Windrose, a cooperative pirate survival crafter, sold over one million copies in its first six days of Early Access on Steam [1]. The game, developed by Kraken Express (formerly Windrose Crew), peaked at 97,981 concurrent players on the platform [2].

The title represents a notable success for an indie Early Access launch, drawing a player base typically reserved for more established franchises. Windrose blends swashbuckling adventure with survival and crafting mechanics, tasks players manage aboard customizable ships.

Kraken Express said it has contacted internet service provider experts to address co-op connectivity issues that emerged during the launch window. Early Access releases frequently face technical hurdles as demand outpaces server infrastructure.

The game launched with broadly positive Steam reviews despite the connection problems. Windrose formerly went by the name Crosswind during its development phase.

The survival crafting genre has grown crowded, with major competitors including Sea of Thieves and the breakout hit Palworld. Windrose's launch performance suggests demand for fresh takes on the co-op survival formula remains strong among players willing to accept unfinished products at a discount.

Windrose is available now on Steam in Early Access.

“Windrose sold over one million copies in its first six days of Early Access.”

The numbers signal strong demand for co-op pirate survival games, a niche that has proven commercially viable following titles like Sea of Thieves. For players, the strong launch means Windrose will likely receive sustained post-launch support as developers work to resolve connectivity issues. For competitors, the sales pace establishes a new indie benchmark for Early Access survival games — one that could shape publishing expectations across the genre.