Rumors about a FromSoftware pirate game have circulated online for several months. However, the legendary studio has not announced anything official just yet. Pirate fans currently enjoy ongoing support for Sea of Thieves and the perseverance of Skull and Bones. Gamers also recently received a strong remake of the iconic Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag, while the colorful Sea of Remnants remains in development. Despite these options, players seeking a true pirate soulslike have waited empty-handed. Fortunately, an indie developer is stepping up to fill the void. Today on October 30, a brand-new open-world title called Keelblade officially debuted. This upcoming release promises to deliver a punishing pirate soulslike experience alongside deep survival crafting mechanics.
Interested players can head over to the Steam store to wishlist Keelblade right now ahead of its highly anticipated 2027 launch.
Keelblade Offers Intense Soulslike Combat & Bosses
Keelblade combines open-world sailing with challenging action. Players will travel across a massive fantasy world in their own customizable pirate ships. Along the way, they will discover new islands and loot them for hidden treasures. Naturally, these islands are crawling with dangerous enemies. Players will encounter a wide variety of foes, ranging from basic trolls to giant crabs.
To survive, gamers must master defensive mechanics. Combat requires perfectly timed dodging, rolling, parries, and defense breaks. Furthermore, the game offers deep character customization. Players can utilize powerful magic and adjust their weapons to play as a heavy tank or a helpful support character.
The game also features intense boss fights with massive red health bars. For example, players will fight a cannon-wielding humanoid sea creature named Pete. Additionally, they will face a disturbing dog-like shark completely covered in harpoons. The open world even features a massive dragon that breathes fire onto player ships, heavily resembling the famous Red Dragon from Demon’s Souls. After defeating these bosses, players can rematch them in a dedicated Challenge Mode. This unique mode adds harsher conditions for an even greater test of skill. Players will also meet traditional soulslike NPCs, such as a giant turtle blacksmith.
Seamless Co-Op & Ship Building
Unlike traditional soulslike games, Keelblade offers a remarkably seamless cooperative experience. Groups of up to six players can explore the world together without restrictive tethering. Consequently, players can completely split up. One player can explore an island on foot while the others sail to a completely different location.
Furthermore, the game abandons the tedious summon signs often found in FromSoftware titles. Players never have to reconnect after a death or a boss battle. Instead, the entire group progresses their quests at the exact same time. This smooth multiplayer system heavily resembles the beloved mechanics of Sea of Thieves.
Ship customization also plays a central role in the adventure. Players will gather chopped wood and discover new blueprints while exploring dangerous islands. Subsequently, they can build structures directly on their ship’s deck. Crews can transform their vessel into a cozy shelter, a functional kitchen, a busy workshop, or a massive storage space. This unique blend of open-world exploration, base building, and brutal combat gives the game massive potential. Fans of the genre should definitely wishlist Keelblade on Steam to prepare for its 2027 release.
