There are survival games… and then there are survival games that serve up something more. Windrose... is one of those games. This one’s out here trying to earn its spot at the table, and honestly… it’s doing a pretty solid job of it. Let’s get into some gameplay!
My next move will be to set up a fort that allows me to utilize strategy against the dangers on the island that are in close proximity... and then replicate that on a smaller scale in different locations. That will ensure that I have a safe place to land, no matter where I roam.
The Description Sounds Good… But It Checks Out
When the developers describe Windrose as a PvE survival adventure set in the Age of Piracy—with land and sea combat, co-op play, crafting, exploration, and souls-lite boss fights—you might expect at least one of those elements to feel half-baked in some cases. Luckily, they check out in this game.
You’re not just wandering around collecting scraps—you’re building a life out there. One minute you’re gathering materials and crafting gear, the next you’re commanding a ship, scanning the horizon like “yeah… something’s about to go down.” And it really does.
Hunt. Gather. Build. Craft. Farm. Fight.
Then fight again… but this time on water.
Then level up… and guess what? Fight again.
Replay Value? Yes and Yes!
Windrose loops in a way that feels intentional.
You’re constantly chasing something:
- Better gear
- More resources
- Stronger builds
- Bigger fights
- Treasure
- And of course… Adventure!
The variety in the game keeps you going, and the higher your level... the more you want to see how well you fair on your voyages. If you're known out on the seas... you just might be kicking some serious butt or for finding the most grand adventures. Who wouldn't want to sail along for that?
That gameplay hits harder when you squad up. Rolling with a crew turns everything up a notch—strategy matters more, fights feel bigger, and those “we barely survived that” moments? That’s the action you'll crave often.
I put about 2+ hours into Windrose on my first run… and that wasn’t me getting bored—that was me hitting a time limit. There was still plenty left on the table.
Combat & Exploration Feel Earned
The “souls-lite” combat isn’t just a buzzword here—it shows up in how fights demand your attention. You can’t just button mash your way through everything and call it a day... I got my butt kicked by a dodo!
Timing matters. Positioning matters. And when you’re out at sea? Awareness matters even more. I'm going to see if my fort strategy works out on land to level up faster, but I also want it to look cool too while being efficient.
Exploration also plays a big role. The world feels like it’s hiding things from you on purpose—and that curiosity to uncover what’s next keeps you moving.
Early Access… And It Shows (In Some Areas)
Keeping it real—because everything isn’t perfect.
There are some noticeable hiccups:
- Controller lag, especially when using a PlayStation 5 DualSense
- Character customization, specifically Black hairstyles, is lacking… and yeah, it stands out
If you’re letting players build their pirate from the ground up, you want that character to look right. That part needs work—no way around it.
The good news? This is Early Access. The expectation is improvement—and it's coming... if the developers aren't aware of something, you have the option to let them know (so don't be bashful).
Price, Player Base, and Momentum
At $29.99, Windrose is positioned pretty well for what it offers—and clearly, players agree. We're heading into Summer too... some serious hours might be logged by those on vacay/out of school. The seas are about to get busy. And for a co-op survival game? That’s exactly what you want.
One million copies sold in just 6 days isn’t luck. That’s serious momentum thanks to strategic pricing.
Parents, ESRB rates Windrose T for Teen!
Is Windrose Worth It?
Is water wet? Yes, it's totally worth it. The amount of game time you can log in this game and the fun factor definitely make this game worth more than it's $29.99 price tag. I recommend it if you're into crafting and survival games especially.
You can play solo or co-op so you can get your fix of either... whenever, but even more so if you want a game where you're setting out on the high seas, don't sleep on this souls-lite game.
Generally we recommend a combination of games that include one indie game, AAA game, and one mid-ranged game. This is different enough to serve up variety with other genres knocking it out the park in the alternate slots... while maintaining a similar budget that never has to change to deliver the goods year after year. Windrose goes right into that mid-range category, but it can certainly rival games in the AAA category (that's a win).
Windrose feels like a game that understands what players want from this genre—freedom, challenge, progression, and those moments where everything clicks just right. Just remember that it’s not finished yet—but the foundation is strong. Getting in early and supporting a game like this... also helps the developer make it to the finish line of development (financially speaking).
So yeah—strap up ye boots, grab yar gear… and set sail! Game on!
+ Sophi
