In 'The Quest for Guybrush', The Trial of Sword is the final challenge in Sea of Thieves latest Tall Tale and involves an unusual encounter called insult sword fighting. If you're unfamiliar with Monkey Island, you might wonder what this is and how it works.
Before you can begin the Trial of Sword, you'll need to earn money, or rather 404 Pieces o'Eight, to learn insults and retorts.
Fortunately, it's all not too tricky to master once you know how, and you'll be on your way to completing the Tall Tale.
Take note, before you embark on this final quest, you will have had to complete both The Trial of Treasure-huntery and The Trial of Thievery; once those are complete, you are ready for the Trial of the Sword.
How to complete the Melee Island Spectacular
Head to the circus in the middle of the Island and speak with the Fettucini Brothers. They'll pay you if you can complete the Spectacular challenge.
To start, equip the nearby costume using the chest. You should also position and test the cannon so it fires you through all rings. Ring the bell by the ladder to begin, jump across to the second bell, and ring the third on the pole before ziplining to and shooting out the cannon through the rings of fire into the bucket.
Falling off, missing bells, and hitting rings means disqualification. Talk to the Brothers after to get paid and sit on the barrel Memoir spot.
Insult Sword Fighting training
Buy a grog from the machine when passing Stan's Preused Vessels to grab a commendation. Go up the cliff to Captain Smirk's house, sitting on the rock with the inkwell out front for a Memoir spot. Show him the Mighty Pirate Sword from earlier in the 'Quest for Guybrush' Tall Tale.
You must block attacks or fight Smirk's Legendary Machine as he teaches you two insults and retorts. Afterwards, take the zip line outside and talk to Murray to begin more fights to learn all retorts and insults, learning over winning.
How does insult sword fighting work? (insults and retorts)
Insult fighting works by choosing the correct matching retort once you first learn the insult. In between attacking and blocking, you can periodically press either insult or retort to banter with your opponent, which is the only way to win. If you choose wrong, you'll either take damage or lose the fight.
The insult and retort pairs are:
- Insult (I): My deeds are spoken of worldwide!
- Retort (R): Well, everyone loves a good joke.
- I: My swordplay will amaze you!
- R: Yeah - I'm amazed you've lasted this long.
- I: You're not fit to lick my boots!
- R: I'll be scraping you off mine shortly.
- I: I've met pigs that are scarier than you!
- R: Glad to hear you stay in touch with your parents.
- I: No-one has faced me and lived!
- R: With breath that bad, I'm not surprised.
- I: I'm here to take your life!
- R: It's about time you got one.
- I: I'll wipe the floor with you!
- R: I hope you're better at cleaning than you are at fighting.
- I: I'm the greatest fighter on the seas!
- R: Too bad you met ME on dry land.
- I: Need to catch your breath?
- R: Only from laughing at you.
- I: No-one has ever beaten me in combat!
- R: Oh, so this IS your first time?
How to find the Sword Master
Head to the Forest to meet Carla the Sword Master, by activating a secret sign near Elaine's journal spot. Fight Lechuck's goons and Ribbsy with insult sword fighting. After winning, you get Carla's medallion. Give it to Corina, completing the Trial of the Sword. Return to Corina to save Guybrush and complete the Tall Tale.
Check out our Sea of Thieves guides for more pirating tips and tricks.
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