The optimal route is:

1. Start at Ancient Spire Outpost(Q17)
2. Grab Ship's Log at unmarked island at N13
   • The log always spawns in the same spot. It is in the back/captain's quarters of the ship on a chair, located on the west side of the island underwater.
3. Ancient Chest spawns at Snake Island(K15/16) -Snake Island is one of the many possible islands for the ancient chest can spawn on, full list can be found here: https://maps.seaofthieves.rarethief.com
   • Paradise Spring(L17) and Chicken Isle(I16) are possible backups, until the time for this category comes down that is.
4. Puzzle and Medallions are at Crooks Hollow (M16).
   • Hopefully the Ancient Chest has a Scarab Totem, the Scarab Totem goes to Crooks Hollow
   • Crooks hollow is the closest location the vault can spawn to ancient spire, thus creating the least travel Distance possible.
   • N13 (Crab Totem) and Devils Ridge(P19) (Boar Totem) are backups until time for this category comes down, though if you get an unoptimal Ancient Chest spawn and get one of these island its likely not worth continuing the run.
   • If you get Shark, Snake or Moon Totem, these islands are much too far away for the run.
5. Return to Ancient Spire and turn in Shroudbreaker -Following these steps results in the optimal route, with current known strategies.

**Note: according to the website i linked above, which is Rare's official companion app, it is possible for the Ancient Chest AND Vault to spawn on Devils Ridge, this would make it the fastest route. I am unsure if this is possible or not, I have done testing on later story missions and while there are multiple islands things can spawn on it doesn't always seem random. Rather, only certain combinations of islands and events can happen, usually making it so really easy things(like this devils ridge scenario) won't happen. So I will admit this is theoretically possible, however until more testing and runs are done I do not think it is possible.