Look, the Unterzee is a miserable place. It’s dark, damp, and let’s be honest—it smells like wet fur and old secrets. So when you hear about a way to literally fly away from the gloom, it’s tempting. But if you’re planning to steal the Zeppelin in Sunless Sea, you need to know that this isn't just another quest. It’s a bridge-burning, game-ending, legendary heist that requires you to be a Grade-A jerk to a bunch of monkeys.
Most players stumble into the Empire of Hands and think they’re just helping out with a construction project. They deliver fuel, they hunt for souls, they name the ship something ridiculous like The Soaring Banana. But then they realize the "Good Ending" for the monkeys isn't necessarily the best ending for a Captain who wants to leave a lasting mark on their lineage.
The Reality of the Empire of Hands
To even get close to the airship, you have to spend a lot of time in the Empire of Hands. This isn't a quick stop. It’s a grind. You’re essentially acting as the project manager for a species of intelligent, soul-obsessed monkeys who want to escape the Neath.
To "complete" the Zeppelin, you have to provide:
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- 100 Fuel (Hydrogen from the Iron Republic is the "fast" way here).
- 100 Souls (Crates of Human Souls, usually gathered through the Adventuress’s quest or expensive trading).
- 100 Supplies (Often involving the poisoning of local pirates or massive trading).
Honestly, the hardest part for most isn't the supplies; it's the realization that you’re building someone else's ticket out of the dark. The Emperor Crispin IV—yes, he’s a monkey—expects to fly away into the East while you stay behind in your rusty steamer.
Why You’d Actually Want to Steal It
Why go through the effort of building it just to take it? Because A Travelling Light is one of the best legacy items in the game. It’s a permanent boost for all your future captains. In a game where death is as common as a bad cup of coffee, having a head start in your next life is worth more than a ship full of Echoes.
But there’s a catch. A big one.
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To steal the Zeppelin, you have to betray the monkeys at the very last second. You don't just walk onto the bridge and fly away. You need the Monkey Emperor’s Favor at level 2 or higher, which you get by helping with the construction. But you also need the attention of the gods. Specifically, Salt’s Attention and Storm’s Attention.
If you don't have those, the option is greyed out. You’ll sit there watching the monkeys fly off into the sunset while you're stuck on a pier with nothing but a handful of Zee-stories.
The Checklist for a Successful Heist
Before you commit to this, check your qualities. If you mess this up, you might accidentally end your game without getting the legacy reward, which is basically the "worst of both worlds" scenario.
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- Don't Name the Destination: If you give the Emperor a destination for his voyage, the Zeppelin leaves. You’re done. Don't do it.
- Get Blessed: You need Salt’s Attention (visit Whither) and Storm’s Attention (often found at Hunter's Keep or the Chelonate). These aren't just flavor text; they are mechanical keys.
- The London Problem: If you deliver the "Emperor’s Wrath" to London (part of an Anarchist-related path), you are permanently locked out of London. Don't do this until you have everything you need for the final voyage.
The Point of No Return
When you finally click that button to steal the Zeppelin, the game ends immediately.
Your crew’s excitement turns to fear. You fly over the Zee, watching the lights of your home fade away. There is no coming back. There is no "one more trade run." It is a narrative and mechanical finale. You get the Travelling Light legacy, and your save file is essentially retired.
Is it Worth the Betrayal?
A lot of players feel bad about this one. You’ve spent hours helping these monkeys. You might have even recruited some of them. To then stab the Emperor in the back and leave his entire civilization stranded while you take their only hope for escape? It's dark. Even for Sunless Sea.
But look at it this way: the Neath doesn't reward kindness. It rewards the cunning. If you want your next Captain to start with a massive advantage, you have to be willing to be the villain of someone else's story.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Stockpile Hydrogen: Before heading to the Empire of Hands for the final push, make a dedicated run to the Iron Republic. Carrying hydrogen is much more efficient than hauling basic fuel for the progress bars.
- Check Your Gods: Visit Whither early. Getting Salt's Attention can be finicky depending on your "Something Awaits You" status, so don't leave it for the very last minute when your supplies are low.
- Save Your Souls: Don't sell your Crates of Human Souls to the Brass Embassy if you plan on this ending. You'll need at least 20 deliveries (at 5 souls each) to finish the monkey's requirement.