Crosswind Server Requirements 2026
Crosswind is a pirate survival PvE co-op game with sailing mechanics and island exploration. Running a dedicated server requires hardware capable of handling ship physics, weather systems, and cooperative gameplay.
⚓ Quick Overview
- Player Limit: Estimated 4-8 players (co-op focus)
- Game Style: Pirate survival with PvE emphasis
- Platform: PC (Steam)
- Genre: Pirate Survival, Sailing, Co-op
- Status: Early Access 2026 (planned)
Estimated Hardware Requirements by Player Count
Note: Requirements are projections based on similar survival games and may change before release.
| Configuration | 2-4 Players | 4-6 Players | 6-8 Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | 4 cores @ 3.0 GHz i5-10400 / Ryzen 5 3600 |
6 cores @ 3.5 GHz i7-10700 / Ryzen 7 3700X |
8 cores @ 3.5+ GHz i9-11900 / Ryzen 7 5800X |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | 24 GB |
| Storage | 40 GB NVMe SSD | 80 GB NVMe SSD | 120 GB NVMe SSD |
| Network | 50 Mbps upload | 100 Mbps upload | 150 Mbps upload |
| OS | Windows 10/11 64-bit | Windows Server 2019/2022 | Windows Server 2022 |
Minimum System Requirements
For a basic 2-player co-op server:
| Component | Minimum Specs |
|---|---|
| CPU | 4 physical cores @ 2.5 GHz |
| RAM | 8 GB (12 GB recommended) |
| Storage | 30 GB SSD (HDD not recommended) |
| Network | 25 Mbps upload |
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit |
Important: Crosswind's sailing physics and weather systems may be CPU-intensive. These requirements are estimates based on the game's announced features and similar titles.
Why Crosswind May Require Good Hardware
CPU Demanding Features (Expected)
- Sailing Physics: Realistic ship movement, waves, and wind simulation
- Weather Systems: Dynamic storms, rain, and ocean conditions
- Island Generation: Procedural or hand-crafted island landscapes
- NPC AI: Wildlife, pirate enemies, and friendly NPCs
- Building System: Ship customization and island base construction
RAM Intensive Elements (Projected)
- World State: Large ocean map with multiple islands
- Ship Inventory: Complex cargo and resource tracking
- Player Progression: Quest states, discoveries, and achievements
- Environmental Data: Weather patterns, tide cycles, wildlife spawns
Performance Optimization (Projected)
CPU Optimization Strategies
- Multi-Core Support: Survival games increasingly utilize multiple cores
- Clock Speed Priority: Physics simulations benefit from higher single-thread performance
- Process Priority: Set server to High priority in Windows Task Manager
- Background Tasks: Minimize other applications during server operation
Storage Considerations
- NVMe SSD Recommended: Fast world loading and asset streaming
- Regular Backups: Automate save file backups for progression safety
- Log Management: Configure log rotation to prevent disk space issues
- Drive Health: Monitor SSD health for server longevity
Network Configuration
- Upload Speed: Minimum 10-15 Mbps per player for sailing gameplay
- Port Forwarding: Expected ports: 27015-27020 UDP (standard Steam)
- Latency Sensitivity: Sailing games benefit from low ping (<50ms ideal)
- QoS Settings: Prioritize game traffic on your router
Testing Your Setup
Performance Monitoring
# Windows Performance Monitor
# Track CPU, RAM, and Network usage during gameplay
# Expected metrics (projected):
# - CPU Usage: Below 70% under load
# - RAM Usage: 60-75% utilization optimal
# - Network: Consistent upload without spikes
# - Server Tick Rate: Stable at 30+ ticks per second
Stress Testing
- Player Simulation: Test with maximum expected players
- Weather Events: Monitor performance during storms
- Building Stress: Test with multiple structures being built
- Sailing Load: Multiple ships moving simultaneously
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the expected max players for Crosswind?
Based on co-op focus, estimated 4-8 players. Official player limit will be confirmed closer to release.
Can I run Crosswind on a basic computer?
For 2-3 players with minimal settings, possibly. For 4+ players or optimal experience, recommended specs are advised.
Will Crosswind support Linux servers?
Many modern survival games support Linux. Check official announcements closer to release for confirmation.
How much bandwidth will be needed?
Estimated 8-12 Mbps per player for sailing and exploration gameplay. More players = more bandwidth.
Is SSD storage required?
Highly recommended for any dedicated server. NVMe SSD will provide best performance for world loading.
When will final requirements be available?
Official server requirements will be published by the developers during Early Access in 2026.
Next Steps
Pirate Survival Hosting: Supercraft will provide optimized Crosswind servers with powerful hardware and excellent performance for co-op pirate adventures upon game release.