Sea of Thieves review

Sea of Thieves is the pick for a group of friends who want one game to return to every week. The Xbox Store page describes plundering lost treasures, fighting battles and defeating sea monsters, and the capabilities list online co-op and multiplayer for 2 to 4 players with cross-platform play, so Xbox One owners can sail with friends on PC or Series X|S. The current product is the Sea of Thieves 2026 Edition at $39.99, which adds the soundtrack, an audiobook and an eBook, and it is included with Game Pass Premium and Ultimate. It ranks ninth because it depends on other people: the page lists single player, but the game is built around crews. Online play on console needs a Game Pass Essential, Premium or Ultimate plan, and there are in-game purchases. If you have a regular crew, move it up your list.

Who it is for

Groups of friends who want an online game they can play together for years.

Price

$39.99 for the 2026 Edition on the US Xbox Store; included with Game Pass Premium and Ultimate.

Sea of Thieves: 2026 Edition Microsoft Studios • Action & adventure $39.99+
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Pirate adventure with treasure hunts, ship battles and sea monsters
• Online co-op and multiplayer for 2 to 4 players
• Xbox cross-platform multiplayer and co-op
• 2026 Edition adds a soundtrack, audiobook and eBook
• Xbox Play Anywhere across Xbox and PC

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Cross-platform play with PC players
• Strength: Included with Game Pass Premium and Ultimate
• Strength: Plays on Xbox One, Series X|S, PC and cloud
• Weakness: Built for online crews, weaker alone
• Weakness: Online play on console needs a paid Game Pass tier
• Weakness: In-game purchases

Key facts

• Developer: Rare
• Release date: March 20, 2018
• US Xbox Store price: $39.99 (2026 Edition)
• Game Pass: Premium and Ultimate
• Crew size: 2 to 4 online

Where it ranks

Sea of Thieves is No. 9 in our Best Xbox One Games verdict.