The upcoming cooperative space game, Jump Space, is scheduled to launch in Early Access for PC and Xbox Series X/S on September 19, 2025. Developed by Keepsake Games, the title combines elements of first-person shooters, space simulation, and roguelite progression, placing up to four players in command of a single starship.
Players will be responsible for navigating, fighting, and maintaining their vessel as they complete missions across a volatile galaxy. The game emphasizes teamwork, requiring crew members to manage ship systems, perform external repairs via spacewalks, and engage in combat both in space and on foot.
Key Takeaways
- Early Access Launch: Jump Space arrives on September 19, 2025, for PC (Steam) and Xbox Series X/S (Xbox Preview Program).
- Core Gameplay: A 4-player cooperative experience focused on crewing a single spaceship, blending FPS, space sim, and roguelite genres.
- Ship Management: Players must actively maintain their ship, including spacewalks for external repairs and managing internal systems like fires and valve failures.
- Progression System: The game features a roguelite structure where players unlock persistent upgrades and ship parts that carry over between playthroughs.
Jump Space Release and Platform Information
Keepsake Games has confirmed that Jump Space will enter its Early Access phase on September 19, 2025. The initial launch will be available on two platforms: PC through the Steam store and Xbox Series X/S via the Xbox Preview Program. This approach allows the developers to gather community feedback during development.
While the initial release is limited, there are plans for wider availability after the game reaches its version 1.0 milestone. A full release on the Epic Games Store is anticipated following the Early Access period. Furthermore, the developer has indicated that versions for PlayStation 5 and the successor to the Nintendo Switch are likely possibilities once the game is feature-complete.
Platform Exclusions: It is important to note that Jump Space is not being developed for last-generation consoles. There are no plans to release the game on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or the original Nintendo Switch.
The Early Access Strategy
By launching in Early Access, Keepsake Games aims to involve players directly in the development process. The studio encourages feedback through its official Discord channel, allowing the community to help shape the final product. This iterative cycle is intended to create a more polished and player-focused experience.
According to the game's official Steam page, Jump Space is expected to remain in Early Access for at least five months. The initial build is described as largely feature-complete, with a primary focus on the cooperative multiplayer experience. Future updates during this period will concentrate on adding new content, such as missions and ships, and further developing the single-player mode.
Core Gameplay Mechanics Explained
Jump Space integrates several gameplay styles into a cohesive cooperative experience. Players can switch between first-person and third-person perspectives as they manage their roles on the ship, engage in combat, and explore the universe. The central element of the game is the shared spacecraft, which serves as a transport, a weapon, and a home base.
Your Ship is Your Lifeline
In Jump Space, the ship is more than just a vehicle; it is the core of the gameplay loop. All activities revolve around it.
- Navigation and Missions: The crew must work together to plot courses and travel between mission objectives scattered across handcrafted sectors.
- Combat Systems: The ship is equipped with primary weapons and secondary turrets. During combat, players must coordinate to pilot the ship and operate the various weapon systems to fend off threats.
- Central Hub: Between missions, the ship functions as a hub where players can accept new contracts, trade resources, and plan their next move.
This reliance on a single vessel means that maintenance is a critical and interactive task. Damage sustained in battle or from environmental hazards must be addressed directly by the crew.
Interactive repairs are a key feature. Instead of navigating menus, players must physically perform tasks. This includes putting out fires inside the ship, closing faulty valves, and conducting spacewalks to repair external hull damage.
Hands-On Maintenance and Spacewalks
When the ship's exterior is damaged, crew members must don a spacesuit and perform an extra-vehicular activity (EVA). Using a jetpack and a high-tensile grappling hook, players can attach themselves to the hull to conduct repairs. This can even be done while the ship is in motion, adding a layer of risk and urgency to the task.
"Rather than just going into some dull menus and ticking a box to fix things up, Jump Space demands that you actually have to commit to a space walk... to fix any external wear and tear to your beloved spacecraft."
These repairs, along with ship upgrades, require resources. The crew will need to earn, loot, and collect a material called "materia" to afford the necessary parts and maintenance, creating a constant need to take on new challenges.
Progression and Cooperative Focus
Jump Space is built around a roguelite progression system. While each playthrough or "run" presents new challenges, players will unlock persistent parts and upgrades for their ship. These unlocks carry over, meaning the crew becomes progressively more capable and better equipped over time. This structure encourages repeated playthroughs to build up a powerful and customized vessel.
The ultimate goal is to foster an environment of teamwork and emergent storytelling. Each player has a role, from piloting and gunnery to engineering and repairs. Success depends on how well the crew can work together to overcome obstacles. This synergy is designed to create memorable moments and the unique narratives that arise from playing with friends.
PC System Requirements
Despite its detailed visuals, Keepsake Games has stated that Jump Space is optimized to run well on a range of PC hardware, including moderately powerful systems. The specific minimum and recommended specifications will be crucial for players looking to join the Early Access launch. While the exact list has not been finalized, the developer aims for accessibility without compromising visual fidelity.
Latest Trailer and Visuals
A one-minute, thirteen-second release date trailer has been released, providing a comprehensive overview of the gameplay. The footage showcases high-speed space travel, ship-to-ship combat, and the detailed maintenance system, including spacewalks. It also offers a glimpse of on-foot combat, suggesting that players will leave their ship to explore various locations. The trailer effectively summarizes the game's core promise of a dynamic, cooperative space adventure.