Matelotes Coming to Steam Early Access Early Next Year

Publisher ARTE France and developer La Poule Noire have announced the upcoming whimsical medieval roguelite RPG, Matelotes. The title is officially planned to release on Steam Early Access in early 2027. Ahead of the early access launch, players can check out a limited-time demo that remains playable until August 30, 2026.

Set within the Kingdom of Sauzic, Matelotes takes place during an unprecedented crisis sparked by the disappearance of the Royal Hen. The narrative follows a crew of sailors journeying across the kingdom's islands to hunt for clues. Along the way, players must recruit and develop their crew members while choosing whether to support or sabotage four distinct factions.

Gameplay heavily emphasizes navigation and survival across a procedurally-generated sea and island map. Players will have to carefully handle route planning, resource management, unexpected disasters, and internal conflicts among their crew as they navigate the troubled waters of the Kingdom of Sauzic.