The new Monkey Island is a free expansion to Sea of Thieves coming this summer

Monkey Island fans are in disbelief. If last year we received a new installment of the series, Return to Monkey Island, it seems that this 2023 we will also have our share of Guybrush Threepwood. During the Xbox Games Showcase, Rare took the stage to announce a new Sea of Thieves expansion based on the world of Lucasfilm and Ron Gilbert.

No one is missing from the trailer. Guybrush as the new governor of Mêleé Island, LeChuck rising from his grave? And do you know the best part? The Return to Monkey Island expansion to Sea of Thieves will be completely free to play and will arrive on July 20, 2023.

“Split across three hilarious Tall Tales packed with secrets and side-quests, Sea of Thieves: The Legend of Monkey Island invites pirates to meet classic characters, in a new narrative that brings the iconic locations of Monkey Island to the Sea of Thieves. The adventure begins on Mêlée Island, where pirates can take in the sights, smells, and roguish splendor of the island as they seek to uncover why everyone suddenly seems to think quite highly of self-proclaimed mighty pirate, and known poodle pacifier, Guybrush Threepwood. Something’s quite clearly wrong...”

What about Everwild, Rare? What about Everwild?

We all know the story of Sea of Thieves. Announced in 2015, it was delayed forever, and when it was finally released, it symbolized for many the final nail in Rare’s coffin. The logo that gave us Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, Conker, Goldeneye 007, Perfect Dark, and so many other memorable gems had lost its luster. Or so it seemed. Through stubbornness and dedication, Sea of Thieves eventually made up for the initial lack of content and managed to plug the holes in the boat, throw the water overboard, and float one of the best cooperative experiences of the last decade. The icing on the cake was its release on PC, where it quickly became a hit.

However, with Everwild we are back to square one. Its announcement and everything about it reminds us too much of what happened with Sea of Thieves. Back then, no one could tell you what the game was about, and no matter how pretty the trailers were, the twists and turns were constant. The same is happening this time around. It looks like a long-term project, an abrupt announcement, and it is even rumored to have restarted its development several times. Announcing something so delicate, still in the concept stage and in search of ideas, had only put pressure and expectations on Rare just when they seemed to be regaining some luster. The fact that there was no mention of the game at the Xbox Games Showcase has us worried…