NetEase’s New Multiplayer RPG Sea of Remnants is Gorgeously Weird and Punk (and Probably a Gacha Game)

NetEase continues to expand its multiplayer game offerings for the western market. During last night’s PlayStation State of Play event, the company announced it will publish Joker Studio’s upcoming “free-to-play ocean adventure RPG” titled Sea of Remnants. The game is set to release on PC, PS5, and mobile platforms. This marks the second sea-themed game we’ve covered today, but as you’ll soon discover, the two are quite distinct.

“Sea of Remnants invites players into a visually captivating world, where they assume the role of a puppet-like sailor who has lost all their memories,” NetEase explains.

“Accompanied by a mysterious girl, players will voyage across vast seas, uncharted islands, and a city slowly awakening to its secrets. Through open-world exploration, intense naval combat, and dynamic interactions with a cast of over 300 eccentric characters, players will uncover the truth behind their forgotten identity and shape the fate of the world around them. On this sprawling journey, players can recruit a crew of unique puppet companions, customize their ships with modular upgrades, and build specialized teams for exploration and turn-based battles. Every decision—whether sparing enemies or seizing opportunities—will unleash dramatic ripple effects across the world. With rival factions reacting to each choice and Orbtopia’s cityscape evolving in response, no two captains will share the same story.”

So, what exactly is this game? The emphasis on characters initially makes it sound like a gacha game, and the press release doesn’t explicitly mention whether it’s multiplayer, co-op, or an MMO. However, the Steam page clarifies it’s an MMO with both single-player and online co-op modes. From what’s shown, it appears closer to Sea of Thieves but without the gankbox elements.

“Tackleboxes snap shut with a clatter—who’s glaring green-eyed at the angler now? There, cats rule the alleys. Roosters itch to set sail. A pirate gorilla rises from obscurity. A parrot translates between beast and man. Orbtopia breathes in noise, spice, and a little chaos.”

While we’re not entirely sure what this poetic description means, the idea of a pirate gorilla rising from obscurity is undeniably intriguing, especially in a game with such a unique punk art style—described by NetEase as having “vibrant graffiti energy” and “absurdist glitch aesthetics.” The game is expected to launch next year, and preregistration is already live on the official site.