Even though it’s been mere weeks since Sea of Thieves swept into Season 16, the annual Xbox Games Showcase is an occasion that embraces gaming highlights still to come. So on Sunday, June 8th, the 2025 Showcase came loaded with the first sighting of Season 17, now in development and on course to land with a bang in August.
Recent Sea of Thieves Seasons have expanded the roles of existing Companies: Season 15 charted the growth of The Hunter’s Call to meet new oceanic threats, while Season 16 exposes the ceaseless schemes of The Reaper’s Bones, forever in thrall to Captain Flameheart. But things are a little different in Season 17, which brings in some brand new blood under the banner of The Smuggler’s League. Watch the trailer below to learn a little more about their motivations…
Here’s the official description released alongside the Showcase trailer:
A new gang of nefarious troublemakers have infiltrated the Sea of Thieves! Known as The Smuggler’s League, they’re recruiting pirates willing to deal with dangers others are afraid to handle, including weapons and some of the most powerful explosives ever seen on the seas. Crews that think they’re up to the challenge can embark on new Smuggler’s Voyages to salvage – or steal – these hot properties and see them safely into the wrong hands, but one false move could spell disaster. Sparks are sure to fly when Season 17: Smugglers’ Tide launches in August, free for all players.
While there are a couple of months to wait for the Smugglers’ arrival, gaming’s summer season of shows and announcements mean there’s plenty going on to keep players occupied – not to mention the ferocious features of Sea of Thieves’ own current Season, all set to receive further free expansions in June and July. Stay tuned for more on those very soon!