If you’ve ever felt the adrenaline rush of battling Skeleton Captains or outmaneuvering rival crews in Sea of Thieves, you know the treasures you hunt are as dangerous as the waters you sail. Among the most exciting and volatile prizes are Stronghold Gunpowder Barrels. Literal powerhouses that can tip the scales in battle or fatten your coffers at the next outpost. Here’s everything you need to know to make these explosive treasures yours.
Where to Find Stronghold Gunpowder Barrels
Skeleton Forts: Treasure and Turmoil
Keep your spyglass ready for those ominous skull-shaped clouds. They mark the location of Skeleton Forts, notorious for their loot and lethal enemies. Conquering these forts can yield great rewards, including Stronghold Gunpowder Barrels. The risk is high, but the payoff? Totally worth it.
Special Events: Fortune Favors the Bold
Some in-game events are treasure troves for barrel hunters:
- Fort of Fortune Vault: Complete this challenge to snag two Stronghold Gunpowder Barrels.
- Fort of the Damned Raid: Walk away with up to four of these explosive prizes if you can conquer this high-stakes fortress.
Emergent Encounters: Stay Sharp
While sailing, keep an eye out for these scenarios:
- Athena’s Fortune Voyages: You might stumble upon Emergent Gunpowder Skeletons carrying barrels.
- Fort of the Damned’s Final Wave: Face off against Shadow of Fate Skeletons wielding these dangerous treasures.
Hidden Opportunities
Not all barrels come from a fight. Explore Sunken Shipwrecks for hidden caches or use X Marks the Spot maps from Emergent Skeleton Captains to uncover buried ones. If you spot a Black Powder Stashes Mercenary Voyage in the event queue, hop on it. It’s a guaranteed source of Stronghold Gunpowder Barrels.
How to Handle Stronghold Gunpowder Barrels Like a Pro
Carrying one of these barrels is a high-risk, high-reward scenario. Their five-second fuse is no joke, and it takes just one spark or an overeager rival to ruin your day. Pro tips for handling them:
- Extinguish the Fuse: Use the secondary button to snuff out a lit fuse if things get too hot.
- High Stakes, High Damage: These barrels pack three times the punch of regular gunpowder barrels, with a much larger blast radius. Use them strategically to devastate enemy ships or fort defenses.
- Safe Transport: Avoid carrying these below deck they’ll detonate on impact if your ship takes a hit. However, you can safely snatch them with a harpoon, even from skeletons or enemy pirates.
Turning Explosives into Profit
Once you’ve secured a Stronghold Gunpowder Barrel, it’s time to cash in. There are two main buyers for these fiery treasures:
- Merchant Alliance Senior Traders: Found at Outposts, they’ll reward you with Gold, Emissary Value, and Merchant Alliance Reputation.
- Servant of the Flame: Visit the Reaper’s Hideout to trade barrels for Gold, Emissary Value, and Reaper’s Bones Reputation.
Prices range from 2,750 to 15,000 gold, depending on your Emissary level. Pro tip: The higher your Emissary Grade, the bigger the payday.
The Explosive Edge
Stronghold Gunpowder Barrels are more than just loot they’re a game-changer. Whether you’re blasting through rival ships, holding your own in a Skeleton Fort, or cashing in for a hefty reward, mastering these barrels is key to thriving in the perilous world of Sea of Thieves. Sail smart, stay sharp, and don’t let the fuse run out.