Get ready to set sail on an unforgettable adventure! Joker Studios, in collaboration with NetEase Games, is bringing us Sea of Remnants, a free-to-play RPG that promises a unique blend of open-sea exploration and terrestrial quests. Following the buzz generated at Gamescom 2026’s Opening Night Live, IGN has dropped an exclusive 10-minute gameplay video, giving us a tantalizing glimpse into this upcoming title.
A Roguelike Odyssey
In an in-depth interview with Alfie, the creative mind behind Sea of Remnants, IGN delved into the game’s innovative mechanics and the meticulous design that brings its world to life. “Three key elements really stand out,” Alfie explained. “First, the roguelike structure. The combination of roguelike progression, turn-based combat, and dice mechanics ensures every encounter is unpredictable.” He also emphasized the importance of music in shaping the player’s experience: “We’ve crafted distinct musical atmospheres for sea voyages, island exploration, battles, and more. And each week, players can discover a new crew member. Seeing familiar faces on subsequent Forgotten Voyages enriches the roguelike loop.”
But what about those unexpected surprises? “In Sea of Remnants, players will uncover hidden details and interactions,” Alfie revealed. “For example, if you stumble upon a random bench in the open world, try sitting down! You might momentarily forget everything and simply enjoy the tranquility.” And perhaps the biggest surprise of all: “Each week, players have the opportunity to find a new crew member!”
Balancing Land and Sea
Creating an oceanic world presented unique challenges. “It’s easy for these types of games to feel generic,” Alfie admitted. “We worked hard to make our game stand out and create something truly original and believable.” This involved crafting a rich history and mythology that underpins the entire world, ensuring depth and internal consistency.
The core gameplay loop revolves around “set sail, explore, collect, return.” But what role does Orbtopia play in this cycle? “Orbtopia is at the heart of it,” Alfie explained. “The game has two layers: the ever-changing sea voyages and Orbtopia, the safe harbor for these adventures. Players return to Orbtopia with the loot they’re collecting on their journeys.” This loot is then used to upgrade the crew, improve the ship, and enhance overall abilities, allowing players to venture further, tackle tougher challenges, and ultimately reap greater rewards.
Turn-Based Tactics and Long-Term Progression
The turn-based combat system is designed to accommodate a wide range of playstyles. “We wanted to ensure it allowed for both meaningful randomness and player agency,” Alfie said. “After extensive testing and refinement, we settled on turn-based combat because it perfectly captured the freedom and variety inherent in the roguelike structure.”
Balancing the roguelike elements with long-term progression was another key consideration. “Each voyage offers a sense of rapid and dramatic growth,” Alfie explained. “But the progress made in Orbtopia provides a lasting foundation.” Players can experiment with different builds to shape their performance at sea, while also benefiting from permanent upgrades that enhance their characters’ core abilities. This allows players to overcome even the most formidable opponents by returning to Orbtopia to prepare for future challenges.
A World of Choice and Customization
Sea of Remnants caters to diverse playstyles. Players can follow the main storyline, systematically exploring islands and getting to know their characters, the world, and its intricacies. Alternatively, they can dive straight into Forgotten Voyages, setting their own objectives and tackling new challenges immediately. “Players are free to choose what suits them best at any given moment,” Alfie said.
The game also offers extensive customization options. “We’re creating opportunities for players to form emotional bonds with their characters through repeated voyages and development,” Alfie explained. “Using the same character in different classes and builds can create entirely new combat styles.” Exploring these possibilities deepens the player’s connection to both their character and the game itself.
Your Choices, Your World
Player decisions have a tangible impact on both Orbtopia and its inhabitants. “Choices made in Orbtopia can have real consequences,” Alfie revealed. “Players might alienate certain characters or even contribute to the city’s downfall.” On their voyages, choices primarily focus on how players develop their builds, with different skill combinations shaping the course of each adventure.
Sea of Remnants is slated for release in 2027 and will be available on Android, iOS, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. “We want players to have fun, enjoy themselves, and experience a truly authentic and believable oceanic world,” Alfie concluded. “Creating that kind of authenticity has always been our top priority.”
Source: IGN
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