If you’re on the lookout for the next big indie gem in the gaming world, Jump Ship might just be it. A little over a year ago, I first got my hands on this intriguing sci-fi PvE shooter at the Game Developer’s Conference, and since then, it has only grown more polished and promising. Combining elements from beloved titles like Sea of Thieves, Left 4 Dead, and FTL, Jump Ship offers a fresh, cooperative experience that stands out even in one of the most competitive years for game releases. With an Early Access launch scheduled for Summer, now is the perfect time to get excited.

For those unfamiliar, Jump Ship is a four-player co-op space adventure developed by Keepsake Games. And while it's designed with multiplayer in mind, the team has been actively incorporating feedback to ensure solo players can enjoy the full experience too. How? Through narratively integrated AI companions that bring life and support to single-player sessions. The Prologue mission gives you a taste of this approach—serving both as a tutorial to core mechanics like piloting your ship, using a grappling hook, and engaging in combat, as well as a narrative setup for what’s to come.

Jump Ship - Closed Beta Screenshots

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The game now features a compelling story backdrop: a dangerous virus has infected machines across the galaxy, and you and your fellow Atirans must journey to the galactic core to stop it. Missions are procedurally generated and vary in length—from quick 10-minute runs to hour-long adventures. Each decision you make on the Jump Map influences the danger level of your next mission, color-coded for clarity. Naturally, higher risk means better rewards.

Aiding you throughout the journey is Iris, a non-infected AI companion introduced during the Prologue. Acting as your narrator and guide, Iris adds structure and depth to the gameplay experience. Between missions, you’ll return to the Hangar—a central hub where you can spend in-game currency, customize your gear, view the Galaxy Map, or simply unwind with a quick game of soccer.

Back to the action-packed co-op gameplay—this is where Jump Ship truly shines. As you travel between locations, your ship may come under attack. This is where teamwork comes into play: one player pilots the ship and fires the basic cockpit weapons, another mans the turret station, and the remaining two might find themselves outside the hull, shooting at enemies with magnetic boots keeping them grounded. If your ship sustains damage, someone will need to grab a fire extinguisher, crawl through vents, and put out any flames—because yes, even your pizza oven needs protection!

Once you reach your destination, all players disembark and head inside to retrieve valuable loot. Hostile infected robots await, so coordination is key. Grappling hooks help you traverse environments quickly, whether on foot or in zero gravity. Once the loot is secured, one player must carry it back to the ship while the rest provide cover—an intense and thrilling finale to each mission.

Both my initial demo last year and the latest build I played recently were brief but highly enjoyable. While I haven’t yet seen the full scope of procedural generation and long-term progression, everything I’ve experienced so far suggests Jump Ship has the potential to become something truly special. It’s fun, fast-paced, and full of personality—making it one of the most exciting indie titles to watch this year.

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Release Date: Q3 2025