The Surprise 1.0 Launch of Pirates, Vikings & Knights II: A Legacy Realized

In some totally unexpected news, the team at Octoshark Studios is releasing version 1.0 of Pirates, Vikings & Knights II, the beloved free-to-play multiplayer FPS that’s leaving Beta after more than 18 years. Let’s check out what’s new together!

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Pirates, Vikings & Knights II (PVK II) is the famous sequel to the total conversion mod by Octoshark Studios. A conversion based on the Source Engine from the legendary Half-Life 2. With its first beta kicking off back in 2007, it delivered a colorful and fun Multiplayer FPS.

Where Pirates, Vikings, and Knights face off in a 3-team showdown. With various game modes including the classic Deathmatch and Last Man Standing. It also features other modes like a Capture the Flag variant with Booty. It received a huge positive reception at launch with its free-to-play experience. Find the best prices on Half-Life 2 and experience the great Valve sequel that influenced an entire generation!

Pirates, Vikings & Knights II – The Version 1.0 Announcement and End of the Beta

Following the playtest and teaser from the Open Beta 1.0 in May, the Octoshark Studios team has surprisingly launched Pirates, Vikings & Knights II. The game finally debuted with version 1.0 on August 8, 2025. News that flew under the radar for many, but it marks the game’s launch after a whopping 18 years of development in Beta.

A launch that the team accompanies with a fun trailer. Introducing the new Buccaneer Class, various class balances, and also new modes, maps, and lots of surprises. Inviting fans to try out the new features of PVKII, completely free on Steam.

PVK II: What’s New in Version 1.0

A much-anticipated launch that, as the Octoshark Studios team itself points out, comes a full 6500 days after PVK II’s debut. Marked by the strong contribution of the community and new fans over the years. But also the loss of ZeroTron, who passed away in May. Version 1.0 brings, among its new features:

• The Buccaneer Pirate: The new Pirate Tank class, completing the final roster of 12 playable characters. Able to use a powerful hammer, grappling hook, and fire attacks.

• Class Reworks: With various balances mainly to Bondi and Assassin. But also including reworks for various classes. Including shield buffs, less ammo, and some nerfs.

• New Modes: We also have 2 new game modes. With Duel, featuring a 1v1 style tournament where the winner moves on to the next round. And Competitive, a 4v4 mode in 5 matches with a role swap mid-game and friendly fire enabled.

A huge thanks to the community for their support. With a version 1.0 that represents a new era for PVK II but also a Legacy that belongs to the entire community. With future news and updates on the horizon.

Detailed info on the Steam post

Join the fun, embrace the chaos, and fight your way to victory! Play for free only on Steam! | | #pvkii #indiegaming #gaming pic.twitter.com/kqsGNcm5z5

— Pirates Vikings & Knights II (@pvkiigame) August 12, 2025

In Conclusion

With a development spanning 18 years since the first Beta, PVK II is finally available in version 1.0. Bringing lots of new features, reworks, and balances to the experience. With a hilarious and completely free team-based shooter. So, what are you waiting for? Try out the new features of Pirates, Vikings & Knights II 1.0 today!

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