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| The Windrose demo has been available on Steam since February 17. |
Remember when Assassin‘s Creed IV: Black Flag made us all believe we were born a century too late? Well, a small indie studio from Uzbekistan thinks it’s finally time to give players the authentic pirate experience they’ve been craving—and based on the numbers, they might just be onto something.
Windrose, the upcoming open-world pirate survival adventure from developer Windrose Crew, has just released a surprise demo as part of Steam Next Fest, and the response has been nothing short of staggering. Within days of launch, the demo has pulled in nearly 6,200 concurrent players and amassed over 400 reviews, with a jaw-dropping 94% of them positive . But here’s what makes this story even more interesting: this isn’t the game the developers originally set out to make.
From Live Service MMO to Intimate Survival Experience
Originally announced under the name Crosswind, the project was initially conceived as a free-to-play MMO set in a pirate-themed world, with heavy emphasis on PvP and live service features . You know the drill—seasons, battle passes, the whole ecosystem designed to keep you logging in forever.
Then something unexpected happened.
In November, the team made a decision that probably terrified their investors but thrilled purists: they scrapped the MMO direction entirely . The game you can now play in demo form has been reborn as a streamlined survival experience with optional offline mode and co-op for up to four players. Gone is the heavy PvP focus. In its place? Treasure hunting, exploration, and storytelling .
Speaking exclusively about the shift, developers explained last year: “We changed direction because the project became something completely different than we originally planned, but our excitement about the upcoming journey remains unchanged” . That kind of honesty is rare in an industry where games often launch as soulless products designed by committee.
A World Where Blackbeard Made a Deal with the Devil
Set around the year 1700, Windrose drops players into an alternate history where Edward “Blackbeard” Teach isn’t just a fearsome pirate—he’s something far worse. According to the game’s lore, Blackbeard has made a pact with the devil and now commands an undead fleet . The British Navy? Wiped out. Tortuga? The last stronghold standing against his forces.
You survive Blackbeard‘s devastating attack thanks to a mysterious artifact, washing up on a remote island with one thing burning in your chest: revenge .
It’s a premise that blends historical piracy with supernatural elements, creating a world that feels both grounded and fantastical . Think Pirates of the Caribbean meets Valheim, and you’re starting to get the picture.
Valheim DNA with Souls-Like Combat
Speaking of Valheim, the survival mechanics here will feel immediately familiar to fans of the Viking hit. There’s no traditional hunger or thirst system—instead, food serves a more strategic purpose, boosting health, stamina, and combat power . Well-prepared meals can give players a tangible edge when swords start swinging.
Base building has emerged as an early highlight. Reviewers praise how structures snap neatly into place, elements can be duplicated quickly, and the entire construction process feels smooth and intuitive . Whether you‘re establishing a beachhead or building your pirate empire, the tools are there to make it happen without fighting the interface.
But where Windrose really distinguishes itself is in combat. Multiple sources describe the system as “Souls-lite,” borrowing elements from Dark Souls without the punishing difficulty that might alienate casual players . Expect parrying, dodging, and ranged attacks that require timing and precision rather than button-mashing. Some reviews suggest the combat still needs refinement, but the foundation is solid .
The Demo: Six Hours of Pirate Paradise
On February 17, the developers released a demo for Windrose as part of Steam Next Fest, and they were unusually generous with what they included . Players can explore the first three islands of the archipelago, gather resources, build a base, and unlock their first ship. We‘re talking four to six hours of gameplay, completely free .
You can download the demo directly on Steam here: Windrose Demo on Steam
The demo offers a vertical slice of what’s coming, including:
- Exploration, survival, melee and ranged combat
- Naval battles with seamless boarding actions
- Crafting and building systems
- Co-op multiplayer for up to four players (player-hosted sessions, no dedicated servers in demo)
There are some caveats, of course. Progress does not carry over from the demo to the full game, and Steam Deck compatibility is currently listed as “Unknown” . The co-op mode can also experience occasional connectivity issues, though the team is actively working on fixes .
Community Response: “Extremely Solid First Impressions”
The numbers tell a compelling story. Over 840,000 players have already wishlisted the game on Steam, placing it among the platform‘s most anticipated titles . The demo’s 94% positive rating suggests those wishlists are well-earned.
“Wow what a fantastic game played from beginning to end in 10+ hours non stop,” reads one glowing review. “Lots to do in only the Demo. Can't wait for this to come out” .
Another player called it: “Extremely solid first impressions. Instantly fun to play” .
The praise centers on the game‘s atmosphere, polish, and sheer fun factor—whether in combat, crafting, or simply sailing across a beautifully realized ocean .
A Small Perk for Early Birds
For those who dive into the demo now, there’s a small incentive waiting. Players who complete the demo will receive an exclusive decorative telescope when the full game launches in Early Access . It‘s cosmetic, sure, but it’s also a badge of honor—proof that you were there from the beginning.
The Road Ahead
Windrose is scheduled to enter Early Access later this year, though no specific date has been announced . The full release promises expanded content, dedicated servers, and the complete vision of what the team has been building.
For players hungry for a pirate fix—especially those disappointed by Skull and Bones lukewarm reception—Windrose looks increasingly like the real deal. Where Ubisoft promised “AAAA” quality and delivered something forgettable, this indie studio from Uzbekistan is letting the work speak for itself .
If you want to see what all the fuss is about, the demo is waiting for you on Steam. Just be warned: those six hours have a way of turning into ten.
Windrose is currently available as a free demo on Steam. The full game will launch in Early Access for PC. If you‘re looking to gear up for your pirate adventures, you might also want to check out current deals on the Steam Deck on Amazon—though compatibility is still listed as “Unknown,” early indications suggest it’s worth keeping an eye on.
