Sea of Remnants: A Bold, Puppet-Led Ocean RPG Arriving in 2026
One of the most unexpected reveals from the recent State of Play event was Sea of Remnants, an ambitious new project by Joker Studio, known for Identity V, and published by NetEase Games. Set to launch in 2026, the game will be available as a free-to-play title on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, iOS, and Android.
Sea of Remnants isn’t your average RPG-it’s a strange, beautiful blend of nautical exploration, puppet-themed storytelling, and deep RPG mechanics. Players take on the role of mysterious puppet-like sailors who’ve lost their memories and must uncover the truth by sailing across a fragmented ocean world. Alongside a cryptic girl companion, players will seek out the awakening secrets of the drifting city of Orbtopia.
With a world that reacts to every decision, the developers promise that no two journeys will be the same. Whether you choose mercy or vengeance, your choices will shape alliances, spark conflicts, and alter the very layout of the world. The game’s dynamic choice system includes interactions with over 300 unique NPCs, each with their own loyalties and storylines.
The gameplay combines real-time naval combat-where positioning and reflexes matter-with turn-based land battles focused on strategy. Players can customize ships, recruit puppetfolk companions, and build specialized exploration teams. Ship upgrades are modular, allowing for meaningful customization and tactical choices.
Orbtopia itself isn’t just a battlefield-it’s a living, breathing city. Beyond combat, players can engage in mahjong, cooking, and fishing, giving this RPG unexpected cozy vibes. It’s a world that’s not just about fighting, but also about living.
System requirements are already available on Steam, showing it aims to push visual and system performance standards for an F2P title. With specs that demand solid hardware, it’s clear the developers are aiming for a high-fidelity world even on mobile.
Some gamers have already voiced curiosity-and skepticism-about the game’s identity and style. But what’s clear is that Sea of Remnants is not afraid to take risks. In a genre oversaturated with formulaic designs, this sea-faring puppet tale might just be the strange, story-rich escape RPG fans didn’t know they needed.