Seafarer The Ship Sim sails onto Early Access today

The astragon Entertainment and astragon Development teams are getting pretty great at these simulation titles, and now we've got a completely new type to play with on the horizon. Today we get our first look at Seafarer: The Ship Sim as it sails onto Early Access for both Steam and the Epic Games Store. What is Seafarer: The Ship Sim? Glad you asked, captain!

This highly anticipated ship simulation invites players to chart their own maritime careers and take the helm of a wide variety of vessels. Combining technical realism with exciting gameplay, Seafarer: The Ship Sim offers an immersive seafaring experience powered by Unreal Engine 5 and NVIDIA WaveWorks 2.0, ensuring stunning visuals, lifelike wave physics, and dynamic weather conditions.

They weren't kidding about WaveWorks! I anticipate this might be the best waves have ever looked in a game. Coupled with Unreal Engine 5, it should give us unrivaled realism for this new breed of simulator. But what will we be doing? Wow! You're asking all the right questions today:

From today, captains can dive into over 30 hours of gameplay across the first two factions. Crescentport Logistics tasks players with cargo operations using vessels such as the Tugboat Bernhard and the Cargo Ferry Herbert. The Tide Guard offers thrilling patrol and rescue missions with the Police Boat Rigid, the Police Ship Density, and firefighting specialists Archer and Lancer.

Players can start with the various and exciting missions of the first act of the Story Mode campaign, or set their own pace in Quick Play Mode. To make their own adventure more personal, the character editor allows players to design their own captain before setting sail.

As with all Early Access titles, there is a great deal of content still coming our way with updates and features already in motion. The team is launching the game today, so they'll also be looking for fan feedback to help shape the road (sea?) ahead.

Later in 2025, the free Bulk and LNG Update will introduce large-scale shipping vessels like the Big Trip, Bulk Willy, and Nordic Duchess, alongside new cargo operations. Early next year, the Rescue Update will add new Tide Guard ships Salvation and Grace, bringing high-stakes rescue missions to the fleet.

Looking ahead, captains can expect additional story acts, expanded map areas, a vessel editor, multiplayer co-op missions, and even a brand-new faction to be revealed at a later date on the official Early Access Roadmap.

Ok, enough about the future, what can we play now?

Key Features at Early Access Launch

• A vast open world inspired by Northern European seascapes
• Over 30 hours of gameplay with six playable ships and two factions
• Story Mode campaign and Quick Play missions
• Ship interaction features such as engine checks, crane operations, and firefighting tools
• Advanced wave and weather simulation powered by Unreal Engine 5 and NVIDIA WaveWorks 2.0
• Character editor to design your own captain

My only complaint is that I like playing astragon's games with my wife. Who knows, though – maybe that can be on the horizon as well? Time will tell, but you don't have to wait any longer to get behind the helm – Seafarer: The Ship Sim is now available for PC in Early Access for $24.99 / ₤20.99 / 24,99€ (SRP) via Steam and Epic Games Store.

Look for our full preview sailing your way very soon!