Developer Crosswind Crew recently invited players to sign up for their upcoming playtest, and the number exceeded their wildest expectations. They received more than ten times the interest they initially expected in less than two weeks since the announcement. To satisfy the growing player interest in the game, the developers answered some of the most burning questions about MMO and single-player elements, combat, NPC workers, and character customization.

One of the main concerns players have is whether the game is going to be more focused on MMO or solo experience, and whether it leans toward PvP or PvE. At its core, Crosswind is designed as a survival game with a progression system that takes players from one biome to the next, similar to Valheim. Imagine exploring an archipelago filled with different biomes, each with its own resources, enemies, and bosses. Each player controls their own world, a unique archipelago where the main story unfolds, with the possibility to keep the world private or invite friends along for the adventure.

The MMO experience comes into play with shared zones that offer both PvE and PvP activities. As the story progresses, players unlock the opportunity to travel to communal areas where they can trade, explore, and even engage in fights against other players. For instance, early playtests feature a zone known as Tortuga where players meet and trade. Future updates are planned to expand these zones, introducing naval combat and other activities that add an MMO flavor without forcing any competitive behavior on those who prefer a peaceful survival experience.

PvP is treated as an additional option rather than a core focus. The game will allow for players to fight one another, but it won’t be forced. The primary emphasis remains on the survival aspect and the core game story, which can be fully experienced solo. Although the game carries a single-player tag, it is designed with an online framework, meaning there is no offline mode, which is normally how free-to-play games work. This approach ensures that every decision made, whether on a personal island or in a shared zone, contributes to the broader community experience.

A pirate, not just a ship ⛵️

If you've been curious about what's behind the wheel in Crosswind, the developers dropped a new video showcase that gives a glimpse of both the detailed interior and the experience of sailing the ship. pic.twitter.com/7yw1PitkCo

— Survival Game News (@SurvivalGN) April 2, 2025

Naval combat has also been a topic of interest. Inspired by Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag, naval encounters in Crosswind are aimed to combine strategy with skill. The system is still in its early stages, with basic mechanics in place and plans to refine elements such as wind influence, damage zones, and boarding actions. The idea is to provide a rich experience that honors both the creative design and the feedback from early testing.

Additional gameplay layers include base management and character creation. Players will have the opportunity to automate routine tasks in their outposts with the help of NPC workers, who can be assigned various roles such as resource gathering or expedition support. At the same time, the character creation process is being developed to allow a high degree of personalization. From body type to facial features, every aspect is designed to help players feel truly connected to the world of Crosswind.

The upcoming alpha test will focus on the survival and PvE aspects, ensuring that the foundation of the game is solid before further exploring the MMO elements.

Crosswind Crew has also shared that due to the huge player interest in the game, they have closed further playtest applications and will slightly delay its launch from April to May 2025. As they work hard on the upcoming test to ensure server stability, we can expect more news about Crosswind in the coming weeks.