Credit: THQ Nordic
Publisher THQ Nordic and its Danish studio Campfire Cabal announced the Early Access release date for their Japanese-themed party-based RPG, Expeditions: Samurai. Expeditions: Samurai Early Access has been announced for Steam, starting August 7th. The announcement was accompanied by a two-minute gameplay trailer featuring potential companions.
The new installment in the Expeditions series transports players to Japan during the Sengoku period—a time of civil war, political intrigue, and power struggles. Unlike real history, where William Adams became the first European samurai, the game offers an alternative scenario: the protagonist arrives in the country before the famous explorer, leading a team of Dutch privateers, and becomes embroiled in a fateful conflict.
The developers promise a large-scale role-playing campaign with a non-linear storyline, where every decision can impact the subsequent course of events, relationships with allies, and the fate of Japan. Players will have eight fully-fledged companions with their own stories, which can be developed through friendship, rivalry, or romance.
Special attention is paid to tactical turn-based combat. The system allows for a combination of stealth, ambushes, simultaneous squad actions, and a wide range of weapons—from European equipment to traditional Japanese weaponry. Also announced are item crafting, equipment customization, and a co-op mode with the ability to freely connect a second player, which will be a first for the Expeditions series.
The full release is expected in the first quarter of 2027.