Platforms
- PCAug 19, 20258.3playscore8.48 Critics9.01.77K Players
- PlayStation 5Aug 19, 2025NAplayscore9.116 CriticsNA0 Players
- Nintendo Switch 2Oct 29, 2026NAplayscoreNA0 CriticsNA0 Players
21 critic reviews · 1 community reviews across all platforms
Critic Reviews
- Sword of the Sea is a visually stunning and atmospheric game, incorporating some of the most flawless water graphics and satisfying sound effects found in games today.
Laura Hill · Sep 12, 2025 Reviewed on PS5Read full review - Surfin’ safari
Ben Gilbert · Sep 06, 2025 Reviewed on PS5Read full review - From many of the same creators behind PlayStation classic Journey comes an enchanting new game that may be the best indie title of the year.
· Aug 22, 2025 Reviewed on PS5Read full review - Sword of the Sea blends stunning visuals, flowing gameplay, and Austin Wintory's stellar soundtrack into a short but unforgettable ride.
Maisie Scott · Aug 19, 2025 Reviewed on PS5Read full review - Sword of the Sea certainly won't have the same impact that Journey did all those years ago, but in so many ways, it feels like a direct evolution of that legendary experience. It's a beautifully smooth game, set across a series of gorgeous environments that are a joy to explore. While its more game-y elements do feel a tad forced, they're not enough to distract from what is a sumptuous adventure.
Robert Ramsey · Aug 18, 2025 Reviewed on PS5Read full review - I appreciate Sword of the Sea’s brevity and visual goals. It never gets close to dragging or overstaying its welcome. It moves at the pace of a magical swordsperson speeding across sand dunes on a floating blade at 170 miles per hour (a speedometer unlocks after you beat the game), and it never gives you a reason to look away. I wanted to feel more from the story, perhaps only because every other element of the experience elevated it so high that my expectations were right up there with them.
Kyle Hilliard · Aug 18, 2025 Reviewed on PS5 - There are a few bumps along the road, but overall, Sword of the Sea is an effortless ride. The majesty of Journey, the action of The Pathless, and the tranquillity of Abzu are all present here. Sword of the Sea’s release marks the end of a four-game odyssey that started in 2012 and has reached a simultaneously exhilarating and meditative crescendo.
Rachel Watts · Aug 18, 2025 Reviewed on PC, PS5Read full review - Whether it's the game's not-too-subtle commentary about climate change or Nava's explanation of the Wraith, Sword of the Sea is trying and succeeding at making an impact
Kate Sánchez · Aug 18, 2025 Reviewed on PC, PS5Read full review - 78 Read our review policy Sword of the Sea A short but spectacular surfing game, Sword of the Sea's atmosphere and movement propel it where its simple and repetitive puzzles can't.
Sean Martin · Aug 18, 2025 Reviewed on PCRead full review - Movement, meaning and mindfulness combine in Giant Squid's latest, a game of free-form expression and flow.
Chris Tapsell · Aug 18, 2025 Reviewed on PS5Read full review
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Community Reviews
- Rated on PC
About the game
Trailers & Screenshots:
Sword of the Sea is an action-adventure game developed by Giant Squid, the studio behind Abzû and The Pathless.
Set in a vast desert landscape, players control a character known as the Wraith, exploring ruins and uncovering a lost world. Movement is centered on the "Hoversword," a tool that combines surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding mechanics. The game emphasizes fluid traversal, atmospheric exploration, and light puzzle-solving.
Developer: Giant Squid