Wind Runners turned me into a wannabe fighter pilot in 30 seconds

I didn't want to be a fighter pilot until I watched the Wind Runners trailer; now I'm humming the Top Gun soundtrack and even searching Vinted for second-hand flight suits.

Wind Runners plays like a kinetic 2D shooter that channels Vlambeer's Luftrausers, wrapped in a vibrant, anime-inspired world with roguelike elements. It promises instant, full-throttle action that should appeal to fans of classic shoot-'em-ups and adrenaline junkies alike.

There is something refreshingly old-school about its focus on movement, momentum and making things explode as you chase a flow state. The trailer, first shown at the PC Gaming Show 2026, pairs pacey action with a cracking soundtrack.

A demo is available on Steam now for anyone who wants to strap in, and the game launches into early access September 23, 2026. Personally, I'm already desperate to get shot out of the sky repeatedly by my favourite enemy, the missile-spewing giant spider.

wind runners, trailer, pc gaming, steam, early access, demo, roguelike, luftrausers, top gun, anime