The game formerly known as ‘Crosswind’, now Windrose, invites players to test their sea legs. Featuring up to 6 hours of gameplay, ship boarding, and co-op, this top-wishlisted title is finally playable.
If you have been yearning for the high seas since Sea of Thieves or Black Flag, it is time to look alive. Windrose, the open-world pirate survival adventure that has been quietly climbing the charts under its previous name Crosswind, has officially dropped anchor at Steam Next Fest.
Starting today, players can download a substantial free demo of the game, which currently sits in the Top 35 Most Wishlisted Games on Steam with over 840,000 wishlists. Developed by the aptly named Windrose Crew, the game promises a gritty, seamless blend of sailing, crafting, and “Souls-lite” combat that aims to be the next big obsession for survival fans.
A Massive Slice of the Pirate Life
Unlike many demos that offer a fleeting 20-minute experience, Windrose Crew is throwing players into the deep end. The Steam Next Fest demo boasts 4 to 6 hours of content, effectively serving as a prologue to the upcoming Early Access release.
Players will start from the bottom of the food chain, learning the ropes through a series of onboarding quests before acquiring their first big ship. The demo opens up three distinct islands within the game’s first major biome, allowing aspiring captains to test the seamless transition between ship and land gameplay.
“You’ll experience thrilling sea battles… with a strong focus on exploration, base building, and combat,” the developers stated in the announcement.
Souls-Lite Swashbuckling
What sets Windrose apart from other pirate titles is its combat approach. The developers describe the on-foot action as “Souls-lite,” implying a combat system that relies on timing, dodging, and stamina management rather than simple button-mashing. Whether you are dueling rival captains or fighting off local fauna, the stakes are high.
But a pirate is nothing without their ship. The demo includes full naval combat mechanics, including the ability to board enemy vessels—a chaotic maneuver that requires coordination and grit.
Bring Your Crew
The pirate life is lonely without a crew, and Windrose supports 4-player co-op multiplayer. Friends can join forces to man the sails, fire the cannons, and build coastal bases together.
For technical enthusiasts, note that the co-op in the demo is self-hosted. While the full Steam Early Access release plans to implement dedicated servers for a smoother experience, this trial run relies on peer-to-peer connections.
Exclusive Loot for Early Adopters
For those who jump into the demo during Next Fest, there is booty to be had. Windrose Crew announced that anyone who plays the demo before the Early Access launch will receive an exclusive decorative spyglass in the final game. It’s a small token, but for a pirate, status is everything.
With nearly a million players waiting to set sail, Windrose is shaping up to be one of the breakout hits of 2026. The seas are open, the grog is poured, and the cannons are loaded.
Watch the Steam Next Fest Trailer: YouTube Link
Play the Demo Now: Steam Store Page