Begin with the confirmed Early Access context: Professional Ship Simulator is scheduled for September 16, 2026 on Windows PC. In the demo, start by powering the Battery / DC bus, learn the Bridge controls, test one input device at a time, and use docking or troubleshooting guides when an objective does not advance.
Before you start
Use the demo as a readiness check before Early Access. Confirm that your PC meets the published requirements, then start with keyboard and mouse or one controller profile before adding HOTAS, pedals, or extra USB devices.
- Release status: Steam Early Access is scheduled for September 16, 2026
- Platform here: Windows PC via Steam
- Price: not announced in the sources checked here
- Demo purpose: test startup, controls, readability, performance, and docking before buying
First ship tutorial path
Treat the first session as a short procedure instead of trying every system at once.
- Enter the bridge and identify the clickable consoles
- Power the Battery / DC bus before expecting other systems to answer
- Use the AC generator on larger ships when the engine or rudder system needs it
- Start the engines only after the power chain is ready
- Keep the vessel slow until steering, throttle, view, and objective prompts are clear
Bridge controls to learn first
These bridge controls are the practical beginner set. Recheck in-game bindings before treating a key as fixed across future builds.
- Battery / DC bus: Shift + B
- AC generator / bus: Ctrl + B on larger ships
- Engines: Shift + E
- GPS / AIS: Shift + G
- Radar: Shift + R where fitted
- Running lights: L
- Bridge view and camera reset: confirm in the active control profile
Console interaction and navigation basics
If a prompt is unclear, slow down and use the visible bridge instrument or clickable console before assuming the tutorial is broken.
- Read the highlighted console prompt before changing speed
- Compare the outside view with the navigation display
- Make small steering and throttle inputs near harbors
- Use AIS, CPA, and TCPA as collision-risk signals, not decoration
- For the berth tutorial, stop beside the pier ladder and connect both required cables
If something feels wrong
Most beginner blockers fit one of three routes: missed power sequence, unclear objective interaction, or duplicated input from controllers/HOTAS devices.
- Dark or unresponsive bridge: start with Battery / DC bus
- Tutorial stuck at the berth: use the pier-ladder cable interaction
- Rudder drift or phantom throttle: disconnect extra devices and test one profile
- Crash or poor performance: compare your PC with the official requirements and test the demo in a busy harbor