Every pirate sailing the Sea of Thieves knows that looking the part is half the adventure. Whether it’s a majestic beard, a gleaming hook, or a rugged scar that tells a story of past battles, the Vanity chest is where all the magic happens. This trusty chest can be found aboard every ship and right in front of General Clothing Stores at every outpost, including the secret Athena’s Fortune Hideout. But while some vanity items are as common as a splash of sea water, scars are a whole different beast. They're rare, often tied to epic events, and many of them have already sailed into the sunset of retired content.

Over the years, six legendary scars have graced the game, each with its own story and unlock method. As 2026 rolls across the waves, only a handful of these scars are still achievable, and knowing which ones are worth chasing can save a pirate a lot of grog and heartbreak. So, let’s hoist the sails and take a closer look at every scar that has ever appeared on the Sea of Thieves—and whether you can still earn them today.

The Vanity Chest: Your Pirate’s Personal Makeover Station

Before diving into the scars themselves, it helps to understand where they live. The Vanity chest is the go‑to hub for cosmetic changes like hairstyles, hooks, peg legs, tattoos, and—of course—scars. You’ll find one on every ship and near the General Clothing Shop, marked by a mirror and a slightly flamboyant air. Opening it reveals all the finery you've unlocked, and that's where scars can be equipped or swapped at will.

Unlike a simple jacket or hat, most scars can’t be bought with plain gold. They demand that you prove your mettle—through seasonal Renown, special commendations, or completing limited‑time challenges that have long since faded into legend.

A Look Back at Every Scar Ever Released

To help you navigate these murky waters, here’s a handy breakdown of the six notorious scars that have appeared in the Sea of Thieves. The table gives a quick overview, but read on for the full tales behind each one.

🌊 Scar of the Blue Horizon – A Season 3 Treasure Lost to Time

Introduced during the game’s third season back in June 2021, the Scar of the Blue Horizon was the reward for climbing all the way to Renown level 100. Pirates earned Renown by simply living the pirate life—exploring islands, smashing skeletons, hauling treasure—or by tackling specific Trials that awarded huge Renown boosts. Season 3 lasted about 12 weeks, and once it ended, the scar vanished from the Plunder Pass forever. If you weren’t sailing at that time, there’s no way to pick up this particular battle mark now.

🔱 Shroudbreaker Scar and Scars of the Ocean Deep – Seasons 1 and 2

The Shroudbreaker Scar was the very first seasonal scar, introduced in late January 2021 and lasting until the end of Season 1 that April. Similarly, the Scars of the Ocean Deep followed in Season 2, running from April to June 2021. Both required the same grind to Renown level 100, and both were only available during their respective seasons. These scars teased a connection to the Shores of Gold Tall Tales but ultimately remained purely cosmetic symbols of prestige for early adopters.

💀 Bone Crusher Scars and Shark Bitemark Scars – 2018 Retired Events

Way back in 2018, two scars made their debut alongside the Cursed Sails and The Hungering Deep content updates. The Bone Crusher Scars were tied to the skeleton‑themed Cursed Sails event, demanding that players complete a series of specific challenges. The Shark Bitemark Scars, on the other hand, were earned by participating in The Hungering Deep, the game’s very first major live event that introduced the fearsome Megalodon. Both scars were only available for a limited window, and anyone who missed those early days will never see them in their Vanity chest—unless Rare decides to bring them back, which hasn’t happened yet.

✅ Forsaken Ashes Scars – The Only Scar Still Within Reach

Here’s the good news for pirates sailing in 2026: the Forsaken Ashes Scars are still obtainable. This set of scars, with their volcanic, cracked‑lava look, requires you to earn the “Master Devil’s Voyager” commendation. To do that, you need to complete five Devil’s Roar Voyages for the Gold Hoarders and five more for the Order of Souls—all in the perilous volcanic region of the Devil’s Roar. Once you manage that, the entire Forsaken Ashes clothing, vanity, and equipment sets become available for purchase, including the scars. It’s a grind, but it’s permanent content that has stood the test of time.

How to Earn Renown in Case Future Scars Return

Even though most scars are gone, understanding Renown is still useful. Pirates earn Renown passively by adventuring—killing skeletons, diving for shipwrecks, or simply setting foot on an island—as well as by completing Trials. Trials are specific objectives that reset each season and offer chunky Renown payouts. Keeping an eye on new seasons and their Pilot Program rewards is the best way to snag future scars if Rare decides to drop another seasonal exclusive.

Why the Scarcity of Scars Matters

Scars in Sea of Thieves are more than just cosmetic items; they’re badges of honour that show the world where you’ve been and what you’ve achieved. An old Bone Crusher scar instantly tells other players that you braved the Cursed Sails. A Forsaken Ashes scar says you’ve tamed the angry volcanoes of the Devil’s Roar. The limited‑time nature of most scars makes them prized possessions among veteran pirates, while new sailors can still work toward the fiery marks of the Devil’s Roar.

If you’re new to the seas in 2026, don’t despair. Equip the Forsaken Ashes Scars, keep an eye on each new season, and maybe one day you’ll be the one telling tales of the elusive scar you snagged when the time was right. After all, in Sea of Thieves, the best stories are the ones you earn with sweat, salt, and a little bit of fire.

Sea of Thieves is available now on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.