The Smugglers League mystery continues to expand in Sea of Thieves, and one of the newest rewards tied to the storyline is the Gift of the Widow Curse. Unlocking it requires progressing through the Smugglers League narrative, earning the trust of key characters, and meeting one of the most important figures revealed so far.
If you’re looking to unlock the Gift of the Widow Curse and complete the Friends in High Places commendation, here’s everything you need to do.
How to Get the Gift of the Widow Curse in Sea of Thieves
Before you can begin this section of the storyline, you’ll need to complete the Ducal Disciple Commendation.
If you haven’t finished that objective yet, the questline will not progress and the required dialogue option won’t appear.
Once the Ducal Disciple Commendation is complete, you’re ready to continue.
Step 1: Visit Low Tide Lottie at Crescent Isle
Your first destination is Crescent Isle in the Shores of Plenty.
Head to Low Tide Lottie’s hidden smuggler hideout, located inside the secret storage chamber on the island. Players who have completed the previous Smugglers League objectives will notice a new dialogue option when speaking with her.
Select the conversation related to Duke.
During the discussion, Lottie reveals that Duke is not the true mastermind behind the operation. There is someone even more influential pulling the strings, and that mysterious figure wants to meet you personally.
Before ending the conversation, Lottie gives you a password and hints at your next destination:
Sea Dogs Tavern.
Step 2: Sail to Sea Dogs Tavern
Your next stop is Sea Dogs Tavern, located near the center of the Sea of Thieves.
The island does not appear on your ship’s map table like normal islands. Instead, look for the large rocky structure with a wooden tavern tower in the middle of the sea around K-12.
Once you arrive:
- Dock your ship.
- Enter the Sea Dogs Tavern area.
- Look beside the large tavern doors.
- Find the ladder leading upward.
- Climb to the top of the island.
At the summit, you’ll discover a mysterious locked door surrounded by glowing purple candles.
Step 3: Use the Password
Approach the locked door and interact with it.
Your pirate will knock and be prompted to provide the password that Low Tide Lottie gave you.
After entering the password, the door opens and grants access to a hidden chamber.
Inside waits the mysterious individual responsible for much of the Smugglers League’s activities.
Step 4: Speak with the Mystery Figure
Enter the room and listen to the full conversation.
The encounter reveals major lore surrounding:
- The Widow
- The Curse Forger
- Ancient cursed technology
- The origin of cursed cannonballs
- The mysterious Wayfinders
- The Scarlet Storm and Red Mist
- The history of the Burning Blade relics
This dialogue contains some of the biggest lore reveals connected to the ongoing Smugglers League storyline, so it’s worth paying attention even if you’re primarily interested in the reward.
After the conversation concludes, you’ll automatically earn:
Friends in High Places Commendation
and
Gift of the Widow Curse
The reward unlocks immediately upon completion.
Story Explanation
The hidden figure revealed during the encounter appears to be deeply connected to ancient curse-forging practices and the origins of many magical weapons found throughout the Sea of Thieves.
According to the conversation:
- Ancient tablets recovered from the Burning Blade contained unfinished research.
- Those discoveries eventually led to the creation of cursed cannonballs.
- The mysterious craftsman once served the Widow as a war-smith.
- Souls were bound to armor and constructs instead of flesh.
- Ancient navigational relics known as Wayfinders were used to cross dangerous magical barriers.
- The final surviving Wayfinder may hold the key to reopening long-lost routes across the sea.
While many questions remain unanswered, it’s clear this storyline is setting up future Smugglers League chapters and potentially major developments for the Sea of Thieves world.
Rewards
Completing the encounter grants:
- Gift of the Widow Curse
- Friends in High Places Commendation
- Progress toward the ongoing Smugglers League storyline
- Access to important lore revelations
Quick Summary
If you just want the shortest route to the reward:
- Complete the Ducal Disciple Commendation.
- Visit Low Tide Lottie at Crescent Isle.
- Ask about Duke and receive the password.
- Sail to Sea Dogs Tavern (K-12 area).
- Climb the ladder beside the tavern entrance.
- Find the purple-candle door at the top.
- Enter the password.
- Speak with the mystery figure.
- Finish the conversation.
- Receive the Gift of the Widow Curse and Friends in High Places Commendation.
The entire process only takes a few minutes if you’ve already completed the previous Smugglers League requirements, making it one of the easier lore-based rewards currently available in Sea of Thieves.