Key Takeaways:
- Sea of Thieves Custom Seas launches in early 2026 with a monthly fee and pro-grade tools.
- Season structure will follow a refreshed three-phase model to boost engagement.
- Rare’s development future is in flux following the cancellation of Everwild and the exit of key creative veterans.
During the first-ever Sea of Thieves Community Direct, developer Rare revealed plans to roll out a highly requested feature: Custom Seas, a new private server model. Scheduled to launch in early 2026, Custom Seas will give players the ability to run their own paid servers and access exclusive tools, including the cinematic camera typically used by Rare for promotional trailers.
While pricing details remain under wraps, Rare confirmed that the feature will come with a monthly subscription fee, citing the significant costs of supporting server infrastructure and development.
Season Model Overhauled to Regain Momentum
Rare also unveiled a new approach to the game’s seasonal structure, acknowledging that recent seasons have struggled to maintain community interest. Starting with Season 17, each three-month season will now be split into three distinct phases:
- Sandbox Revitalization (Month 1): Focused on reenergizing gameplay mechanics and mixing up the meta.
- Live Events (Month 2): A dedicated month for limited-time in-game activities.
- Community Engagement (Month 3): Tapping into player creativity and feedback to close each season strong.
This refresh aims to “stir the pot,” as Rare put it, and keep long-time players engaged while welcoming newcomers.
Also read: Amazon Prime Day Deal: Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 SE Drops to £89.99 — 25% Off My Favorite Gaming Mouse
Turmoil at Rare: Everwild Cancelled, Key Veterans Depart
The Custom Seas announcement comes on the heels of a difficult period for Rare. Just a week earlier, Microsoft laid off hundreds, including staff at Rare, leading to the cancellation of the long-delayed Everwild project.
Two of Rare’s most iconic figures are leaving the studio as a result. Gregg Mayles, the creative mind behind Banjo-Kazooie and Sea of Thieves, will step down after over 35 years at Rare. Louise O’Connor, executive producer and a Rare veteran since Conker’s Bad Fur Day, is also exiting.
While Rare’s future remains uncertain, the studio appears committed to doubling down on Sea of Thieves as its flagship title.
A New Era for Sea of Thieves—But at What Cost?
The reveal of Custom Seas and a restructured season model signals a fresh push to evolve Sea of Thieves into a more dynamic and customizable experience. However, the news is tempered by Rare’s internal upheaval and the collapse of Everwild.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of GameDegen.com. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. GameDegen.com is not responsible for any financial losses.
