Hold onto your feathers—Krafton Montréal Studio just unveiled Project Windless, an open-world action RPG where you play as a seven-foot, musclebound, sword-wielding Rekon warrior (yes, a giant humanoid bird warlord) inspired by the acclaimed Korean fantasy novels The Bird That Drinks Tears. Announced during the February 2026 State of Play, this PS5 game promises brutal combat against hundreds of enemies simultaneously. Let’s break down everything we know.
Project Windless Release Date – When Is It Coming Out?
Project Windless currently has no confirmed release date. Krafton describes the game as “currently in development” for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro, with no other platforms announced at this time.
The fact that it’s still using the “Project” name strongly suggests it’s years away from launch. Krafton Montréal Studio has been “quietly working on” the game for years according to Studio Head Patrik Méthé, but they’re clearly in the early reveal stages.
What Is Project Windless? – Story and Setting
Project Windless takes place in the universe of The Bird That Drinks Tears, a critically acclaimed South Korean high fantasy novel series by Lee Youngdo that began in 2003.
A Thousand Years Before the Books
Instead of adapting the known story, Krafton went over a thousand years into the past to explore a forgotten age barely touched upon in the novels. This ancient era serves as a turning point where the land stands divided, and tensions rise between multiple races.
The Four Races:
- Humans – The familiar baseline
- Rekons – Nomadic warrior race of humanoid birds
- Nhaga – Reptilian beings
- Tokkebi – Goblin-like creatures
You play as a mythical Rekon warrior whose actions will shape the birth of a new kingdom. The reveal trailer showcased the protagonist facing off against a snake-like antagonist who speaks of purity and laying siege to enemies of her goddess.
Who Are the Rekons? – Playing as a Giant Bird Warrior
Rekons are nomadic warrior humanoid birds known for immense physical strength and imposing size. Krafton chose them specifically because their speed, reach, and physical presence perfectly suited the “one-versus-many combat fantasy” at the game’s core.
Why Rekons Work as Protagonists
What makes Rekons compelling goes beyond just brute strength:
- Powerful yet vulnerable – They possess formidable combat abilities but aren’t invincible
- Complex personalities – Solitary warriors with strong personal beliefs
- Unique weaknesses – Including a well-known fear of water that adds depth
- Memorable design – The muscular, sword-wielding bird aesthetic is instantly distinctive
These traits create a protagonist who feels “more real” according to Krafton, avoiding the typical invincible hero archetype. The internet is already buzzing—fans on X and Reddit can’t stop talking about the seven-foot chicken warlord premise.
Project Windless Gameplay – Dynasty Warriors Meets God of War
Project Windless combines open-world exploration with massive-scale combat reminiscent of Dynasty Warriors, led by veteran Far Cry director Patrik Méthé.
Combat Against Hundreds of Enemies
The reveal trailer showcased jaw-dropping battles where you face dozens or even hundreds of enemies simultaneously. Krafton emphasizes these crowds aren’t just visual filler—they’re brought to life through innovative mass technology that makes them:
- Move dynamically around the battlefield
- Flank and surround your position tactically
- React to your actions in real-time
- Create unpredictable encounters every time
You’ll slash through swarms of smaller enemies or face giant creatures that dominate the battlefield. Every encounter demands reading the situation, adapting strategies, and reacting in the moment.
Open World Exploration with Minimal Hand-Holding
Krafton designed Project Windless with “as little hand-holding as possible” to encourage genuine exploration and player agency.
Key Open World Features:
- Chart your own course – The world rarely forces single directions
- Explore freely – Discover hidden stories and mysteries at your pace
- Forge alliances – Build relationships with factions
- Wage war – Engage in massive battlefield conflicts
- Personal journeys – Your choices shape what kind of legend you become
The developers want your adventure to feel “personal and authentic, full of unexpected moments” rather than following rigid quest markers.
What Platforms Will Project Windless Be On?
Currently Confirmed Platforms:
- PlayStation 5
- PlayStation 5 Pro
As of the February 2026 announcement, only PlayStation platforms are confirmed. Krafton hasn’t announced PC, Xbox, or Nintendo versions, though the publisher could expand platform availability closer to release.
The Development Team Behind Project Windless
Krafton Montréal Studio leads development under Patrik Méthé, who brings extensive experience as a veteran director on Ubisoft’s Far Cry series. This pedigree suggests expertise in crafting open-world experiences with emergent gameplay.
The team describes discovering The Bird That Drinks Tears novels and being immediately struck by how different they felt from classic Western fantasy—”stranger, darker, and more tragic. In many ways, also more human.”
The Bottom Line
Project Windless looks like a bold swing at creating something genuinely unique in the open-world action RPG space. Playing as a seven-foot bird warlord slashing through hundreds of enemies while exploring a dark fantasy world inspired by Korean literature? That’s certainly not your typical game premise.
While we’re likely years away from release, the ambition on display—massive-scale combat, minimal hand-holding exploration, and a protagonist who’s literally a musclebound chicken with a sword—has already turned heads. The buzz on social media proves fans are hooked by this wild concept. If Krafton Montréal can deliver on their vision, Project Windless could become something truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions
Project Windless has no confirmed release date. It’s currently in development for PS5 and PS5 Pro, with the “Project” codename suggesting it’s still years away from launch.
Project Windless is currently confirmed only for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro. Krafton hasn’t announced other platforms yet, though they could expand availability in the future.
Rekons are a nomadic warrior race of humanoid birds known for immense physical strength and size. They have complex personalities, strong personal beliefs, and unique vulnerabilities including a fear of water.
Yes. Project Windless is set in the universe of The Bird That Drinks Tears, an acclaimed South Korean high fantasy novel series by Lee Youngdo. The game takes place over a thousand years before the events of the books.
Project Windless features Dynasty Warriors-style combat where you battle dozens or hundreds of enemies simultaneously, combined with open-world exploration designed with minimal hand-holding to encourage player freedom and curiosity.
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