Jump Ship Preview: Sea of Thieves and Left 4 Dead Blend, Now Smoother and More Enjoyable

It was almost exactly one year ago that I walked into a meeting during the Game Developer’s Conference and first got introduced to Jump Ship, a four-player sci-fi PvE shooter that masterfully blends mechanics from Sea of Thieves, Left 4 Dead, and FTL into a truly unique experience. Having recently had the opportunity to dive into the latest build alongside some of the developers, I'm more convinced than ever that Jump Ship has the potential to become the breakout indie hit of a year already brimming with exciting releases. As it gears up for an Early Access launch this Summer, the game has evolved into a polished and exhilarating adventure.

If you’re new to Jump Ship, let me introduce you to this non-grindy space adventure designed for up to four players. And I emphasize "players" rather than "multiplayer" because the team at Keepsake Games has been actively responding to player feedback. They're crafting an innovative approach that allows solo adventurers to enjoy the game with narratively crafted AI assistants to help manage the ship. You get a glimpse of this in the Prologue, which serves as both a tutorial, introducing you to core gameplay elements like shooting, flying in your space suit, and piloting the ship, and a narrative builder that sets the stage for your journey.

Jump Ship - Closed Beta Screenshots

12 ImagesJump Ship now boasts a compelling story woven into its core PvE gameplay. The narrative revolves around a malicious virus that has infected machines across the galaxy. You and your fellow Atirans must venture to the heart of the galaxy to uncover its source and stop it. Your journey will take you through procedurally generated mission chains in each sector. These missions vary in length, from quick 10-minute jaunts to more extensive hour-long endeavors. The Jump Map helps you make informed choices by color-coding the level of danger, ensuring you know what you're getting into. And remember, the higher the risk, the greater the reward.

The narrative is enriched by Iris, a non-infected AI you encounter in the Prologue, who serves as a helpful narrator during your missions. This adds a structured layer to the robust gameplay Jump Ship offers. Additionally, the Hangar acts as your base of operations, where you can spend in-game currency to customize your outfits, explore the Galaxy Map, and even indulge in a bit of soccer during your downtime.

Let's dive back into that thrilling four-player gameplay. It's an absolute blast! Missions rarely go as planned, and you'll find yourself in various roles. One player might pilot the ship and use the pilot’s chair weapons, while another operates the ship’s powerful 360-degree-pivoting cannon. Meanwhile, the other two could be mag-booted to the hull, taking shots at enemy ships. But when your ship sustains damage, it's all hands on deck to grab fire extinguishers, crawl through vents, and put out fires to keep your trusty pineapple pizza-maker running smoothly!

Jump ShipKeepsake GamesQ3 2025 WishlistOnce you reach your destination, all four players disembark and navigate the structure to secure the loot. These infected robots won't go down easily, so teamwork is crucial at every turn. Your grappling hook becomes an essential tool, allowing you to zip through areas swiftly, both on the ground and in space. When you've secured the big prize, one player must carry it back to the ship while the others provide cover, ensuring the loot reaches safety.

Both my demo from last year and the recent one were brief, yet they showcased Jump Ship's ability to deliver fun in short bursts—perfect for those who can't commit to longer gaming sessions. However, I haven't yet seen the full extent of the mission structure and the variety offered by its procedurally generated content to fully assess its replayability. Nonetheless, everything I've experienced so far points to Jump Ship having all the ingredients to become a standout title. I'm eagerly anticipating the chance to explore more of what this game has to offer.