As part of the Xbox Showcase earlier today, Rare made an explosive appearance to announce that the new Smuggler’s League Faction is coming to Sea of Thieves! As part of the game’s Season 17, suitably named Smugglers’ Tide, players can look forward to a whole new way to play the game.

See all the announcements from the Xbox Showcase 2025.

It’s no surprise that Xbox’s swashbuckling multiplayer game would be at the showcase, as we saw teases being dropped on the official Sea of Thieves social media accounts in the hours leading up to the event.

You can watch the trailer below, or on the official Sea of Thieves YouTube channel.

“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 perilously 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.”

Sea of Thieves continues to be one of Xbox and Rare’s greatest successes, now enjoying an enormous audience across Xbox, PC, and most recently, PlayStation. With the team at Rare having another 5 years of content planned, the good ship Sea of Thieves cruises on, with wind in its sails and new adventures on the horizon.

Check back soon for more information on the Smuggler’s League and Sea of Thieves as it becomes available.

Sea of Thieves Season 17, Smugglers’ Tide, launches in August 2025, across PC and consoles.

What do you think of the Smuggler’s League Announcement for Sea of Thieves? Let us know in the comments below.