Jump Ship Preview: Sci-Fi Co-Op Shooter Blends Sea of Thieves and Left 4 Dead with Polished Fun

About a year ago, at the Game Developer’s Conference, I first encountered Jump Ship, a thrilling four-player sci-fi PvE shooter that merges elements from Sea of Thieves, Left 4 Dead, and FTL into a uniquely captivating experience. Recently, I played the latest build alongside its developers, and it’s clear this indie title has the potential to stand out in a crowded year of game releases. As it gears up for an Early Access launch this summer, Jump Ship feels more refined and engaging than ever.

For those unfamiliar, Jump Ship is a cooperative space adventure for up to four players, designed to avoid grind-heavy gameplay. The team at Keepsake Games is also crafting a solo mode, incorporating AI assistants to help navigate the ship, allowing players to enjoy it as a single-player experience. The Prologue introduces core mechanics—shooting, piloting, spacewalking, and ship combat—while weaving in narrative elements to set the stage.

Jump Ship - Closed Beta Screenshots

Jump Ship now boasts a compelling story underpinning its PvE core. A deadly virus has corrupted machines across the galaxy, and you, as an Atiran, must venture to the galaxy’s core to stop it. Players tackle procedurally generated mission chains in various sectors, with some lasting 10 minutes and others up to an hour. The Jump Map’s color-coded branching paths indicate the level of danger, balancing risk with tempting rewards.

Aiding your journey is Iris, a non-infected AI introduced in the Prologue, who narrates missions and adds structure to the experience. The Hangar serves as a hub where players can spend in-game currency to customize outfits, view the Galaxy Map, or even play a quick game of soccer during downtime.

The four-player gameplay is a highlight, brimming with excitement. Missions rarely go smoothly—your ship may come under attack, requiring one player to pilot and fire basic weapons while another operates the ship’s rotating cannon. Meanwhile, others might be outside, mag-booted to the hull, fending off enemies. If the ship takes damage, someone must rush inside to extinguish fires or repair systems, all while ensuring the onboard pizza-maker stays intact.

Jump ShipKeepsake GamesQ3 2025

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Upon reaching your destination, all four players disembark to infiltrate structures teeming with hostile, infected robots. Teamwork is critical, and the grappling hook adds dynamic mobility both on the ground and in space. Securing the loot requires one player to carry it back to the ship while others provide cover, heightening the tension.

My recent demo, like last year’s, was brief but showcased Jump Ship’s ability to deliver thrilling bursts of action, perfect for players with limited time. While I’ve yet to explore the full scope of its procedurally generated missions, the game’s polish and potential are undeniable. Jump Ship has all the makings of a breakout hit, and I’m eager to dive deeper.