Blackwake is a team based first-person shooter where players compete to maintain their pirate ship while attacking other vehicles. The action game, similar in style to the popular Guns of Icarus, features a heavy focus on team cooperation and tactics in a fast paced environment of cannon fire and ocean storms.

On the high seas

After a successful Kickstarter in 2015 and subsequent development, Blackwake's small team have managed to create an impressive foundation for the game. The multiplayer naval title has received positive reviews for the explosive gameplay and mechanics that includes players rushing about a ship, repairing damage, and firing a range of weapons.

Up to six separate teams fight in a single match, aiming to be the last one standing. The graphics are serviceable if a little below average and glitches like rag-dolling are fairly common. It looks like a strong contender in the relatively small genre of team-based naval FPS games.

Now free to play

Blackwave was initially available as a premium early access game in 2020. However, its dwindling popularity caused the title to stop receiving updates soon after it was released. Years after its launch, the game is now available for free. This is the only significant update since its release and could be the last one for a while as the studio that made it no longer exists.

Start a new pirate showdown

Blackwake is still in a very playable state despite its lack of overall polish. Combat is fun and engaging, especially when played with friends. Now that it’s been made available for free, more people can enjoy the chaotic slapstick pirate brawls on the high seas. Just don’t get your hopes up for any significant updates in a while.