In a surprising turn of events, Steam has welcomed a new champion to its best-selling ranks, as the indie title Windrose has claimed the top spot, displacing the previously reigning Crimson Desert. This unexpected success comes at a time when many anticipated that Capcom’s Pragmata would take the lead, given its acclaim as one of the standout games of the year, likely to feature in Game of the Year discussions. However, Windrose, a fresh entry in the survival genre, has captured the attention of gamers everywhere since its recent Early Access launch.
A Promising Debut
Independent developer Kraken Express, making its debut in the gaming world, has introduced Windrose, a pirate-themed PvE survival adventure. The game has not only soared to the top of the sales charts but has also garnered an impressive 89% approval rating from over 13,000 user reviews. This achievement is particularly noteworthy for an Early Access title, which typically lacks the polish of fully released games.
Set against a backdrop of treacherous seas and uncharted lands, Windrose invites players to engage in the classic survival gameplay elements of “build, craft, and survive.” Players must navigate both land and sea, facing challenges from other players while uncovering quests and mysteries within procedurally generated biomes. Central to the experience is the need for a ship and a crew, with naval combat featuring prominently, including thrilling boarding actions and seamless transitions between ship and shore.
A New Era for Pirate Games
At a price point of , Windrose has set itself apart in the market, and its reception reflects this value. One user review encapsulates the sentiment perfectly: “Tired of losing all your hard-earned stuff to sweaty jobless cheaters, you have arrived…. finally a game that is actually fun and gives you the freedom to explore, create, and progress as you play with your friends and not be worried about your game being ruined by other players.”
As for its future, the duration of Windrose in Early Access remains uncertain. However, player support has been consistent, with a peak concurrent player count reaching an impressive 222,134, and a recent count still hovering near 200,000. While this represents a slight decline, it underscores the game’s strong retention rate.
For those interested in compatibility, it’s worth noting that while Windrose is not Steam Deck Verified, Valve has classified it as “Playable” on the handheld device, leaving room for potential updates in the future.
