Pirate Survival Game Windrose Launches in Steam Early Access
Developer Kraken Express (with help from Palworld developer Pocketpair) launches Windrose into Steam Early Access on April 14. Windrose early access lets players set sail in a swashbuckling survival adventure game with solo or co-op play for up to four players. The game has already earned a “Very Positive” designation on Steam with 88 percent of user reviews recommending the title. Players compare Windrose favorably to Valheim and Enshrouded within the build/craft/survive niche. Those who do not recommend the game cite various bugs and early-game balance issues in single-player. The early access launch includes two editions, both at 10 percent off for one week. The base game costs $26.99 during the launch promotion, with a full price of $29.99 afterward.
What Windrose Offers
A standout feature of Windrose is its co-op gameplay, which works best with four players according to the developers. The game boasts “soulslite” combat complete with boss fights and gradual survival progression. Crafting, base building, and naval battles round out the core gameplay systems. Procedurally generated maps feature multiple diverse biomes similar to survival peer Valheim.
The Supporter Bundle costs $35.98 on sale, down from the regular $39.98 price. This bundle includes the game’s original soundtrack featuring ambient gameplay tracks and sea shanties. A curated selection of PC, tablet, and phone wallpapers also comes with the Supporter Bundle. The game is getting positive initial buzz across Steam reviews.
A Strong Start for a Pirate Adventure
Windrose draws comparisons to Ubisoft’s less successful pirate game, Skull and Bones. The game receives praise for its breadth of content and systems, even as an incomplete early access title. Kraken Express has chosen to release the game as a work in progress like many small development houses. Only time will tell how Windrose ultimately ends up after full development.
Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced will likely draw attention back to pirate games soon. However, Windrose offers a different take on the genre that is off to a very strong start. The game provides an impressive co-op piracy experience for those ready to set sail now. Players can jump into this promising pirate adventure during the launch week discount.
