Sea of Remnants, a free-to-play role-playing experience from Joker Studios and NetEase Games, is set to launch in 2027 and will feature both open-water turn-based missions and land-based exploration in the world of Orbtopia. Ahead of its planned closed beta test this December, Creative Director Alfie shared exclusive gameplay details and insights into the game's design.
Alfie highlighted three core elements that distinguish Sea of Remnants: its roguelike structure, the carefully crafted musical atmospheres, and the weekly discovery of new crew members. The combination of roguelike progression, turn-based combat, and dice mechanics aims to create unpredictable and strategic battles. The game's music is designed to reflect different situations, from sea voyages to island exploration and combat. The introduction of a new crew member each week is intended to enrich the roguelike loop by offering new team compositions and strategic possibilities, making each "Forgotten Voyage" feel like reuniting with companions.
Players can expect numerous hidden interactions and environmental details, such as an unassuming lounge chair that offers a moment of peace. The weekly crew member discovery system can also disrupt player plans, forcing adaptation and opening new avenues for gameplay. This system introduces an element of surprise, where a desired crew member might be replaced by another, encouraging players to embrace emergent strategies.
The game's setting, Orbtopia, serves as a central hub in a "set sail, explore, collect, return" loop. Players embark on voyages from the city and return with spoils to upgrade their crew and ship, enhancing their capabilities for more challenging future expeditions. The world-building aims for a balance between a mysterious ocean-fantasy aesthetic and grounded, believable environments. Islands and towns are designed with a 24-hour day-and-night cycle to feel lived-in, while incorporating imaginative elements that adhere to a consistent internal logic.
Sea of Remnants' turn-based combat system is designed to accommodate a wide variety of builds and a significant degree of randomness, offering players freedom and variety. Integrated roguelike elements, including a dice mechanic for extra actions, add unpredictability and strategic depth. For weaker enemies, players may encounter simplified real-time combat to allow a greater focus on boss encounters and world exploration.
The game balances roguelike elements with a longer progression system. Voyage-specific builds offer rapid growth and powerful synergies within individual runs, while progression in Orbtopia provides a lasting foundation for character abilities. This dual system allows players to strengthen their core capabilities in the city to better face difficult challenges at sea.
To accommodate different playstyles, players can follow the main story at a steady pace, uncovering lore and character details, or opt for the Forgotten Voyage to quickly pursue objectives and new challenges. Customization is also deep, with players able to experiment with crew members across different classes and builds to discover unique combat styles. The developers are also expanding character stories and related content to foster deeper player connections.
Player decisions within Orbtopia can affect the city and its inhabitants, potentially driving people away or leading to its decline. During roguelike voyages, player choices focus more on build development, with skill and ability combinations leading to varied outcomes. The developers aim for players to find joy and entertainment in exploring an immersive and believable ocean world.
Sea of Remnants is slated for release in 2027 on Android, iOS, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
