Maelstrom

Maelstrom is an online multiplayer naval combat game set in a grim fantasy world filled with sea monsters. You captain an Orc, Dwarf or Human warship in free-for-all or team-based matches across the turbulent Abyssal Ocean. Sink other players’ ships to claim their loot and bounties, while competing for floating treasure chests and gold-laden ships.

Fight with cannons

Cannons fire physics-controlled cannonballs with a pronounced arc and hang time, so you need to aim ahead to hit your targets. Nimble ships can dodge incoming shots with good timing and anticipation. Ships can also ram, grapple and board one another: collisions become more damaging at higher speeds, while boarding locks both ships in place as their crews fight. A crew that kills every opponent can quickly sink the boarded ship.

Each ship has armor on all four sides. Armor must be destroyed before the hull on that side can take damage, so you can protect yourself by keeping your stronger armor toward enemies and target their weakened sides. Cannons have unlimited ammunition and can switch between three types during combat:

• Iron shot: damage ship armor and hull.
• Chain shot: shred sails and reduce a ship’s speed.
• Grapeshot: kill crew members and make ships easier to board.

Survive the Abyssal Ocean

As a match progresses, hungry sea monsters grow more aggressive and encroach on the safe waters ships can sail through. Ships that remain in Dead Waters too long become prey. The monsters are enormous, can stalk captains and can devour a ship whole; one example is the Murkwater Thrasher.

Ships and upgrades

Each ship has a history, distinctive weapons, and its own strengths and weaknesses in speed, firepower, crew and toughness. You can unlock and explore many different ships. At the end of a match, ships can be upgraded and customized with captains, cannons, armor, mates and more.

Ashborne, a Human frigate, has punishing broadsides and unique spell-infused incendiary ammunition that sets enemy ships on fire.

Progression and purchases

All gameplay and progress can be unlocked by playing for free, and no purchase is needed to access the game’s full experience. You must play to progress and become more powerful; powerful top-tier ships and crews cannot be bought directly, though boosts can speed up progression. There are no ways to purchase a competitive advantage.

Gold is earned by playing. Gunpowder is the premium currency and the only item sold for cash; it buys store items such as Battle Passes, cosmetics, boosters and bundles. You can also earn Gunpowder for free through the Battle Pass, quests and the store. Battle Passes provide cosmetics, gold or Gunpowder, with an additional premium reward track available for Gunpowder. Future content is planned through seasonal Battle Passes, events and content drops. There are no loot boxes; store items are sold directly.