Jump Ship Preview: It's Sea of Thieves Meets Left 4 Dead, and it's Even More Polished and Fun Than Last Year

Jump Ship: A Sci-Fi PvE Shooter Poised for Success

Almost a year ago, at the Game Developer’s Conference, I first encountered Jump Ship, a captivating four-player sci-fi PvE shooter blending elements of Sea of Thieves, Left 4 Dead, and FTL. A recent hands-on session with the developers confirmed my initial impression: this indie game has the potential for a major breakout. With its upcoming Early Access launch this summer, Jump Ship is more polished and engaging than ever.

Jump Ship is a non-grindy space adventure for up to four players. Importantly, Keepsake Games is actively incorporating feedback to create a compelling solo experience. Solo players will find narratively driven AI companions to assist in managing the ship. This is showcased in the Prologue, which serves as both a tutorial (covering shooting, space suit maneuvering, piloting, and ship combat) and a lore introduction.

Jump Ship - Closed Beta Screenshots

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The core PvE gameplay is enhanced by a compelling narrative. A galaxy-wide virus threatens machines, and players, as Atirans, must reach the galaxy's core to stop it. Missions are procedurally generated, offering varying lengths (10 minutes to an hour). The Jump Map uses color-coding to indicate mission difficulty and rewards.

The AI companion, Iris (discovered in the Prologue), acts as a narrator, providing structure to the gameplay. The Hangar serves as a base of operations for customizing outfits, viewing the Galaxy Map, and even playing soccer.

The four-player gameplay is exceptionally fun. Missions involve dynamic challenges: piloting, weapon operation, hull repairs (using fire extinguishers!), and teamwork during on-foot segments. Grappling hooks facilitate quick movement. Successful loot acquisition requires coordinated efforts to protect the player carrying the prize back to the ship.

Jump ShipKeepsake GamesQ3 2025 Wishlist

While my demo sessions were brief, they highlighted Jump Ship's appeal for short bursts of play. The long-term replayability of the procedurally generated missions remains to be fully assessed, but the game shows immense potential. Jump Ship possesses all the key elements for success, and I eagerly anticipate further playtime.