Sea of Thieves will get custom games and machinima creation tools
Sea of Thieves is expanding its creative capabilities with the introduction of Custom Seas, a free suite of tools launching June 18th as part of Season 20. The new feature set empowers players to design and customize their own gameplay experiences within the pirate-themed sandbox.
Custom Seas enables players to create entirely new game modes tailored to their preferences, such as the shown example of Rowboat Royale—a cannoneering deathmatch played on small rowboats. The tools allow extensive customization through object spawning and enemy placement, giving creators granular control over their custom maps and encounters.
Beyond combat-focused modes, the update introduces advanced camera tools that extend beyond traditional screenshot capabilities. Players can now record their own cinematic cutscenes, opening possibilities for machinima creation and storytelling within the game world. This addition positions Sea of Thieves alongside platforms like Fortnite and Roblox in offering robust creator tools.
The update also supports social functionality, allowing players to establish custom spaces where they and their friends can hang out and interact without the pressures of standard gameplay. This reflects the game’s appeal as both a competitive experience and a social hangout space.
Custom Seas represents Rare’s commitment to expanding player agency and creative expression within Sea of Thieves. By offering free tools to build custom content, the developer aims to extend the game’s longevity and give the community more control over how the experience evolves. The feature launches across platforms including PC and PlayStation 5.