Released in 2010, this main game is a maritime simulator where you command diverse vessels, from lifeboats to cruise ships, across varied global settings like Antarctica and Bora Bora. The core gameplay involves mastering realistic ship handling through structured campaign missions or free-roaming exploration. A key feature is the dynamic weather system that directly impacts navigation challenges. The experience is available on PC and Linux and has received several DLC expansions.
The central premise involves mastering the intricacies of operating a wide array of watercraft. Players transition between controlling everything from small lifeboats to massive cruise liners and industrial cargo carriers. The game emphasizes realistic ship handling and mission execution within expansive, explorable environments.
The atmosphere shifts dramatically depending on the location. Players can explore meticulously rendered settings ranging from the stark, challenging conditions of Antarctica to the picturesque, warm waters surrounding Bora Bora. This variety ensures that the simulation experience remains fresh across different playthroughs.
A significant technical advancement in this installment is the introduction of a brand new and dynamic weather system. This system directly impacts visibility, ship handling, and mission success, requiring players to adapt their strategies in real-time to storms and changing sea conditions.
While players have the freedom of massive free-roaming environments, the game also features structured campaign missions that provide specific objectives and narratives. These missions place the player in distinct roles, such as commanding a Greenpeace vessel, managing the logistics of a round-the-world cruise, or safely guiding industrial ships carrying vital merchandise through hazardous weather.
Since its initial release, the main game has been supported by seven downloadable content (DLC) packages, offering further vessels, missions, or environments to expand the core simulation experience.

Inland ship captains prefer the confined river and its banks to the vastness of the open ocean. But make no mistake, by no means is the river an easy ride and concentration is key when hauling cargo on a busy river to its destination. Lack of focus or experience can prove disastrous for your precious vessel, its cargo and your reputation. This new Inland Vessels campaign will guide you through some of the challenges an inland vessel captain faces.

A floating city is the perfect way to describe the beautiful and vast cruise vessel “MS Oceana”. Sailing the oceans, visiting idyllic locations and catering to every need – however small it may be - of its thousands of passengers 24/7 is the objective of the MS Oceana’s crew. The Oceana holds a deployable and player controllable tender ship, provides players with the single most extensive walkthrough of any Ship Simulator Extremes vessel and allows you to take a look into the passenger cabins to feel what life on board must be like. This DLC puts you at the helm of this impressive cruise vessel as you sail 4 extensive missions making sure your passengers have the time of their lives! Give your passengers and yourself an unforgettable experience on board this majestic vessel…

The fast offshore supply & utility vessel “Deniz Doga” is a one of a kind vessel combining speed and agility with real working power. Take its helm and embark on missions supplying offshore platforms, investigating and marking specific diving areas and even using its rescue capability to tackle emergency situations. The offshore industry is something special, and this vessel fits perfectly in the unique landscape of oil rigs, VLC Carriers and offshore supply vessels that Ship Simulator Extremes has to offer. Get on board and enter the offshore world…

Brand new multi-purpose general cargo vessel Added functionality to the Mission Editor, allowing for creation and sharing of specific cargo vessel missions Three realistic cargo hauling & navigation missions: Captain your vessel through difficult weather & low visibility, use pilots and tugboats and make sure you arrive without compromising your cargo.

Ahoy! Ship Simulator Extremes is celebrating its 2nd anniversary! To celebrate, all players will now receive the Customs vessel DLC for free! In the Customs vessel DLC, users get the chance to experience the day-to-day activities of a maritime customs officer. Responsible for upholding the law and making sure there is no smuggling going on in the harbor, you embark on two exciting missions piloting a brand new customs vessel called “Zilvermeeuw”. Inspect vessels for illegal cargo and apprehend & chase vessels that want to avoid inspection.

Experience the responsibility of a ferry captain as you take the rudder of different ferry types on some of the most popular routes in the world in this add-on pack for Ship Simulator Extremes. Whether it carries cars & cargo in its belly across the channel or is used as a municipal public transportation service, going on the ferry is always a bit of an adventure!

Roam the oceans and sail into famous ports worldwide with the Fishing Trawler vessel "Sigita" and take on no less than six specially created bonus missions for this vessel, adding to the simulation fun.