Expeditions: Samurai (Early Access) – First Impressions

The Expeditions series has always occupied an interesting space between tactical RPG, historical adventure, and choice-driven storytelling. With Expeditions: Samurai, developer Campfire Cabal transports the formula to war-torn Japan during the closing years of the Sengoku period, placing players in command of a crew of Dutch privateers caught in the middle of a civil war. Even in Early Access, it's clear the foundations for something special are already here.

Rather than following the historical story of William Adams, the first English samurai, the game crafts its own alternate-history adventure. Arriving in Japan aboard the Dutch ship De Albatros, you're quickly drawn into the political intrigue and shifting alliances of feudal Japan. The setting immediately feels fresh for the series, blending historical authenticity with player-driven storytelling and difficult decisions that seem designed to ripple throughout the campaign.

The biggest surprise so far is how much the gameplay has evolved. The familiar tactical RPG framework remains intact, but new additions like stealth mechanics, environmental interactions, and simultaneous turn-based actions help battles feel more dynamic than previous Expeditions games. Positioning your party before combat, setting up ambushes, and coordinating abilities creates encounters that reward planning without making every fight feel slow or overly methodical. The combat strikes a satisfying balance between accessibility and tactical depth.

Outside of battle, exploration and character interactions are just as important. Companions appear to have substantial personal storylines, and early conversations hint at the kind of relationship-building fans of the series will expect. Whether friendships, rivalries, or romances end up being as nuanced as promised remains to be seen, but the groundwork is certainly encouraging.

One of the more ambitious additions is the inclusion of co-op play. The idea of two players jointly navigating branching dialogue, competing over key decisions, or coordinating stealth actions feels like a natural extension of the series' emphasis on player choice. It's an unusual feature for a narrative-heavy CRPG and could end up being one of Expeditions: Samurai's most distinctive strengths if fully realised.

Of course, this is still an Early Access release, and it shows in places. The developers have been open about the fact that additional quests, equipment, balancing improvements, quality-of-life features, crafting systems, and the complete story are still on the roadmap before full release. While the current build offers several hours of content and showcases most of the game's core systems, there are moments where you can feel the unfinished nature of the project underneath the impressive foundation.

After only a few hours, Expeditions: Samurai already feels like one of the most ambitious entries in the series. Its historical setting is captivating, the tactical combat has evolved in meaningful ways, and the expanded focus on stealth and player freedom creates a stronger sense of ownership over every encounter. There are rough edges that come with any Early Access title, but the core experience is engaging enough to suggest that Campfire Cabal may have another standout tactical RPG on its hands.

For fans of CRPGs, historical adventures, and choice-driven storytelling, Expeditions: Samurai is an Early Access project worth keeping a close eye on. The journey isn't finished yet, but the opening chapters leave a strong first impression.