Kraken Express's early access title garners positive reviews and player interest as Ubisoft prepares to reveal a remake of its classic pirate adventure.
Category: Technology
In a thrilling development for gaming enthusiasts, a new pirate-themed game titled Windrose has launched in early access, making waves as a potential rival to the beloved Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. Released on April 14, 2026, Windrose is already attracting considerable attention from players eager for an open-world pirate adventure, especially as they await news of a remake of Ubisoft's iconic title.
Developed and self-published by Kraken Express, with assistance from Pocketpair, Windrose invites players to immerse themselves in a PvE survival adventure set during the Age of Piracy. The game allows players to engage in combat on land and sea, craft items, build settlements, and explore a vast world filled with secrets and challenges. The developers describe the experience as one where players can “fight on land or sea, solo or with friends,” adding depth to the gameplay.
According to reports, Windrose had an impressive launch, with over 69,000 players logging in on its first day. As of now, nearly 54,000 players continue to explore the game, indicating its potential to become one of the next big hits in the gaming world. The game's early access status means it may still have bugs or missing features, but initial reactions have been overwhelmingly positive.
Players have praised Windrose as a “true AAAA pirate experience,” a term often reserved for high-quality, big-budget games. One enthusiastic user remarked that it shows “what a AAAA game should look like,” highlighting the game's promise in a genre that has seen a drought of quality titles for years. Early reviews on Steam have classified the game as "very positive," with 88% of users recommending it. Many players have noted the game's engaging blend of genres, comparing it to other successful titles like Valheim and Sea of Thieves.
One of the standout features of Windrose is its naval combat system. Players can sail and upgrade their ships, engage in battles, and even board enemy vessels using what the developers call “soulslite combat.” This approach allows players to utilize both swords and gunpowder weapons, making encounters feel weighty and impactful. Importantly, the game does not include player-versus-player (PvP) combat, which has been a contentious issue in other pirate games. Instead, players can focus on exploration and cooperation, gathering resources to build their settlements.
As Kraken Express producer Phil, also known as Yar_maste, explained, the team considers Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag the best pirate game of all time and has openly acknowledged its influence on Windrose. Phil noted that the design ideas for Windrose were inspired by the mechanics and gameplay of the 2013 Ubisoft classic, stating, "It’s a combination of what we wanted to create and what we thought the players would want to play." This acknowledgment of inspiration is a nod to the enduring legacy of Black Flag, which has set a high bar for pirate-themed games.
Originally conceived as a free-to-play MMORPG named Crosswind, the developers made a strategic pivot to a buy-to-play model after realizing the resource demands of maintaining a free-to-play service. Phil explained that the shift was necessary to align with player preferences and their vision for the game. He stated, “Our initial ambition required much more resources, and in general, sustaining a free-to-play service game is a tremendously huge process we could not have handled properly.” This decision has allowed the team to focus on enhancing the core gameplay without the pressures of constant monetization.
As Windrose continues to evolve, players can expect a main questline alongside numerous side activities, with some gamers reporting over 50 hours of gameplay already. The game features procedurally generated maps with diverse biomes, adding to the exploration aspect and ensuring that no two adventures are the same.
In the midst of this buzz, Ubisoft is rumored to be preparing for an official announcement of a remake titled Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced, expected to be unveiled soon. This timing has led many to speculate on how the resurgence of interest in pirate-themed games might shape the market, especially with Windrose carving out its niche.
For now, Windrose is available exclusively on PC through platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store, priced at $30, with a 10% discount available until April 21, 2026. The developers have yet to announce plans for a console release, but they remain enthusiastic about the game's potential to expand to other platforms once the full version launches.
As players continue to explore the rich world of Windrose, how it competes against established titles like Assassin’s Creed IV and the upcoming remake. With its unique blend of survival mechanics, cooperative play, and a focus on exploration and crafting, Windrose is certainly making a strong case for itself in the pirate genre.
As the gaming community eagerly anticipates Ubisoft's next move, Windrose stands as a refreshing entry that pays homage to its predecessors and carves a new path for future pirate adventures. The excitement surrounding this title is a reminder that the seas of gaming are vast, and there’s always room for new explorers.