An upcoming open-world RPG, Sea of Remnants, has generated excitement among pirate game fans following a recent gameplay trailer. Developed by Joker Studio and published by NetEase Games, the title promises a balanced mix of land and sea adventures. A closed alpha test is set to begin soon, ahead of its 2026 release on PC and PS5.
Pirate-themed video games have long captivated players, yet few have met expectations in recent years. Titles like Sea of Thieves from 2018 and Assassin's Creed Black Flag stand out as successes, but Ubisoft's Skull and Bones, revealed in 2017 and launched in 2024, disappointed many despite updates, earning a Mixed rating on Steam.
Sea of Remnants emerges as a potential remedy to this drought. First unveiled at the summer PlayStation State of Play, the game from Joker Studio—published by NetEase Games, known for free-to-play hits like Marvel Rivals—focuses on a world of pirate puppets. The latest deep-dive gameplay trailer showcases cinematic storytelling, gambling mini-games, exploration on land and sea, social interactions, and combat both naval and terrestrial. It also hints at platforming and puzzle elements, offering a more varied experience than the ocean-heavy Skull and Bones.
NetEase has scheduled a closed alpha test to start on February 5, allowing approved participants a first hands-on look. Applications are open via the official Sea of Remnants Discord, though non-disclosure agreements may limit early feedback. The game targets a 2026 release on Steam for PC and PS5, with wishlisting available now. While past pirate games have faltered at launch with bugs or thin content, initial impressions of Sea of Remnants suggest it could fulfill long-held dreams of swashbuckling adventures.
