I’m usually tired of Minecraft look-alikes, but the Everwind demo on Steam Next Fest changed my mind in less than a minute. This game is a true sandbox RPG, blending Skyrim’s combat and exploration with deep crafting and, best of all, buildable airships. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most-played demos right now.
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Hooked in 35 Seconds: A Promising Start in Everwind
I’ll admit, I was skeptical when I first launched the Everwind demo during Steam Next Fest. I feel like I’ve had my fill of games that "kinda sorta look like Minecraft” but fail to capture the magic, you know?
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That skepticism evaporated in roughly 35 seconds. I spawned on a small castle, immediately found sticks and planks, and knew crafting was on the table. After descending a level, I battled skeletons, confirming monsters were in play.
Crafting, Combat, and Loot All in Minutes
The progression was rapid. I quickly located a forge for smithing and a cauldron for cooking. Within just a couple of minutes, my inventory was full: a magic sword with poison damage, some wooden (but useful) armor, a shield I crafted myself, potions, mushroom stew, and a key that unlocked a chest full of loot. That’s what I call a promising start.
Take to the Skies: Airships Meet Open-World Exploration
Just outside the starting castle, I found my first airship. This confirmed flying is a core mechanic. The world of Everwind is a sandbox RPG player’s dream: a vast expanse dotted with islands, both in the ocean and floating high above.
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The core loop is clear: explore a world, battle monsters, gain skills, craft weapons and armor, and build a mobile base on your own flying ship. This game is checking every box for me.
Familiar, Satisfying Skyrim-Style Combat
The combat feels very "Skyrim-ish,” and I mean that in the best way. So far, it’s a satisfying mix of bashing and blocking, though I haven’t experienced magic yet. The skeletons themselves are reminiscent of Skyrim’s draugr, and all the little forts and ruined dungeons I’ve found give off strong Elder Scrolls vibes.
Build, Decorate, and Explore Like Never Before
Everwind doesn’t just have a blocky aesthetic; it has the mechanics to match. You can dig up blocks, though it takes more effort than in Minecraft, and use them to build.
If you see furniture you like in the world, just hit it until it breaks, and you can take it back to your airship to place where you want. I was charmed by a skeleton fort flying a skull flag with a skeleton emblem—I took both to decorate my ship after I’d cleared the enemies.
An Urge to Explore Every Island
There’s something compelling about a huge world filled with distant, mysterious islands in all directions. I suspect it’s procedurally generated, but it still gives me a pressing urge to land on every single one. So far, it’s mostly been skeletons, but I’ve also found pheasants, boars, and even the best animal ever: a capybara. (I killed the skeletons and ate the pheasants. I just admired the capybara.)
Conclusion: The Everwind Demo is a Must-Play
The Everwind demo isn’t massive—it offers a couple of hours from the early game and a sample of the first three biomes. Despite its short length, I was hooked immediately. If you enjoy exploring mysterious islands, crafting weapons, finding powerful loot, and piloting your own airship over an endless ocean, you will probably get hooked, too.
Also read: Constance Metroidvania: Stunning Art Meets Deep Meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
A1: Everwind is a sandbox RPG that combines crafting and building (similar to Minecraft) with combat and exploration (similar to Skyrim), and features airships for travel and base-building.
A2: This review is based on the demo available during the Steam Next Fest. Check the official Steam page for current availability.
A3: In the demo, you can craft weapons and armor, cook, fight monsters, explore islands, find loot, and pilot a small airship.
