Windrose drops you into the Age of Piracy as a captain who dares to challenge Blackbeard. The game launched into Early Access on 14 April 2026, and one of the first questions players are asking is whether they can bring friends along for the voyage. The short answer is yes, but there are some important details worth knowing before you assemble your crew.
Windrose Multiplayer Overview
| Feature | Status | Detail |
| Multiplayer | Yes | Online co-op, up to 4+ players |
| Solo play | Yes | Fully playable offline or solo |
| PvP | No | Co-op only, no player-vs-player |
| Local / split-screen | No | Online only |
| Self-hosted servers | Yes | Host your own session |
| Dedicated servers | Yes | Join other players’ servers |
| Cross-world progress | Yes | Character progress carries over between worlds |
| Platforms | PC only | Windows via Steam and Epic Games Store |
Does Windrose Have Multiplayer?
Yes, Windrose supports online multiplayer. You and up to four or more players can form a crew and play through the full game together. The multiplayer mode is co-op only, meaning you work alongside your friends rather than against them.
Windrose was originally conceived as an open-world MMO, so multiplayer has always been central to its DNA. However, the development direction shifted toward a more narrative-driven experience, and the multiplayer component became a focused co-op mode rather than a massive online world. Despite that shift, the Windrose crew made sure to keep multiplayer fully supported for players who want to sail with friends.
Key points:
- Windrose supports up to 4+ players in online co-op
- The entire game, including quests and exploration, is playable with friends
- You can join other players’ servers via dedicated servers
- You can also host your own session using self-hosted servers
- Your character’s progress carries over between different worlds, so you never lose your progression
How to Play Multiplayer in Windrose
After creating your character, Windrose prompts you to choose a game mode before you start playing. At this screen, you will see three options:
- Solo / Offline — Play entirely on your own without an internet connection
- Host a Game — Create an online lobby and invite friends by sharing a code
- Connect to Server — Enter a code shared by a friend to join their world directly
To play co-op with friends, select Host a Game. This generates a session code that you share with whoever you want to invite. Your friends then select Connect to Server, enter that code, and they are in your world. It is as straightforward as that.
Worth knowing: If you already created an offline world before deciding to play co-op, you do not need to start over. Simply select the Host a Game option for that existing world, share the code with your friends, and it converts into a co-op session instantly.
You can also invite friends directly through Steam. To do this, create an online world, complete the initial tutorial, and then press Shift + Tab to open your Steam friend list. From there you can send invites directly without needing to share a code manually.
Key steps to start a Windrose co-op session:
- Create or load your character
- Select Host a Game on the game mode screen
- Copy the session code the game generates
- Share the code with your friends
- Your friends select Connect to Server and enter the code to join
Is There PvP in Windrose?
No. Windrose does not include any PvP (player-versus-player) modes. All multiplayer content is strictly co-op, so even if you load into a session with four friends, you cannot engage in combat against one another. Everyone works as a team. If you were hoping to make your crewmates walk the plank, you are out of luck for now, as there is no indication of PvP being added during the current Early Access period.
Is There Local Co-Op or Split-Screen?
No, Windrose does not support local co-op or split-screen play. Given that the game is a PC exclusive built around a complex open world with naval combat, this is not entirely surprising. All co-op sessions take place online.
Can You Play Windrose Solo?
Absolutely. Windrose is fully playable solo, both online and offline. The survival mechanics, ship combat, crafting, and exploration all function as a complete single-player experience. So if your crew is unavailable, you can still set sail on your own terms without missing out on any content.
How Do Servers Work in Windrose?
Windrose gives you two options for multiplayer sessions:
| Server Type | How It Works |
| Self-hosted servers | You host a session from your own machine and invite friends to join directly |
| Dedicated servers | You join an externally hosted server, allowing you to play with a wider pool of players |
One particularly player-friendly feature is shared progress. If you hop into a friend’s game while they are mid-quest, your progression updates alongside theirs. Furthermore, if you prefer to keep a single character across multiple worlds, Windrose allows you to carry that character’s progression wherever you go.
What Is the Early Access State of Multiplayer?
Windrose is in Early Access and the developers plan to keep it there for one to three years. The multiplayer functionality works well right now, with co-op sessions running stably for the most part. However, there are some performance dips when new world chunks load in, particularly when hosting a session with another player. The developers have acknowledged this and are working on further optimisation.
Current Early Access multiplayer notes:
- Co-op sessions with up to 4 players are available from launch
- Some performance slowdowns occur during world chunk loading when hosting
- Occasional disconnections have been reported in hosted sessions
- The game has not crashed during testing, which is a positive sign for overall stability
- Ongoing optimisation updates are planned throughout the Early Access period
Windrose Release Date, Price, and Where to Buy
Windrose entered Early Access on 14 April 2026. You can purchase the game on Steam and the Epic Games Store. The standard price is $30, though both platforms are offering a 10% launch discount until 21 April 2026. Kraken Express is also offering a Supporter Bundle that includes the base game and the original soundtrack, with the soundtrack also available as a separate DLC add-on.
What Platforms Is Windrose Available On?
Windrose is currently a PC exclusive, available on Windows via Steam and the Epic Games Store. There is no confirmed release for PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch at this time, and the developer has not announced any console plans as part of the current Early Access roadmap.
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