Ahoy, PlayStation gamers! It's 2026, and the console exclusivity wars are still going strong. While Rare's beloved pirate sandbox, Sea of Thieves, remains a PC and Xbox exclusive, that doesn't mean PlayStation sailors have to miss out on all the nautical fun and high-seas adventure vibes. Whether you're craving the thrill of naval combat, the freedom of exploration, or just the salty air of an open ocean, there are some fantastic titles on PlayStation that can scratch that itch. From action RPGs on the waves to deep-sea survival epics, let's dive into the best alternatives that let you hoist the Jolly Roger (or something similar) on your PS5 or PS4.

1. King of Seas: Your Closest Pirate Fix ⚓

If you're looking for the most direct Sea of Thieves vibe on PlayStation, King of Seas is your go-to. This action RPG throws you into a vibrant, cartoony world of piracy, complete with quests, ship customization, and battles against both other players and monstrous sea creatures. The game keeps you on your toes with dynamic, hazardous weather and even includes a trading economy where you can buy low and sell high between settlements—talk about being a savvy pirate entrepreneur! While it didn't blow critics away (it sits at a 63 Metascore on PS4), it's hands-down the best option for that core "sail, fight, loot" loop.

best-games-like-sea-of-thieves-for-playstation-players-in-2026-image-0

2. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag - The Pirate Legend 🏴‍☠️

No list of pirate games is complete without this absolute gem. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is, for many, the pinnacle of pirate fantasy in gaming. Released over a decade ago, it still holds up incredibly well in 2026 thanks to its rich world. You'll command the Jackdaw, engage in thrilling naval combat, explore meticulously designed Caribbean ports, hunt for treasure, and even sing sea shanties with your crew. It's a masterclass in open-world immersion. Sure, the map is covered in Ubisoft-style icons (a polarizing design choice), but the sheer joy of being a pirate in this world is unmatched. It's a must-play for any fan of the genre.

best-games-like-sea-of-thieves-for-playstation-players-in-2026-image-1

3. World of Warships: Tactical Naval Warfare 🚢

For those who love the ship-to-ship combat of Sea of Thieves but prefer a more strategic, historically grounded approach, World of Warships is a fantastic (and free-to-play!) alternative. This game swaps pirate sloops for massive 20th-century battleships, cruisers, and destroyers. The combat is slower and more tactical, requiring careful positioning and aiming. It’s a totally different vibe—more "calculated captain" than "chaotic buccaneer"—but it's deeply rewarding. With its availability on PS4 and PS5, it's a no-brainer to try.

best-games-like-sea-of-thieves-for-playstation-players-in-2026-image-2

4. Subnautica & Below Zero: Ocean Exploration, But Make It Survival 🌊

Okay, so you won't be pillaging merchant ships here, but if the call of the deep blue is what draws you to Sea of Thieves, then Subnautica and its sequel Below Zero are essential plays. These are survival masterpieces where you crash-land on an alien ocean planet. The goal? Explore, scavenge, build bases, construct vehicles, and uncover the planet's mysteries—all while avoiding the terrifyingly beautiful fauna lurking in the depths. The sense of wonder and discovery is top-tier. It's less about PvP piracy and more about PvE (Player vs. Environment… and sometimes Player vs. Leviathan). The PS5 version fixed early technical issues, making it a smooth experience.

best-games-like-sea-of-thieves-for-playstation-players-in-2026-image-3

5. Abzu: A Peaceful, Meditative Dive 🐠

If Subnautica's survival elements (and its Reaper Leviathans) sound too intense, Abzu offers a purely serene and artistic ocean experience. Developed by Giant Squid Studios (founded by the art director of Journey), this game is a peaceful swimming simulator through stunning underwater ecosystems. Paired with an absolutely mesmerizing soundtrack by Austin Wintory, it's a digital aquarium and a stress-relief tool all in one. It’s the perfect game to chill out with after a long day—no combat, just beauty.

best-games-like-sea-of-thieves-for-playstation-players-in-2026-image-4

6. Maneater: Become the Apex Predator 🦈

Time to flip the script! In Maneater, you're not sailing the seas—you are the terror of the seas. This action RPG lets you play as a growing bull shark on a revenge-fueled rampage across the Gulf of Mexico. It's over-the-top, hilarious, and incredibly satisfying. The open world is fun to explore, and the progression system as you evolve and unlock new abilities is a blast. It’s a unique power fantasy that captures the freedom and danger of the ocean from a completely different perspective.

best-games-like-sea-of-thieves-for-playstation-players-in-2026-image-5

7. Windbound & Stranded Deep: Survivalist Sailors 🏝️

For those who enjoy the survival and crafting aspects that can be part of a Sea of Thieves session, these two titles offer a more focused experience.

  • Windbound: This stylish survival game starts with you shipwrecked on a mysterious archipelago. You'll craft tools and boats from island resources, sail between lands, and uncover a mystical story. It's got heart and a unique aesthetic, even if it wasn't a critical darling.

  • Stranded Deep: This one drops you (literally) into the Pacific Ocean after a plane crash. With a procedurally generated world, every playthrough is different. Your goal is to survive on islands, craft rafts and tools, and find a way back to civilization. It's a gritty, tense survival sim that makes every coconut count.

best-games-like-sea-of-thieves-for-playstation-players-in-2026-image-6

8. The Live-Service Spirit: No Man's Sky & Absolver 🌌

While not nautical, these games capture the live-service, shared-world spirit that makes Sea of Thieves so engaging.

  • No Man's Sky: Hello Games' incredible redemption story. What started rocky is now a universe-spanning masterpiece of exploration. The sense of discovering unknown planets with friends is very similar to discovering uncharted islands. With constant, massive free updates, it's the gold standard for a live-service turnaround.

  • Absolver: This is for the PvP enthusiasts. It's a martial-arts-focused game where you drop into a world, encounter other players, and engage in deeply technical, rewarding combat. The thrill of unpredictable human encounters is very Sea of Thieves-esque, just on solid ground.

best-games-like-sea-of-thieves-for-playstation-players-in-2026-image-7

Final Verdict

So, while PlayStation sailors might not be able to set sail in the specific waters of Sea of Thieves, the gaming ocean is vast and full of treasures. Whether you want the pure pirate fantasy of Black Flag, the strategic depth of World of Warships, the survival horror of Subnautica, or the chill vibes of Abzu, there's an adventure waiting. In 2026, the question isn't if you can find a great seafaring or oceanic game on PlayStation—it's which one you'll dive into first. Happy sailing (or swimming)! 🚤✨