The pirate game Windrose starts today in Early Access on Steam. Now the first reviews are slowly coming in, and players are very optimistic.
How is the Early Access received? Those who take advantage of the introductory offer of €26.99 can dive into the world of Windrose on Steam. The developers describe the game as a PvE survival adventure set in the pirate era with Soulslite combat.
In Early Access, about 2 thirds of all content from the full version should already be visible. Over time, 50% more content is expected to be added, including new biomes, bosses, and ships. The story is also expected to continue.
The development team at Kraken Express anticipates that the Early Access will last around 1.5 to 2.5 years.
At this time, around 48,500 players are simultaneously active in Windrose (as of April 14, 2026, 5:15 PM, via SteamDB). The trend is rising, so we will likely see the maximum in the coming weeks. However, there is already a clear opinion about the game.
Windrose succeeds where big studios fail
How is the game received? Currently, Windrose has a very positive rating. About 91% of the 502 users have rated the game more positively than negatively. While the 502 users may not be statistically significant, considering that there are currently over 48,500 players in the game, they do provide a preliminary direction.
In the reviews on Steam, players write that Windrose is better than expensive AAAA competitors from big studios. They are referring to the pirate adventure Skull and Bones, which confidently claimed to be an AAAA title. This is basically the highest budget level for gamers.
After the release, however, there was a major backlash for Skull and Bones, which is currently absent for Windrose. Players praise the following aspects:
- The combination of open-world exploration, crafting, land survival, and naval battles is considered refreshing.
- The seamless transition between battles at sea and exploration of islands on land is also praised.
- Especially in co-op mode, the game is a lot of fun.
- The overall pirate vibe and setting fully captivate the players.
There is also some criticism. As much fun as the co-op mode is, the solo mode feels much slower and more sluggish. Additionally, the game shows signs of still being in Early Access. While it has a strong foundation, some systems and mechanics still need refinement.
Originally, Windrose was supposed to be an MMORPG. However, during development, the team decided to change course and turn it into a survival game. You can read about the development story here: New pirate game on Steam starts today in Early Access, was originally supposed to be an MMORPG
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