Arrrr?! In Davy x Jones, a pirate action-adventure game that's a little different, players control two halves of the legendary pirate. Davy (Head) commands the skies aboard a whale battleship in the roguelite Sky Hunts, while Jones (Body) engages in first-person combat across the shattered isles.
Davy X Jones, developed by Polish studio Parasight (known for Blacktail), is an unusual pirate game. As the name suggests, players step into the boots of the legendary pirate himself, who was betrayed, robbed and beheaded. Jones awakens in The Locker, a strange and unique pirate hell that is made up of islands floating on a sea of clouds.
The game is divided into two parts. In the first part, players control headless Jones from a first-person perspective on the ground, reclaiming legendary artefacts and facing the eternal nemesis: Blackbeard. Players engage in both close-quarters combat and ranged combat. Both aspects seemed a bit weak at first in Early Access, but have already been improved with the first major update. The player is accompanied along the way by the stubborn skull Davy, who spouts all kinds of sayings (including a mini-game during disputes), and who also helps the player traverse the levels. Every fallen enemy drops Underworld Essence. When essences converge, they merge into a treasure chest containing loot, but each chest also unleashes a fiend.
Davy X Jones © Parasight
These first-person elements were the first part of the game that was released in Early Access at the end of August 2025. Bartosz Kaproń, CEO and Creative Director at Parasight, had this to say:
"We wanted to give players the chance to climb aboard Davy X Jones early - and secure it at a low price. Anyone who joins us in Early Access will own the full game at launch. But there's already plenty of quality content to dive into: the first several islands of this adventure, with a core combat system, and a darkly enchanting pirate underworld ready to be plumbed. We're a small crew of around 20 people, and every piece of feedback helps us refine and expand the game. Together with our community, we’re determined to make the final release a story worth telling."
The second major gameplay feature was introduced in the Kraken update in November. This feature revolves around Davy, the head, who commands Abby: a colossal, living ship that is part whale and part war machine. Players control Abby in third-person roguelite Sky Hunts through the Sea of Clouds. The game culminates in a showdown with the Kraken, but players must first engage in battles against enemy vessels and mythical monsters. These can be attacked with broadsides on the starboard and port sides. Players can give "orders", recruit officers (each of whom brings synergistic abilities to the player's build) and upgrade Abby. "Orders" act as run-specific perks, empowering the crew with unique abilities to turn the tide of battle. These Sky Hunts are roguelite battles with procedurally generated encounters. Finally, there is a sky-ground synergy. Every victory in the skies strengthens dominion on the ground, and every defeat feeds the storm.
Davy X Jones © Parasight
However, the game's Early Access status is clear, although the basic gameplay works well and the art style and voice-overs are good. It is mainly quality of life (QoL) and user experience (UX) elements that still need improvement, and Jones' weapon arsenal could benefit from more variety. Story elements will probably follow later.
"The Kraken Update finally locks the two halves into one experience. As Davy (TPP), you captain Abby in Sky Hunts—issuing Orders, growing Officers, and shaping the fight from above. Every victory in the clouds changes what you can do on the ground, as Jones (FPP). What you win below powers your next hunt above. We wanted players to feel the thrill of being a legendary captain—command the ship, manage the crew, and make the tactical calls as you hunt the biggest monsters hell can throw at you." - Bartosz Kaproń, CEO & Creative Director at Parasight
Davy X Jones was released on Early Access on 28 August 2025 at the special introductory price of $6.66 for the first 6 days, 6 hours and 6 minutes, after which the price increased to $9.99/€9.75. Just under a month after its release, the price increased again, this time to $17.99/€17.99. The major 'Kraken Hunt' upgrade followed at the end of November. This year, the game will be expanded to include all three story chapters, new islands, Pirate Lords and Behemoths, as well as deeper customisation options, including an expanded skill tree and new artefacts. It is estimated that Early Access will end in late 2026.
Davy X Jones still shows signs of its Early Access status (when it comes to QoL and UX), but its combination of first-person combat and third-person ship battles in a pirate setting is already quite unique and creative!
