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Multiplayer
April 15, 2026 at 08:28 PM
April 16, 2026: add launch-day server issues (Nitrado overload, undocumented tutorial requirement), document Hotfix 0.10.0.1.6 contents, RAM requirements for self-hosting
Windrose supports cooperative multiplayer for up to 8 players in self-hosted sessions and up to 32 players on dedicated servers, with the developers recommending 4 players for optimal late-game performance. The game is fully playable solo offline, and co-op is entirely optional. There is no PvP in the current design. The multiplayer system uses private, persistent worlds rather than shared public servers. Both self-hosted co-op and dedicated servers are available from the April 14, 2026 Early Access launch.
The 8-player self-hosted cap was expanded from the 4-player limit in the February 2026 demo after community requests. Dedicated servers extend this further to 32 concurrent players. Kraken Express notes that while the game technically supports 8 in self-hosted and 32 on dedicated servers, the recommended experience for stable late-game play is 4 players.
A major post-demo addition at Early Access launch allows multiple players to crew a single ship together. While each player still commands their own ship by default, crewmates can now share control of a vessel's weaponry: players can man cannons and batteries on the same ship, with one player per battery. This was one of the most-requested features from demo feedback. The developers indicated additional multi-crew ship roles (sailing, navigation) are planned for later Early Access updates.
Three methods exist for joining co-op sessions:
Invite Code: The host selects "Host a Game," creates or selects a world, and receives a unique invite code. An optional password can be set. Friends go to Play > "Connect to Server" and enter the invite code (and password if set).
Steam Overlay Invite: The host presses Shift+Tab, finds the friend, right-clicks, and selects "Invite to Play." The friend accepts the Steam invite.
Recent List: Players can select recently played lobbies from the "Recent" list below the invite code input.
There is no public server browser. The system is invite-based for private co-op, though dedicated servers can be found via third-party server lists.
The April 14, 2026 Early Access launch surfaced several multiplayer connectivity issues that the team addressed within hours via Hotfix 0.10.0.1.6. The most commonly reported issues:
If you encounter multiplayer connection problems, complete the singleplayer prologue and Islander tutorial first, then attempt to join. Verify your dedicated server provider has scaled past the Nitrado-style launch surge by checking the provider's status page.
Multiple hosting companies offer Windrose server hosting from the Early Access launch. See the dedicated server hosting article for setup details. Confirmed providers include:
Hosting a co-op session on your own machine while also playing the game requires more memory than the published minimum specs. Community testing on Reddit and Steam discussions indicates roughly 24 GB of total system RAM (16 GB for the game client + 8 GB for the dedicated server process) is needed for stable 4-player co-op. Players running the recommended 32 GB build report no issues hosting an 8-player session. The Windrose Dedicated Server tool ships free in the Steam Tools library.
Each co-op group plays in a private, persistent world. There are no random strangers sailing into your territory. Worlds persist on the host's machine between sessions and can be resumed from the world list. When the host is offline, other players cannot access that world unless a dedicated server hosts the save file.
Players can use a single character across multiple worlds. Character progress (levels, talents, recipes) carries over between different procedurally generated worlds. Players can also create new characters for each lobby via the "Change Character" option. Demo progress from the February 2026 Steam Next Fest demo does NOT carry over to Early Access.
NPC crew members sing sea shanties while sailing, a feature widely praised by the community. PC Gamer's reviewer stated the "boisterous sea shanties my crew sings keep me coming back for more." The Steam store description confirms: "When the cannons go silent, claim your spoils and share a sea shanty with your crew as you sail onward." Known songs include "Drunken Sailor," "British Tars," "Sail the Raging Sea," "Rolling Home," and many more from the Sean Dagher-performed soundtrack. Shanties are performed by NPC crew, not player characters.
Playing with friends opens up role specialization. Groups can coordinate so that one person focuses on base building while others handle exploration and combat. In naval combat, each player can command their own ship OR crew a single ship with shared cannon control (new at launch). Dungeon runs with a full party allow tank-and-damage role splits that solo players cannot access.
Quest progression in co-op: when starting together simultaneously, shared quest credit applies automatically. Players joining an already-in-progress session must catch up on quests independently. A configurable shared quest progression setting is available when creating a world.
No PvP; the game is strictly PvE
Official mod support is planned but not yet available at Early Access launch
No local split-screen
Dedicated server software requires third-party hosting or self-hosted setup; the Windrose Dedicated Server tool is free in the Steam Tools library
Singleplayer Islander tutorial must be completed before joining multiplayer worlds (intentional design, not a bug)
Windrose is strictly PvE. PvP was removed when the game pivoted from its original Crosswind MMO design. The developers stated: "Windrose will move forward as a classic survival game with PvE co-op at its core, rather than an MMO-lite survival, focusing on exploration, adventure, treasure hunting and having a good time with friends rather than power struggle and PvP." The developers remain open to exploring PvP in the future but have no commitments at this point.
The developers have indicated several multiplayer improvements planned across Early Access:
Additional multi-crew ship mechanics expanding on the launch-day shared-cannon feature
Expanding player count: Yar_master on the development team responded to requests for more players: "We will try to expand the group limit as much as possible, but what will come out of this remains to be seen"
Mod support: the team aims to "make modding at least technically feasible" though official support is not available at Early Access launch
Official mod support is planned for the future but is not available at Early Access launch. The game is built on Unreal Engine 5, and the community has already begun creating mods using the default UE5 pak format. Existing community mods include an intro skipper, player speed adjustments, stamina modifications, and camera tweaks.
