Martin Rumenov VRKiwi and Split Light Studio have officially announced that their swashbuckling VR adventure, Pirates VR: Jolly Roger, will launch on PlayStation VR2 on May 15, 2025. The game, which previously debuted on SteamVR in January, invites players to step into the role of a bold pirate exploring a cursed Caribbean island teeming with secrets, danger, and treasure.
Enhanced Experience for PS VR2
The PlayStation VR2 edition brings notable upgrades designed to immerse players deeper into pirate life. A new introductory scene set in a lively pirate bar now opens the adventure, providing narrative context and setting the stage for the journey ahead—an addition exclusive to the PS VR2 version for now.
To further enhance immersion, the game leverages the full suite of PS VR2’s haptic feedback. Players will feel vibrations through the headset and controllers, and adaptive trigger effects add tactile realism to actions like firing flintlock pistols or swinging a cutlass.
Gameplay Overview
In Pirates VR: Jolly Roger, players chart their own course across an open-world Caribbean island, uncovering hidden riches and battling supernatural foes. The game blends exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving:
- Treasure Hunting: Navigate lush jungles, sun-drenched beaches, and ominous caves in search of Davy Jones’ legendary treasure. Every corner of the island offers new mysteries and dangers.
- Swashbuckling Combat: Face off against cursed skeleton pirates, wild animals, and other threats using classic pirate weaponry and magical artifacts.
- Challenging Puzzles: Solve riddles and survive ancient traps to unlock secrets buried deep within the island.
- Feathered Companion: A witty, sarcastic parrot accompanies players, offering hints and comic relief throughout the journey.
- Immersive VR Movement: Climb cliffs, swim through underwater grottos, and swing across chasms. The game’s dynamic VR mechanics make every action feel authentic.
Visuals and Atmosphere
Built with Unreal Engine, Pirates VR: Jolly Roger delivers vibrant, richly detailed environments. From bustling taverns to eerie, cursed ruins, the world is crafted to draw players into its sun-soaked yet perilous setting.
Campaign Length and Tone
The adventure is designed as a relatively compact experience, with a main campaign lasting around four to five hours. While the game is praised for its colorful visuals and rewarding exploration, reviews note that its narrative depth is limited, and some technical issues were observed in the PC version. Nonetheless, it offers a lighthearted, humorous take on pirate adventures, ideal for those seeking a breezy VR escapade.
Developer and Publisher
Split Light Studio, based in Poland, specializes in VR games and immersive 3D experiences. VRKiwi, the publisher, is known for its successful VR titles and is the largest VR game developer-publisher in Finland, previously finding success with Cave Digger.
How to Get Involved
Players and creators eager to join the adventure can request press codes, join the official Discord, or follow updates on social media. The game is available to wishlist now on the PlayStation Store, with the Steam version already out.
In summary:
Pirates VR: Jolly Roger promises an engaging pirate fantasy on PS VR2, blending exploration, combat, and humor with new features that make the most of Sony’s latest VR hardware. The game launches on May 15, inviting players to don their virtual tricorn hats and set sail for adventure.
