This week we introduced the Autumn Star, a nimble new sloop built for speed and precision. With a lantern-lit deck, dark-stained hull, and sails made for sharp maneuvers, she’s the perfect choice for captains who thrive on quick escapes and freedom at sea.

This month’s Smuggler’s Signal is our very first test of the monthly newsletter format. Inside, we share key development updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and a look at what’s on the horizon for RumRunner.

We’re testing a new monthly newsletter format! The first issue (September 2025) releases to supporters on Sept 1 and to the public on Sept 15.

This week in RumRunner we continued developing wind mechanics and are preparing to show our first wind-powered sailing. Work also progressed on a new ship, and we announced something upcoming to help expand the fleet and accelerate development.

This week in RumRunner: We advanced wind-powered ship movement, expanded inventory and health systems, and will tease wind-driven sailing next week. Multiple ships are in development, including two special limited hulls to be revealed later.

This week in RumRunner, we introduced the starter fishing vessel, one of the smallest ships in the game. We implemented realistic buoyancy, fine-tuned rudder control for responsive and authentic steering, and began early testing of wind-powered sailing with this vessel. A teaser image is on Instagram, while full photos are exclusive to Early Supporters on Discord.

We began early development on our dynamic weather system! Starting with rain, we implemented ambient audio, and foggy lighting. It’s still in the early stages, but already adds a new layer of immersion. Supporters can follow along through weekly DevLogs and our private Discord as we expand weather into a core part of gameplay. 🌧️⚓

A legendary Man o’ War shrouded in myth, the Ashen Maiden is a fearsome warship with a scorched black hull, darksteel cannons, and an obsidian figurehead carved in the shape of a mourning woman. Said to have sailed through fire and fog, she strikes fear into all who see her on the horizon. Exclusive, iconic, and built for dominance—this is not just a ship, it’s a legend reborn.

This Week in RumRunner:
NPCs are getting smarter, Tier 1 buildings are taking shape, the inventory’s filling up with new models, and a mysterious sidearm is in the works. Stay tuned, smugglers.

This week in RumRunner:

We kicked off work on the player inventory system and shared our first official gameplay footage on Instagram, giving a look at early settlements and dockside travel. We also began an exciting new partnership involving historic tall ships — and you’ll hear all the exclusive details in this week’s devlog.

This week in RumRunner:
Ship interaction is fully functional, buoyancy and water physics got a major polish, and our first AI behaviors are live using Mass AI. We also built the Tier 1 Dock—perfect for small vessels, but your larger ships will have to anchor offshore... for now.

It all begins with an idea.