Sea of Stars review

Sea of Stars is a turn-based RPG inspired by the classics, and Sabotage Studio's Steam page is clear about how it updates them. Pressing the action button in time with an animation raises your damage or reduces what you take, and fights add multi-character combos, boosting and a locks system that lets you interrupt enemies as they charge big attacks. Battles happen where you stand, with no random encounters, separate battle screens or grinding. Outside combat you swim, climb and vault through a pixel-art world, and you can sail, cook, fish or play the tabletop game Wheels. The full adventure can be played by up to three players who drop in and out, including through Steam Remote Play Together. The $34.99 Steam purchase includes the Throes of the Watchmaker add-on. It has less build depth than the bigger games here, but it is one of the easiest to enjoy.

Who it is for

Fans of 1990s console RPGs who want a modern, no-grind version they can share with friends.

Price

$34.99 one-time purchase on Steam (US store), including the Throes of the Watchmaker add-on.

Sea of Stars: Throes of the Watchmaker View info $34.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Turn-based combat with timed hits that raise damage and cut incoming damage
• Multi-character combo attacks, boosting and a locks system to interrupt enemy spells
• No random encounters, no separate battle screens and no grinding
• Whole adventure playable by up to three players with drop-in co-op
• Sailing, cooking, fishing and the tabletop game Wheels

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Easy to pick up, with no grinding
• Strength: Co-op for up to three, locally or through Remote Play Together
• Strength: Steam purchase includes the Throes of the Watchmaker add-on
• Weakness: Less build depth than the larger RPGs here
• Weakness: Timed hits add a light reflex element
• Weakness: Windows only on Steam

Key facts

• Developer and publisher: Sabotage Studio
• Released on Steam: August 28, 2023
• Metascore (Steam data): 87
• Co-op: Up to 3 players
• Edition sold: Sunset Edition with Throes of the Watchmaker

Where it ranks

Sea of Stars is No. 8 in our Best Turn-Based RPGs verdict.