Project Windless: The Baddest Rooster! TBA
Perhaps the fastest and easiest way to describe Project Windless is this: “a fantasy action game in which an ultra powerful rooster dishes out blows left and right”. The truth is that it is much more than that, and in fact it has great depth, but to get there we will first go over the timeline of this title, which was originally announced back in 2022. Now, its release seems to be just around the corner, and its Official Reveal Trailer for State of Play 2026 looks simply fantastic.
During the event, it was implied that its release is expected sometime this year, although nothing has yet been said about a date or estimated window. In any case, at least for now, I could say that I have seen enough to keep an eye out for future updates about this project, which, by the way, is very different from anything we might expect from the studio responsible for the popular PUBG franchise! Want to see what I mean? Just below these lines you can watch the impressive trailer, courtesy of IGN:
Long Before “The Bird That Drinks Tears”
Project Windless is a loose adaptation of the universe of The Bird That Drinks Tears, the influential Korean fantasy saga written by Lee Yeong Do. The original story was serialized between 2003 and 2004, and published in print shortly afterward. Its plot followed a diverse group of characters from different races and cultures who would eventually become involved in a dangerous mission with political and mythical implications, and it did not take long for it to be considered one of the most influential works of modern Korean fantasy, becoming a cult classic even internationally due to its marked differences from typical Western fantasy.
The story of Project Windless does not seek to directly adapt the events of the novels, but instead takes place 1500 years before the original story, in a barely explored mythical era in which legends were still forming. What Krafton proposes is a single player experience: a fantasy RPG in an open world, without multiplayer components or live service elements. This adventure, developed entirely in UE5, leans toward a non linear structure in which player decisions influence alliances, conflicts, and the global course of the war shaking the continent.
The world is inhabited by four intelligent races: Humans, Rekon, Nhaga, and Tokkebi, each with its own culture, internal tensions, and worldview. Exploration, combat, and interaction with different factions will be key factors, allowing us to shape the course of the conflict. We will take on the role of The Hero King, a legendary warrior of the Rekon race, humanoid beings with bird like features (which could easily be the result of crossing a fighting rooster with Dwayne Johnson), known for their strength and ferocity.
Armed with two swords forged in the stars, this powerful rooster will be able to face dozens of enemies simultaneously, fight colossal creatures, and lead allied forces in large scale confrontations through a real time combat system that will be highly dynamic and skill based. The mechanics will combine direct action with tactical decisions within massive battles. Thanks to the so called “Mass Technology”, the battlefield may contain thousands of soldiers and creatures violently colliding at the same time.
“The Nhaga Eater”
On September 19, 2022, Krafton released a conceptual trailer called “The Nhaga Eater”, which announced the project and showcased its aesthetics and style. Concept artist Iain McCaig joined the working group, serving as design director. Son Kwangjae, for his part, served as art director.
In February 2023, Krafton announced the opening of its first Canadian AAA game studio, located in Montreal, Quebec. Patrik Méthe took the position of studio director alongside two other industry veterans, and around 150 people were hired during the following three years. When their first project was discussed, they mentioned the adaptation of the novel series “The Bird That Drinks Tears”, whose concept was officially finalized in August 2023.
At that time, its release year was set for 2026, which for now seems to still be holding. On February 12, less than a week ago, Project Windless was presented at Sony’s State of Play with the spectacular trailer we shared in this article. This gem, which will arrive at some point this year for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC, presents itself in its near final form as a dynamic fantasy action RPG whose massive combat sequences easily remind us of Koei Tecmo’s musou series Dynasty Warriors.
So…
Okay, let’s recap. Although we can expect Project Windless at some point in 2026, it still does not have an official release date or window. In any case, now that this machine has been set in motion, we will surely get news about its arrival on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC very soon. Meanwhile, since we all have to wait, how about stopping by the comments and telling us what you think about this Krafton proposal that is so different from everything they usually bring us? You know gamer, we’ll be reading you! 😉
Images Source: IGN Official YouTube Channel, Project Windless Official Website
