16 articlesSeason 19 of Sea of Thieves has made some significant changes to how Hourglass of Fate Faction Battles play out, and the Shrinking Battle Bounds mechanic is the biggest one to get your head around. The battlefield now constricts twice during each fight at regular intervals, pushing both crews closer together and putting an end to the endless running and stalling that plagued previous seasons.
If you are jumping back into Hourglass battles or trying it for the first time, knowing how the Battle Bounds work and how to use them to your advantage makes a real difference in how these fights play out.
Guide on Shrinking Battle Bounds (Hourglass of Fate)
One of the biggest complaints about Hourglass Faction Battles before Season 19 was opponents running away the moment things started going against them. This turned fights into drawn out chases that could go on for far too long. It was frustrating for everyone involved and took a lot of the fun out of the mode. The developers addressed this directly with the introduction of Shrinking Battle Bounds. It is a simple but an effective solution.
Shrinking Area
The battle area is now divided into three zones. The first and largest zone is visible on your map from the start of the fight. It holds for five minutes before beginning to shrink. The shrinking process itself takes two minutes to complete. Once it settles into the second zone, that area also holds for five minutes before shrinking again. After that second shrink, the battle area reaches its smallest size and stays that way for the remainder of the fight. This keeps both crews in close proximity and ensures there is nowhere left to run as the battle progresses.
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Staying On Top Of Things
Once the shrinking begins, you will receive an audio cue along with a message at the bottom of your screen. This is your signal to start repositioning before the boundary closes in on you.
If your opponent finds themselves caught on the boundary line and scrambling to get back inside, use that to your advantage. They are focused on saving themselves from the shrinking zone which leaves them vulnerable. Push the attack and catch them off guard while they are distracted.
Boundaries
The boundaries of the zone that are visible on your map are also present in the game world itself. The red boundary is known as the Sea of Fate while the blue mist beneath it is called the Mist of Fate. Both of these are only visible to ships actively participating in the faction battle. I have marked them in the image below.
If you sail outside the Sea of Fate boundary, your screen will begin turning red as a warning. If you do not turn back quickly, your Hourglass of Fate will explode. This is what makes running away impossible once the battle is underway and ensures both players stay committed to the fight until it is finished.
That’s It
That covers everything you need to know about the Shrinking Battle Bounds mechanic in Sea of Thieves Season 19. It is a welcome change to Hourglass Faction Battles that makes the mode feel a lot more intense and rewarding. And knowing how the zones work gives you a clear edge over players who are still figuring it out mid-fight.
While you are working through Season 19, the “Ducal Disciple” Commendation is another thing worth having on your radar. Check out our guide to see what it involves and how to complete it.
