Ahoy, adventurers! Pirate survival game Crosswind has confirmed it will launch into Steam Early Access in 2026, and after spending time with the game in a recent hands-on playtest, we can say with confidence—it’s shaping up to be one of the most ambitious survival titles on the horizon.
Developed by Crosswind Crew, this high-seas adventure trades the usual “craft, build, survive” template for a seamless blend of soulslite combat, ship-to-land exploration, and co-op survival set in a rich alternative Age of Piracy.
Our Playtest: Ship Decks, Sword Fights, and Shanties
During our playtest, the game’s seamless transition from naval battles to brutal boarding actions instantly stood out. One moment, we were pounding a fortress from afar with cannon fire; the next, we were clashing steel with defenders on the ramparts. The variety of ships—ranging from nimble cutters to hulking galleons—offered distinct handling and tactical options, and yes, we did make our crew sing sea shanties mid-voyage.
Combat already feels weighty and skill-driven. Mastering dodges, parries, and timed strikes was essential against the game’s bosses, who don’t go down without a fight. The weapon variety—cutlasses, pistols, muskets—meant experimenting with different loadouts kept encounters fresh.
On land, base-building proved deeper than we expected. Resource gathering and crafting felt purposeful, especially once we began recruiting crew members to help automate production. There’s a strong loop between exploration, combat, and upgrading your outpost—something that will only deepen with the promised Early Access content.
New Trailer & Feature Reveals
The newly released Crosswind trailer teases fresh content arriving in Early Access:
- Ashlands Biome – A volcanic, undead-infested region that looks like a brutal test for even seasoned pirates.
- Tortuga Outpost – A new hub under siege, offering dynamic battles and fresh story beats.
- Crew Combat & Recruitment – Fight alongside your crew on deck and handpick your companions.
- Ship Customization – Outfit your vessel with unique upgrades and aesthetic flourishes.
From MMO to Polished Co-op Survival
Originally pitched as an F2P survival MMO, Crosswind has pivoted to a premium PvE co-op survival game, a move inspired by feedback from closed Alpha players. This shift opens the door to community-requested features like mod support and dedicated servers—great news for survival fans who value longevity and customization.
Next Stop: Gamescom
We’ll be stepping back aboard next week during Gamescom 2025 to see how the latest build stacks up. Expect more impressions, interviews with the dev team, and maybe a few tales of shipwrecks and treasure hauls gone wrong.
If Crosswind can maintain its current momentum, polish its systems, and deliver on its Early Access roadmap, it might just sail straight into the upper ranks of survival greats.
Wishlist Crosswind now on Steam to be ready for its 2026 voyage.