Windrose is laying the groundwork for its first major content update, Ashlands, and the current plan reaches well beyond a new zone. Kraken Express says the work-in-progress expansion should push the story forward, add a fourth biome, and give ship and base systems room to grow.
The studio stressed that the outline can still change, which is normal for something this early. Even so, Ashlands is meant to carry player progress forward rather than reset it. Windrose’s Early Access debut already gave the pirate survival game a strong foothold, and this update looks built to deepen that start instead of replacing it.
In the story, the hunt for the Obols continues. This time, the next fragment is tied to the ruins of a long-lost Spanish colony, where volcanic eruptions left the land twisted and dangerous. Kraken Express says the main campaign and side quests will both grow, with new factions entering the mix and another group also chasing the same relic.
Ashlands adds a new frontier
The update will introduce a full fourth biome with new islands, enemies, items, resources, recipes, points of interest, and a new boss. The team also plans to add new armor and weapon variants, along with biome mechanics it can test as development continues.
More building, more ships
Base builders should see more decorations, extra pieces for the current construction sets, and a few quality-of-life changes. Kraken Express also wants to expand the camp NPC system, and it pointed players to the community ideas page to vote on requests and submit new ones.
Ship play is getting attention too. The studio said it is looking at deeper ship gameplay, improved AI behavior for NPC vessels, more faction ship variants, and at least one new ship class in Ashlands. The Brigantine, Fluyt, and Galleon are all being explored, and wind influence on sailing is still on the table as long as it stays simple rather than pushing Windrose into full sim territory. More shanties are also part of the plan.
Kraken Express said more details, including an estimated release window, will come later as development moves ahead. For now, Ashlands looks like a broad update that aims to touch story, combat, building, and sailing all at once.
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Source: Steam
Windrose
Developed by Windrose Crew
