The roguelike structure is very flexible in the kinds of games it can support, though most in the genre tend to stick to human or human-like characters and units that players upgrade throughout a run. The appropriately named It’s About Pirates, developed and published by Elderwoof Games, completely rejects this trend as the central focus is shown to be on the vessel rather than the crew. The new gameplay trailer shows off this core feature along with the general progression in anticipation of the game’s launch late this year.
The trailer begins with the main pirate ship already in trouble as it is surrounded by many smaller ships, each firing cannons to create a wave of bullets. The main ship is able to retaliate with cannons of its own, emphasizing the importance of old naval combat and keeping a ship’s side pointed at the enemy. As the trailer progresses, stranger enemies reveal themselves, including sharks and giant squid. Once the ship falls, the door is opened to the roguelike aspect of the game, which allows the ship to level up and choose from different upgrades and crew members, who themselves have different levels, roles, and abilities.
The game’s Steam page clarifies that the ultimate goal of each run is to survive, creating an atmosphere of true pirates on the run. It also highlights some of the more unique upgrades that players could obtain, such as flamethrowers, harpoons, and mortars. The trailer ends by showcasing boss fights against a volcano, a ghost ship, and a massive statue.
The bond between captain and vessel is well documented across pirate mythos. It’s About Pirates lets players literally command their ship, upgrading it as if it were a character itself and tying their life to its safety. The game is set to release on Steam in November of 2026.