Coming from Campfire Cabal and THQ Nordic, Expeditions: Samurai is an upcoming party-based RPG where every choice matters. The events of the game take place in our world during real historical events, with an intricate, branching story and a vibrant cast of characters. Expeditions: Samurai enters Early Access on August 7, 2026.
Following the release date reveal and the first Behind the Art Vlog, the developers have shared a new entry in the diary series, delving into the writing of Expeditions: Samurai.
Once the team set their sight on Japan as a setting, they knew at once that William Adams would be the refence character, as his story is both compelling and (thanks to the Shogun book and series) well-known. An important concern for the writing team was avoiding the “White Savior” trope, in which “enlightened” outsiders show up and save the day for locals portrayed as hapless and inferior. At the same time, an RPG needs to give the player meaningful decision power in order to be interesting: The real William Adams had no significant impact on the outcome of Japan’s civil war, but as a game’s protagonist you should always feel like you can change history.
“In Samurai, in the first act you are less than nothing: an untrustworthy outsider to the Japanese, and a dangerous heretic to the Jesuit mission. You spend this time fighting for your crew’s survival and gaining allies. Then, in our second act, you catch the attention of powerful people and are invited into the political circles of Osaka. Only once you have proven your value will you earn the title of “hatamoto”, and your choices will begin to affect those outside your close circle.”
Expeditions: Samurai – Key Features:
- Choose your own path through history. Create the character you want to be and choose your own path through history. Even the smallest of your decisions can have far-reaching consequences for yourself, your crew, and – in many cases – the people of Japan.
- Step into the shoes of the first European samurai. You arrive in Japan as the newly elected leader of a motley crew of privateers and are quickly swept up in an ongoing civil war that is nearing its climax. Navigate the politics, intrigue, and drama of feudal Japan as you and your crew catch the attention of powerful warlords whose struggle will determine the future of the nation.
- 8 companions, 8 stories. Every crewmate has their own story to uncover – if you manage to earn their trust. Build your relationship with each companion into a meaningful friendship, a lifelong rivalry, or possibly even a new love.
- Dynamic and fast-paced turn-based combat. Outnumbered but never outgunned, engage your enemies on your own terms in a fast and freeing turn-based combat system where movement, attacks, and interruptions can all play out simultaneously.
- Invite a friend in co-op or play alone. Play in single-player as your own Captain Flynn, or invite your friend and play as a pair of twins.
