The free-to-play pirate RPG Sea of Remnants has reached the top of Steam's Trending Upcoming chart, surpassing 16,000 wishlists before its 2026 release. Developed by Joker Studio and published by NetEase Games, the title features a reactive open world across an archipelago and turn-based combat mechanics. It promises ongoing updates and cross-platform availability on PC, consoles, and mobile.
Sea of Remnants places players in the role of a memory-less puppetfolk sailor exploring a vast archipelago and the pirate city of Orbtopia. The game's world responds dynamically to choices, such as forming alliances, building rivalries, or experiencing character deaths, which influence city interactions and NPC developments for varied playthroughs.
Visually, the title employs a stylized puppet-like art style, featuring colorful environments, playful character designs, and more than 400 named NPCs with individual routines and narratives that enhance the setting's vibrancy.
Combat blends tactical elements: land-based encounters use turn-based systems relying on crew setup and features like magical dice enhancements, while sea battles involve commanding customizable ships through positioning, timed cannon fire, and navigation strategies. Beyond fights, activities include fishing, mini-games, and weather-influenced exploration to build an immersive atmosphere.
NetEase Games and Joker Studio outline a post-launch strategy with updates every 10 weeks and expansions every 20 weeks. Monetization focuses on cosmetics and battle passes, avoiding pay-to-win elements. The game has completed a closed alpha test called the Wanderer Test, providing early access to core features.
Scheduled for later in 2026, Sea of Remnants will launch on PC with controller support, PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile devices. Its rising popularity on Steam suggests growing anticipation among potential players.