Bad Tides is a co-op pirate adventure game developed for PC in the indie and casual genres. Players form a crew of up to four to sail a procedurally generated 64 square kilometer ocean world filled with points of interest such as sunken pirate ships, coral reefs, and buried treasure. The experience centers on exploration, resource gathering, and combat against mythical sea creatures while managing ship upgrades and completing missions to settle debts.
Gameplay
The core loop involves sailing across open waters in a shared vessel that the entire crew operates together. Crew members fish using different bait types to lure out mythical creatures for battles. Once engaged, players man crew-served weapons including long nines to damage and defeat the monsters. Retrieval missions send the crew diving for treasure or completing contracts scattered throughout the world. Procedural generation ensures varied layouts of islands, reefs, and shipwrecks on each voyage. Ship upgrades improve durability, weaponry, and capabilities as the crew progresses through repeated outings.
Game Modes
Bad Tides focuses on online co-op sessions for up to four players. The primary activity combines creature combat, fishing expeditions, and contract-based retrieval tasks in the shared open world. No separate single-player mode or competitive options appear in the current description. Sessions emphasize teamwork in operating the ship and coordinating attacks during encounters with sea monsters.
World and Progression
The 64 square kilometer environment uses procedural generation to create fresh layouts of points of interest each time players set sail. Sunken ships, coral reefs, and treasure sites provide objectives for diving and exploration. Crews accept contracts that lead to specific retrieval goals while also engaging in fishing and combat as needed. Ship upgrades serve as the main form of progression, enhancing the vessel for longer or more challenging voyages.
Is It Worth Playing?
Bad Tides targets players who enjoy cooperative pirate-themed adventures with light survival and combat elements. The Early Access version planned for October 2026 will include creature combat, fishing, and retrieval missions for crews of up to four. Development continues through the rest of 2026 with plans for a full release in 2027, incorporating additional missions, items, boats, and upgrades based on player input. Those interested in co-op exploration and ship-based monster hunting in a procedural ocean setting may find value in joining during Early Access to help shape the experience. No user reviews or ratings exist yet because the game has not launched.