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 Ready for Launch

Almost a year ago, at the Game Developers Conference, I first encountered Jump Ship, a four-player sci-fi PvE shooter blending elements of Sea of Thieves, Left 4 Dead, and FTL. It immediately impressed me. A recent hands-on session with the developers confirmed my initial enthusiasm; this indie title has the potential to be a major hit in a crowded year for game releases. Its upcoming Early Access launch this summer showcases a refined and incredibly fun experience.

Jump Ship offers a non-grindy space adventure for up to four players. Importantly, Keepsake Games is actively incorporating player feedback, developing a robust single-player mode. Solo players will have AI companions to assist in managing the ship, a feature partially showcased in the Prologue. The Prologue itself serves as both a tutorial, introducing core mechanics (shooting, space suit maneuvering, piloting, and ship combat), and a compelling lore introduction.

Jump Ship - Closed Beta Screenshots

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The game features a compelling narrative centered around a galaxy-wide viral infection. Players, as Atirans, must reach the galaxy's core to eliminate the threat. Missions are procedurally generated, offering varying lengths (10 minutes to an hour). The Jump Map uses color-coding to indicate mission difficulty and potential rewards.

Iris, a non-infected AI encountered in the Prologue, acts as a mission narrator, adding structure to the gameplay. The Hangar serves as a central hub for spending in-game currency, customizing outfits, viewing the Galaxy Map, and even playing soccer.

The core four-player gameplay is exceptionally enjoyable. Missions involve dynamic challenges. Players must coordinate tasks like piloting, managing weapons, performing hull repairs (using fire extinguishers!), and protecting the loot retrieval process. Teamwork is crucial for success. The grappling hook significantly enhances movement speed.

Jump ShipKeepsake GamesQ3 2025 Wishlist

While my demos were brief, they highlighted Jump Ship's ability to deliver intense fun in short play sessions. The long-term replayability, dependent on the procedural generation and mission structure, remains to be fully explored. However, the game's potential is undeniable. Jump Ship possesses all the elements of a potential breakout hit.