Sea of Stars: Throes of the Watchmaker DLC Review

Sabotage Studio promised a substantial free DLC for Sea of Stars, and they've delivered beyond expectations. "Throes of the Watchmaker" adds over 10 hours of new content, including a full storyline, new dungeons, additional party members, and a cooperative multiplayer mode—all at no extra cost.

The Watchmaker's Story

The DLC introduces a mysterious clockwork dimension and its enigmatic creator, The Watchmaker. Set after the main game's events, Valere and Zale must uncover the secrets of this mechanical realm while facing new threats that tie into Sea of Stars' deeper lore.

The writing maintains the heartfelt tone of the base game while exploring darker themes. New character interactions flesh out the existing cast, and the two new party members—a clockwork automaton and a reformed villain—add fresh combat dynamics.

Co-Op Multiplayer

The headline addition is full cooperative play. A second player can control party members in combat, with intuitive combo timing that makes teamwork genuinely rewarding. Puzzle sections also receive co-op adaptations, requiring coordination without frustrating solo players.

Quality of Life Improvements

The DLC also patches in numerous improvements to the base game:

• Fast travel expansion: More waypoints throughout the world
• Improved inventory: Better organization and quick-use options
• Combat refinements: Rebalanced difficulty and new accessibility options
• Visual polish: Enhanced lighting and animation touches

The Verdict

Throes of the Watchmaker exemplifies what free DLC should be. It's substantial, polished, and clearly made with love for the community that supported Sea of Stars. If you enjoyed the base game, this is essential. If you haven't played Sea of Stars yet, there's never been a better time to start.