After nearly a decade of anticipation, *Ship of Heroes* has set its official launch for August 18, 2025. First unveiled in 2016 by Heroic Games, the superhero MMORPG emerged during a wave of *City of Heroes* spiritual successors, positioning itself as a blend of “COH meets *Star Trek*.” Though its Kickstarter campaign faltered, the team pivoted to direct community funding, defying steep odds to reach this milestone.
The road to launch hasn’t been smooth. The unexpected revival of *City of Heroes* via private servers in 2019 and its official licensing in 2024 shifted the MMO landscape, while *Ship of Heroes* faced repeated delays. Remarkably, the game now stands as the only completed COH-inspired title to reach launch, distinguishing itself with a sci-fi narrative and massive multiplayer events.
“We aimed to craft a superhero MMO that echoes the golden era of online gaming,” Heroic Games stated. “Players wanted expansive customization, chaotic 50-player raids, costume contests, and a welcoming community. Our story-driven universe merges superhero action with space opera, fostering teamwork even among strangers.”
Key features confirmed for launch include:
- Content for solo players and large-scale raiders
- A hybrid payment model: buy-to-play with an optional subscription
- No microtransactions or loot boxes
- Planned expansions post-launch
Before August’s release, players can expect beta tests on Steam, a free demo, and livestream previews spotlighting character creation and combat