Crosswind Gamescom 2025 Q&A: Inspiration from the Best Pirate Game, Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag

Exploring Crosswind: A New Era in Survival Adventure Gaming

During Gamescom 2025, I had the opportunity to speak with producer Philip Molodkovets about the highly anticipated game Crosswind, which draws significant inspiration from Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. Initially intended as a free-to-play MMO, the game has evolved into a premium ‘survival adventure’ title incorporating online cooperative gameplay. The early access phase will begin next year on Steam, followed by a console launch planned for 2026.

Current Developments and New Features

In our meeting, Philip shared insights about the latest build on display, combining existing test content with new features under development.“Our goal is to kick off early access in 2026, ”he affirmed.

Innovative Base Building Mechanics

A standout feature of Crosswind is its base building system, crafted entirely with in-game tools and materials.“We aim for maximum flexibility, ”Philip explained. Players will have access to countless building blocks and styles to unleash their creativity, even suggesting that a good building system should allow players to construct recognizable objects like the Millennium Falcon.

Players can customize their bases with crafting benches, workstations, and recruit NPC specialists who boost production and share recipes. Over time, automated tasks such as tree chopping and rock mining become accessible, ensuring a smoother gameplay experience.

Naval Combat and Unique Game World

Much of Crosswind’s naval gameplay parallels that of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, a title the team regards as the pinnacle of pirate gaming. Following the Alpha test, enhancements were made, including advanced ship crew dynamics. Your crew can perish in battles, and players will see them dash to various cannons during a skirmish.

The first map is an archipelago characterized by procedural generation paired with handcrafted points of interest, to give each player a unique experience while still including memorable dungeons and camps to explore.

Player Progression and Gear Customization

In Crosswind, players can craft and upgrade a variety of gear, including armor, jewelry, and weapons. Each type will have corresponding stats affecting damage and health, enabling players to define their combat style—whether as a long-range musketeer or a melee fighter wielding a saber and pistol.

Transitioning to different biomes like the Ashlands—an area devastated by volcanic activity—brings new challenges, resources, and exploration opportunities. Each biome will feature unique enemies and bosses, pushing players to adapt their strategies continually as they explore.

Combat Mechanics and Gameplay Style

The combat system has been designed as a ‘Soulslite, ’ offering light and heavy attacks alongside blocks, parries, and dashes while maintaining accessibility. Philip noted positive feedback from players during the Alpha regarding the game’s engaging points of interest and meticulously crafted dungeons, further enriching gameplay.

Community Interaction and Game Narrative

The demo concluded at Tortuga, initially envisioned as a social hub during its MMO phase, now repurposed as an outpost where players can complete quests and trade goods. As a besieged area facing zombie threats, it sets the stage for dynamic player interaction.

While current naval mechanics are aesthetically influenced by wind and water physics, forthcoming updates aim to deepen ship customization, allowing players to personalize their vessels to feel like a second home. Future gameplay enhancements will include tactical adaptations in naval combat, including ammo versatility and strategic maneuvering.

Future Game Plans and Early Access Goals

As they venture into early access in 2026, the team estimates a development period of twelve to eighteen months before launching version 1.0. Plans for cross-play functionality with consoles are under consideration, although immediate focus remains on perfecting the core game mechanics.

Philip confirmed that the game will not lean heavily into hardcore survival mechanics. While players won’t starve or deal with broken tools, some level of resource management will still exist, allowing the adventure aspect to flourish.

Final Thoughts on Crosswind’s Development

Shifting from the MMO format to a cooperative experience has allowed the team to focus on creating a refined survival adventure rather than risking an expansive but flawed MMO. With a team of around 70 individuals working from offices in Tashkent and Hong Kong, the dedication to craft an engaging gameplay experience remains robust. Understanding the specifics of early access will come in due time as the team processes feedback and adapts future developments.

As Crosswind nears its early access launch, it’s clear that player input will be key in shaping its future, promising an engaging mix of survival elements and rich narrative without sacrificing accessibility for players.

For ongoing updates and insights, stay tuned to official announcements from the development team as they finalize their roadmap toward immersion.

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