- The Hype: Over 1.5 million global pre-registrations and an “Overwhelmingly Positive” (93.3%) rating for its Steam demo.
- The Devs: Windrose Crew, a small but ambitious studio based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
- The Platforms: Simultaneous global Early Access launch on Stove, Steam, and the Epic Games Store.
- The Setting: A sprawling, seamless open world during the fictional Golden Age of Piracy.
Smilegate’s global gaming platform, Stove, has officially announced the upcoming release of Windrose, the open-world pirate survival adventure that has taken the indie scene by storm. Developed by the Uzbekistan-based Windrose Crew, the game has rapidly become one of 2026’s most wishlisted titles, blending high-seas naval warfare with deep survival crafting mechanics.
The official Stove game page goes live today, March 17, marking the beginning of its final approach to a global Early Access launch.
Master of the Sea and Land
Windrose differentiates itself from other pirate titles by offering a truly seamless transition between naval and land-based gameplay. Players aren’t just sailing; they are building a legacy.
- Strategic Naval Warfare: Command and customize three distinct ship classes—the Ketch, the Britt, and the Brigantine. Engage in long-range cannon duels or pull alongside for visceral boarding actions.
- Souls-lite Combat: On land (and deck), combat is fast and punishing. Using sabers, rapiers, muskets, and pistols, players must master a system built on parrying and dodging to survive hostile wildlife and rival crews.
- Settlement Building: Beyond the ship, you can establish everything from small outposts to massive stone fortresses. Recruit NPCs to help manage your resources and defend your territory.
- A Handcrafted World: Explore over 100 handcrafted dungeons and diverse biomes, all brought to life in stunning detail via Unreal Engine 5.
A Massive Following Before Launch
The numbers behind Windrose are staggering for an indie debut. After the demo was released, the game hit 1 million wishlists in just five days. Now sitting at 1.5 million pre-registrations, it is clear that the global community is hungry for a gritty, PvE-focused pirate experience.
“We wanted to create a world where every island feels like a discovery and every ship feels like a home. Windrose is a labor of love from our team in Tashkent, and we are thrilled to partner with Stove to reach a wider global audience.” — Windrose Crew Development Team
Game Specification: Windrose
| Category | Details |
| Developer | Windrose Crew (Tashkent, Uzbekistan) |
| Publisher | Forward Gateway / Stove (Smilegate) |
| Genre | Open-world PvE Survival / Pirate Crafting |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Platforms | PC (Stove, Steam, Epic) / Consoles (TBA) |
| Release Type | Early Access (Launch Date TBA) |
| Monetization | Buy-to-Play (No Microtransactions) |
| Co-op | Up to 4 Players |
Early Access and Stove Launch
The Early Access version will feature a significant portion of the game’s core loop, including 4-player co-op, ship customization, and the initial acts of the story. Smilegate Stove plans to provide localized support and community events to celebrate the launch.
Stove Game Page: Windrose on Stove (Available from March 17)
