Windrose: a new pirate survival game with a promising launch

In April 2026, Windrose, a brand-new pirate survival game, launched in Early Access on Steam and the Epic Games Store. Developed by Kraken Express, Windrose has quickly become one of the most wishlisted titles on Steam. With initial sales of more than 1 million copies within six days of launch and peak numbers of over 220,000 concurrent players, it has rapidly drawn the attention of gamers around the world. The game promises a mix of adventure, survival, and pirate ships in an open world full of danger and treasure.

Gameplay and mechanics

In Windrose, you begin as a shipwreck survivor on an unknown island. The core gameplay revolves around gathering resources, building shelter, and surviving in a sprawling pirate setting. Players face off against a variety of enemies, from wild animals like dodos and boars to more dangerous foes such as undead sailors. Combat mechanics are inspired by a soulslike style, making the game’s challenges even more intense.

Windrose offers a rich experience with plenty of gameplay systems. Players can build and customize their own ships. There are three main ship types available: Ketch, Frigate, and Brigantine, each with three variants — Stock, Brethren, and Blackbeard — allowing for a high degree of personalization and sailing strategy.

Exploration and quests

The world of Windrose is built from procedural biomes and handcrafted dungeons, with a unique storyline and reputation system shaping player progression. There are more than 30 islands to explore, putting the total playtime for the main quest at between 50 and 70 hours. Quests range from main story missions to side quests, including exploration of different islands and solving puzzles.

Players can also complete faction quests, bounty contracts, and other gameplay systems that provide additional rewards and progression.

Multiplayer and co-op aspects

Windrose focuses exclusively on online co-op, which means players cannot play together locally. The game supports up to eight players, though four is strongly recommended for the best experience. Players can create and select their world, making the game very inviting for shared adventures.

During co-op play, players share certain quest progress, while individual progression can also be handled for a unique experience in each session. The game also offers dedicated servers, further improving online interaction.

Future development

Kraken Express has announced that the game will still receive substantial updates. The team is expected to bring the game to its final version within 1.5 to 2.5 years, with new biomes, enemies, ships, loot, and more story content being added regularly. The game will remain available on PC, but no console version has been announced yet.

Gamers are excited about the ongoing updates and Windrose’s potential to become a fully fledged pirate simulator, with the player at the center of a world full of adventure. Community support and feedback are seen as crucial to further refining the game’s development.