Watchstander: Surface Warfare Officer Training Simulator
A realistic offline simulator for junior naval officers and maritime learners to practice bridge watchstanding, COLREGs, and ship navigation. Available now in Early Access.
Release Date:
January 2027
Developer:
Publisher:
Teaser | Watchstander Summer 2025 Early Access / Testing Trailer
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Coming Soon To Early Access

The developers of this game intend to release as a work in progress, developing with the feedback of players.

Note: Games in Early Access are not complete and may or may not change further. If you are not excited to play this game in its current state, then you should wait to see if the game progresses further in development. Learn more

What the developers have to say:

Why Early Access?

“I built Watchstander as a solo developer and active-duty Navy officer because I wanted a way to practice watchstanding and Rules of the Road offline while underway that was not just some Rules of the Road test generator. We have COVE and other Bridge Simulators, but none that can be played at any time you want.

Early Access gives me the chance to get this tool into the hands of other officers and sim players while it's still growing. My hope is that feedback from real users, especially those with watchstanding experience, will help refine the sim and prioritize which features are most valuable. For those who do not have the real world experience I hope that I can make this accessible for you as well so please let me know what could also ADD to the experience.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“I expect Watchstander to remain in Early Access for 6–12 months while I continue to expand and polish features. Since I’m balancing development alongside active service, progress will be steady but paced and shaped by community feedback.”

How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?

“We plan to continue updating this trainer frequently during Early Access. Over time, we intend to add more content and polish based on user feedback.

Potential additions we are exploring include:

- A career progression system with more watchstanding scenarios and responsibilities.
- Expanded Rules of the Road training modules, including night ops and low-visibility cases.
- Enhanced RADAR/NAV simulation, with more control over inputs and environmental effects.
- Improved AI vessel behavior and scenario scripting.
- A standalone briefing and debriefing system to better simulate bridge watch team dynamics.

Other ideas under consideration include weather variation, more ship types, and an advanced logbook or SWO journal system.

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The current version is fully playable and includes:

Free Roam mode for experimenting with ship handling and contact tracking.

An initial Bridge Watch mode, including CO trust mechanics which are affected by things that would frustrate the CO e.g. Rule of 30 expectations.

A functional RADAR/NAV display with range rings, scan sweep behavior, and hooked contacts.

Early versions of the Rules of the Road practice system, with light configurations and crossing scenarios.

It is stable and functional, but some UI, scenario variety, and polish are still in development.”

Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?

“I plan to gradually raise the price as new features and training modes are added. Early Access buyers will get the game at a lower price and receive all future updates at no additional cost.”

How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?

“I want to hear from fellow watchstanders, SWOs, and navigation nerds about what matters most. Feedback will shape which training tools and bridge features get built next. I’ll post regular dev updates on the Steam Community hub and invite players to share feedback, bug reports, and feature requests. If there's interest, I’ll also launch a Discord server for more direct discussion.”
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This game is not yet available on Steam

Planned Release Date: January 2027

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Help Shape the Future of Watchstander

Watchstander was created as a way to practice real bridge watchstanding — without needing a ship, a full bridge team, or even an internet connection.

It’s not a combat game. It focuses on what really matters during a watch: managing contacts, applying the Rules of the Road, and building the CO’s trust one maneuver at a time.

If you’ve ever prepped for a Rules of the Road exam, stared down a radar contact, or simply wanted to keep your instincts at sea sharp, then this is for you.

No stress, just meaningful practice you can use offline.

Now in Early Access: Get the simulator at an introductory price while we continue to improve and expand the experience. We’re actively seeking feedback on features, scenarios, and performance.

Whether it’s new features, better scenarios, or tuning how the radar behaves, your suggestions help guide development.

Thanks for checking it out. Let’s build something great together.

— A fellow watchstander

About This Game

Watchstander is a bridge simulator (now in Early Access with a launch discount) built to help players practice real-world navigation, contact management, and Rules of the Road — all offline and without needing access to expensive simulators or equipment.

It’s not about combat. It’s about the day-to-day challenges of standing a watch: issuing helm and engine commands, monitoring CPAs, identifying risk of collision, and understanding how your decisions affect the ship — and how much the Captain trusts you.

This is an evolving training tool for those preparing for time at sea, refreshing before a qualification board, or simply curious about the responsibilities of shiphandling.

Watchstander is still early in development, and your feedback can help guide its evolution. We plan to refine scenarios, improve radar behavior, and explore additional training modes...and your ideas are welcome.

🔑 Key Features (Early Access Focus)

🧭 Bridge Watch Mode – Simulate realistic watchstanding conditions including contact tracking, risk evaluation, and safe ship navigation.

Rules of the Road Practice – Apply COLREGs through realistic light configurations, day shapes, and radar inputs.

📡 NAV/RADAR Display – Toggle between north-up and heads-up radar, use range rings, and track contacts as the sweep updates situational awareness.

🌊 Dynamic Sea States – Handle changing sea conditions and follow the “Rule of 30” (speed + rudder angle) to avoid excessive heel and CO disapproval.

🗺️ Career Progression – Begin with limited trust from the CO and build it over time through solid decision-making. Mistakes carry weight.

🎮 Free Roam Mode – No objectives, no pressure. Just explore systems and practice shiphandling at your own pace.

Watchstander is meant to give you time behind the virtual conn — no evals, no stress, just practice. It’s not perfect, but it’s built by someone who’s been there.

Let me know if you'd like to help shape it as it evolves.

Note: Watchstander is in Early Access and may be priced differently when the full version releases.

System Requirements

    Minimum:
    • OS: Windows 10
    • Processor: Intel Core i3 (or equivalent AMD)
    • Memory: 4000 MB RAM
    • Graphics: Integrated graphics (Intel HD 4000 or better)
    • DirectX: Version 11
    • Storage: 1000 MB available space
    • Sound Card: Any Windows-compatible sound device
    • VR Support: Not Yet
    • Additional Notes: Designed to run on low-spec laptops and offline environments — no GPU required.
    Recommended:
    • OS: Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
    • Processor: Intel Core i5 or newer
    • Memory: 8000 MB RAM
    • Graphics: Dedicated GPU (GTX 1050 or better) for smoother visuals and higher frame rates
    • DirectX: Version 11
    • Storage: 1000 MB available space
    • Sound Card: Standard onboard sound
    • VR Support: Not yet
    • Additional Notes: Runs best with a mouse + keyboard or controller. Controller support is optional.
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