Windrose: Huge success with 1.5 million copies sold and first major update announced

Windrose, a recently launched pirate survival game from Kraken Express, has become a true sensation on Steam. Since its early access release on 14 April 2026, the game has sold more than 1.5 million copies in just two weeks. That has not only led to impressive sales, but also a peak of more than 222,000 concurrent players. The game currently holds an 88% approval rating from players, based on more than 16,000 reviews on Steam.

The world of Windrose

Windrose gives players the chance to explore an open world filled with diverse biomes, battle enemies in a souls-lite-inspired combat style, and use unique weapons such as swords and muskets. The game also features a robust building and design system, allowing players to construct their own pirate haven and command their ships in exciting naval battles.

Announcement of the first major update

On 29 April 2026, Kraken Express unveiled its 2026 roadmap, including the first major content update called 'Ashlands'. This new biome will be a dangerous area overrun by the undead and covered in volcanic ash. The update is expected to take at least six months to develop, pointing to an ambitious expansion for the game.

Update content

The Ashlands update will introduce more than 40 new building pieces and include more than 50 fixes and quality-of-life improvements. The developers said that while the game is already packed with content, the update will serve both to strengthen the game and add new material. More detailed information about the update is promised soon, as the team is now finalizing its plans.

The developers stress that players will need to be patient while they work on the update, but they are determined to evolve the gameplay rather than simply add new biomes. The Kraken Express team is also planning smaller updates in the meantime to address performance and stability issues. These first steps are aimed at improving their existing systems and overall experience.

Windrose is currently available only on Steam, and while there have been discussions about a possible console expansion, the focus for now is on delivering a solid full experience on PC.