Following Seas

Following Seas

Early access since Nov 2025

Following Seas is a game about ships and the sea. Transport cargo, fish, and fight the weather in an unforgiving open world. Featuring elements of realistic ship management, you can use the stars to navigate, batten the hatches, and get lost beyond the edges of the map.

76% positive · 167 reviews
Not yet
In early access, still in active development
High confidence
Active Development
Not yet
In early access, still in active development
High confidence
Active Development

Where to buy

Steam $14.99
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Evaluation

Following Seas has been in Steam Early Access since November 21, 2025 and remains actively in development by Whipstaff Games, a solo developer. Since launch, the game has received a consistent stream of substantial updates roughly every 1–3 months. Major content milestones include: the Dhow ship (January 2, 2026), a new island called Tathun's Pit (January 10, 2026), square-rigged ships and the Weeping Isle landmark (March 9, 2026), a complete overhaul of the sailing physics system (May 10, 2026), a full engine migration to Unity 6 (July 7, 2026), and the initial crew system in version 0.5 (August 31, 2026). The crew system update is particularly significant as an indicator of ongoing development. In an announcement on August 24, 2026, the developer described it as "a first step in what I expect to be numerous iterations," with future planned functionality including more complex ship system management, guarding, and weapons. The post details unfinished aspects — crew animations described as "bad," several ships not yet supporting crew, and a planned purchasing system not yet implemented. The version numbering was previously reset from 1.X to 0.X, with the developer noting that it "doesn't really make sense to have release start at 2," making clear that 1.0 is still a future milestone. No 1.0 release date has been announced, and the developer has not signalled that Early Access is approaching its end.
Evidence
Version 0.5 launched with the initial crew system, introducing mast control, helm control, and pump control for crew members. Developer notes animations are poor and functionality is limited, describing it as 'a first step in what I expect to be numerous iterations.'
news post · Aug 31, 2026 source development ongoing
high
Developer previewed the upcoming crew system and outlined future planned functionality including more complex ship management, guarding, and working weaponry. Described crew purchasing and world-placement systems as still in progress.
news post · Aug 24, 2026 source content planned
high

Media

Details

Publisher
Whipstaff Games
Achievements
—
Platform
Windows
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player

About this game

ABOUT THIS GAME

Adrift in the ruins of a collapsed empire, you and your ship are a tenuous lifeline to the scattered peoples that make the few remaining green islands their home. Brave hostile seas and dying lands to transport goods that can be the difference between starving and survival for those that watch the rising sun for your sails on the horizon.

Following Seas is a game about ships and the sea. Transport cargo, fish, and fight the weather in an unforgiving open world.

YOUR HANDS ON THE WHEEL

You have great control over your sails, using detailed physical simulation of wind forces, you can trim your sails by adjusting the position and length of guide ropes. Manage stability by adding or removing ballast, or positioning your load to maintain an even keel. Use navigation tools like the compass, chronometer, or quadrant to track your position. Following Seas aims to be an accessible but complex sim-lite. Understanding your ship is key, but this is not a full simulator.

Fast travel and various convenience features are present -- but this is not a swashbuckling adventure game. The pace is slow, intensity infrequent, and moment to moment experience will be often mundane. 

YOUR FEET ON DECK

Command your ship from first person, and explore the detailed ships that draw inspiration from historical vessels that sailed between the 15th and 18th centuries. Inspect your provisions and cargo, batten the hatches, and catch that horizon!

Unforgiving Seas

Winds can be fickle, and storms only rise when you need them least. Progressive flooding is simulated, along with negative stability effects caused by the freesurface effect of onboard floodwaters. A moment of inattention could see you capsize, and then at the bottom. You must manage your pumps, along with your load and heading to stay afloat in heavy seas.

Last evaluated Sep 2, 2026
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