicate effectively with your crew. Assign roles to each crew member to maximize efficiency.
- Prioritize the Medallions: The primary goal should be to collect the Medallions from around the island and place them in the correct locations to unlock the Vault Table.
- Use a Guide or Online Resources: Using a website or watching a guide on a second monitor or mobile device while running the voyage can significantly reduce the time it takes to solve the vault’s puzzles.
- Efficient Looting: Once the vault is open, prioritize the high-value items first. Consider the Stronghold Chest and Stronghold Skull, as these are guaranteed to be in the vault and command high prices.
- Time Management: Keep a close eye on the timer and adjust your looting strategy accordingly. If time is running short, focus on grabbing the most valuable items and escaping before the vault closes.
- Don’t Panic!: Panicking can lead to mistakes and wasted time. Stay calm, focus on the task at hand, and communicate clearly with your crew.
The Value of Learning Through Games
Sea of Thieves often presents challenges that require strategic thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. These are valuable skills that can be applied to many aspects of life. The game, through its emergent gameplay and challenging scenarios, provides a unique learning environment. For more insights into game-based learning, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. You can also find valuable insight into game-based learning on GamesLearningSociety.org.
FAQs About Ancient Vaults in Sea of Thieves
1. Can I retry an Ancient Vault if I fail?
No, you cannot retry the same vault. Once the door closes and you drown, the voyage is effectively over, and the Ancient Vault cannot be re-entered on the same voyage.
2. What happens to the loot left inside if I fail the vault?
The loot left inside the Ancient Vault is lost. It will disappear when the vault door closes and the water fills the chamber.
3. How do I get back into the vault after it closes?
You cannot get back into the Ancient Vault after it closes on a given voyage. Once the door is sealed, there is no way to re-enter.
4. What is the minimum amount of gold I can get from an Ancient Vault?
While the loot varies, a typical Ancient Vault will contain at least one Stronghold Chest and one Stronghold Skull, guaranteeing a minimum of 7,000 to 15,000 gold on average.
5. What is the best strategy for looting the Ancient Vault?
Prioritize the highest-value items first, such as the Stronghold Chest and Stronghold Skull. Then, focus on other valuable treasures like gems, artifacts, and gold pouches. Always keep an eye on the timer.
6. Are there different types of Ancient Vaults?
Yes, there are different Ancient Vaults with varying layouts and puzzle complexity. The type of vault you encounter depends on the voyage you undertake. There are Stone, Silver, and Gold Ancient Vaults.
7. How can I find the Vault Totem Key?
Vault Totem Keys are found on specific islands, often guarded by skeletons. The location of the key is revealed by the voyage map.
8. What happens if another crew attempts to steal my Vault Key?
Other crews can steal your Vault Key and use it to open the Ancient Vault. Be vigilant and defend your key if you encounter other players.
9. What are the benefits of completing the Gold Hoarder’s Vault Voyages?
Completing these voyages will increase your reputation with the Gold Hoarders, unlock higher-level voyages, and reward you with substantial amounts of gold and treasure.
10. Is there a way to reset the Ancient Vault puzzle if I make a mistake?
No, there is no way to reset the puzzle. If you make a mistake, you must continue trying to solve the puzzle within the remaining time.
11. What is the best ship size for doing Ancient Vault Voyages?
Any ship size can complete the voyages. Sloops are faster and more maneuverable, making them ideal for solo players or small crews. Galleons are better suited for larger crews who can coordinate more effectively.
12. How much time do I have to complete the Vault puzzle?
The timer varies slightly depending on the specific vault voyage, but it typically gives you around 10-15 minutes to solve the puzzle and collect the treasure.
13. Can I bring pets into the Ancient Vault?
Yes, you can bring your pets into the Ancient Vault. They don’t offer any advantages but add a touch of companionship.
14. Are there any hidden dangers inside the Ancient Vault besides the timer?
Yes, Skeletons will spawn inside the vault to defend their treasure. It’s important to clear the immediate area of skeletons so that you are not distracted while you solve the vault’s puzzles.
15. Does the water level rise slowly or quickly inside the Ancient Vault?
The water rises at a relatively fast pace once the timer expires. It’s crucial to escape quickly to avoid drowning.