Ship of Heroes, a superhero MMO developed by indie studio Heroic Games over eight years, has launched on Steam. Positioning itself as a spiritual successor to City of Heroes, the game offers a new setting for fans of the genre to explore. While the launch is a significant achievement, the game’s graphics appear dated for a 2025 release. It utilizes a buy-to-play model with a subscription, priced at $59.99 and a subscription model, targeting a dedicated audience rather than mass-market appeal.
The game’s release comes at a time when new superhero MMOs are scarce. Established titles like Champions Online and DC Universe Online are still active, but fresh contenders are rare. Its initial Steam performance saw a peak of 100 concurrent players, which the developers see as a foundation for gradual growth rather than instant popularity.
Key Features at Launch:
- Open-world hub: The FHS Justice, a spacious sci-fi city within a generation ship.
- Flexible character creation: Classless system allowing players to combine magic, tech, and mutant powers.
- Diverse PvE content: From solo quests to group raids, with achievements and early meta-game elements.
- Economic activities: Resource gathering, crafting, and trading options for players who prefer economic gameplay.
- Monetization: Buy-to-play with a subscription; no cash shop.
- Guild system: Tools for large guild formation, offering early players opportunities to establish leadership and influence the community.
Heroic Games emphasizes fostering a positive community. The upfront purchase price and subscription are intended to deter bots and disruptive players, while providing a stable revenue