An open-world game on the high seas
Windward Horizon is a premium adventure game that blends naval exploration, RPG progression, and open-world discovery. It invites you to chart your own course—whether by trading, questing, or engaging in naval combat—across a vast, ever-changing sea. Designed for both solo players and online co-op, it offers flexibility in how you approach your journey.
As the latest entry in the Windward series, Windward Horizon builds on the foundation of the original release. This new installment expands the scope with deeper mechanics, dynamic faction interactions, and a world that evolves based on your actions and decisions.
Set sail in an expanding world
You begin your journey as an independent captain with no allegiance and a vast ocean to explore. Each campaign takes place on a procedurally generated map, ensuring that every playthrough offers something new. You can sail alone or with friends in online co-op, tackling the game’s systems at your own pace. From the start, Windward Horizon gives you the freedom to choose how your journey unfolds.
Instead of a fixed narrative, the story develops through your actions. Delivering resources to towns allows them to grow, while completing missions for various factions shifts political influence across regions. These decisions influence how towns and leaders treat you, shaping alliances and rivalries over time. The world responds to your efforts, making each campaign feel personal and earned through gameplay rather than scripted storytelling.
From trading and exploration to naval combat, the game supports various playstyles. Ships are highly customizable, with unlockable classes and talent trees tailored to offense, defense, or support. You can recruit crew and captains who bring different advantages to your vessel. However, the gear upgrade system lacks tooltip comparisons, making it hard to evaluate improvements at a glance. Moreover, the inventory system feels slightly cumbersome when managing resources.
An expansive seafaring experience with room to grow
To sum up, Windward Horizon succeeds in delivering a flexible naval RPG with room for exploration, trade, and cooperative play. Its evolving world and open-ended structure make it rewarding for players who enjoy shaping outcomes over time. While the game’s core systems are strong, a few usability improvements—such as better gear comparisons and streamlined inventory controls—would make the overall experience smoother.