XBOX has shown the latest update for Sea of Thieves during the XBOX Games Showcase 2026, titled Season 20: Custom Seas. Coming June 18, this update “hands over the keys” to the community, offering tools for players to create their own modes and spaces. From hosting multi-crew hangouts to concocting unique competitive game modes, the season focus solely on player agency and creativity.
The trailer shows a few possibilities with Rowboat Royale, Skeleton Snipe Hunt, King of the Hill, Hide + Sneak and Team Deathmatch. Custom Seas allows for both gameplay tweaks and cinematic experiences, and adds an in-game Free Camera mode.
Check out the trailer below to see these modes in action:
This update walks back the previous plan to have server toolsets locked behind a subscription, and now opens up the possibilities of private sailing for everyone in the community. According to the game’s production director, the team felt like a premium feature wouldn’t tap into the full potential a custom mode can bring. You can check more details in the news post for the official direct.
Sea of Thieves is available now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Microsoft Store and Steam. The Season 20: Custom Seas update is slated to release June 18 to all platforms, free of charge.
