Thousands of PC gamers are embracing a new pirate adventure as Windrose, a recently launched early access title on Steam, emerges as a formidable rival to the beloved Assassin's Creed Black Flag. Released on April 14, this game has swiftly captured the attention of the gaming community, with over 69,000 players logging in to experience its high-seas action within less than a day of availability.
Windrose's Meteoric Rise on Steam Charts
Windrose, which originated as an MMORPG under the name Crosswind, has transformed into a PvE survival game that immerses players in the ultimate pirate fantasy. At the time of writing, nearly 54,000 gamers remain actively exploring its world, indicating strong retention and potential for it to become one of the next major hits in the industry. The game's rapid ascent on the Steam charts underscores its appeal to those eagerly awaiting news of an Assassin's Creed Black Flag remake.
Gameplay and Features: A Nod to Black Flag
While Windrose is distinct from Assassin's Creed Black Flag, it shares striking similarities, particularly in naval combat. Players can sail and upgrade their own ships, firing cannons directly from the captain's wheel. When enemy ships are weakened, players can board them for what developer Kraken Express terms 'soulslite' combat, using swords and gunpowder weapons for weighty, deliberate engagements.
Notably, Windrose eschews PvP, a feature that may appeal to players who left Sea of Thieves due to griefing. Instead, it encourages cooperative exploration with friends, allowing groups to gather resources and invest in their own settlements. The game includes a main questline and numerous side activities, with early players reporting over 50 hours of gameplay and still more to unlock.
Developer Inspiration and Community Reception
Kraken Express openly acknowledges the influence of Assassin's Creed Black Flag, with GameSpot reporting that the team considers it 'the greatest pirate game ever made.' This admiration has shaped Windrose's design, building upon Ubisoft's 2013 template. Early Steam reviews are 'very positive,' with users praising its building, exploration, and survival elements.
One reviewer enthused, 'If you like building, exploration, and you've been looking for a pirate survival game that actually delivers - just buy it. You won't regret it, even at current early access state.' Another added, 'If you're a fan of survival games... you'll find yourself right at home here. If you're also a fan of the age of piracy - well, then you're simply going to adore it!' A third highlighted its potential, calling it 'the true AAAA pirate game' and noting that 'Skull and Bones [is] crying at what could have been.'
Availability and Future Plans
Currently, Windrose is available exclusively on PC via Steam in early access. There are no immediate plans for console releases, but the development team expresses enthusiasm about expanding the game's reach once the Steam version achieves its 1.0 release. As players continue to flock to this pirate survival experience, Windrose stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of nautical adventures in gaming.
