20 Upcoming Video Games That Could Be Surprise Hits

And now for the single free-to-play game on this list, we have Sea of Remnants.

This sea-faring, pirate-themed RPG revolves around an amnesiac sailor who sets off on a grand adventure to try and recover everything they've lost. 

You'll recruit your own crew, build a ship, and get ready for battle, taking on rival factions and perhaps even amassing riches.

This open world adventure splits itself between the expansive ocean and the bustling pirate city of Orbtopia, and while comparisons to Sea of Thieves are inevitable, it also distinguishes itself in some key ways.

For one, its emphasis on turn-based combat and striking visual style, including in its UI design, have actually been compared by some to the Persona franchise.

There are certainly reasons to be skeptical of a Netease-produced pirate F2P MMO - namely how microtransactions will be implemented - but this could very well be strange and compelling enough to rise to the top of the pack next year.

Sea of Remnants releases TBA 2026.