American Revolution Smuggler: Early Access Guide & Facts
HIROTONFA's American Revolution Smuggler entered Steam Early Access on Sept 24, 2026 at $19.99. It mixes merchant trading, dice-based naval combat, and state-chan romance routes.
American Revolution Smuggler: Early Access Guide & Facts
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What is HIROTONFA's American Revolution Smuggler?
HIROTONFA's American Revolution Smuggler is a single-player merchant simulation with dice-based ship combat and dating-sim elements, set during the American Revolution. It entered Steam Early Access on September 24, 2026, for Windows PC.
The player controls Mr. Law, a debt-ridden Connecticut ex-lawyer who owns a used ship. His goal is to sail from Quebec City to Spanish Louisiana, buying low and selling high while avoiding British blockades.
Key facts at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | HIROTONFA (solo developer) |
| Publisher | Ninth Exodus (9th Exodus, Warsaw, Poland) |
| Early Access release | September 24, 2026 |
| Launch price | $19.99, with a 10% launch discount |
| Full release (1.0) target | 2027 |
| Genres (Steam) | Adventure, RPG, Simulation, Strategy, Early Access |
| Platform | Windows 8.1, 10, 11 (64-bit) |
| Language | English (interface only) |
| Steam features | Single-player, Steam Cloud, Family Sharing |
| Free demo | Yes, on the Steam store page |
Sources: Steam store page, Games Press release (September 16, 2026).
How does the trading system work?
You run cargo between 13+ ports in a wartime economy where prices change with the conflict. Blockades limit supply, battles raise demand, and your own large trades can lower prices.
Ship management is part of the loop. According to the Steam description, you handle:
- Crew wages and morale
- Cargo hold upgrades
- Rising taxes
- A debt collector when your balance goes negative
- Market events, such as a Dutch tulip market crash
How does ship combat work?
Combat at sea is dice-based: you roll to attack, defend, and dodge. The developer names 100% Orange Juice as the inspiration.
Enemies listed on the Steam page include Royal Navy patrols, privateers, sea monsters, and the Flying Dutchman.
What are the state-chans and romance routes?
Each colony and state is represented as an anime-style girl ("state-chan") who runs a shop. Four romance routes are completable in the Early Access build: Loyalist-chan, Patriot-chan, Louisiana-chan, and Florida-chan.
To date a state-chan, you must raise social stats from "fleabitten sailor" to "dashing seafaring gentleman." Each route has its own dialogue and relationship events. Characters described on Steam include:
- Connecticut – a bookworm
- New Jersey – has a temper
- Florida – wrestles alligators
- New Hampshire – possibly a ninja
How do factions affect the game?
You can side with the Patriots, the Loyalists, or stay neutral as a "trimmer." Your alignment changes which ports welcome you, which ships hunt you, and which state-chans talk to you.
The war also progresses without you. Towns can be sacked, and prices spike as a result.
Which games inspired it?
The developer and press coverage list five main inspirations, each tied to one system.
| Game | System it inspired |
|---|---|
| Recettear: An Item Shop's Tale | Trading |
| 100% Orange Juice | Dice combat |
| Sid Meier's Pirates! | Sailing |
| FTL | Crew management |
| Persona series | Social stats and dating |
Source: RPG Gamers.
What is included in Early Access?
The developer states that about half of the planned content is in. The full campaign runs from Spring to Winter.
Included now
- 13+ ports and a war-driven economy
- Dice-based combat and factions
- Mini-games, including boxing, horse racing, and baseball
- Four completable romance routes
Planned for version 1.0
- At least ten romance routes (the requirement for leaving Early Access)
- More random events
- Another rival merchant captain
- An explorable dungeon
The developer estimates about one year of Early Access. Community polls and discussion on the Steam Community Hub and social channels help decide which state-chan gets the next route. The developer also plans to raise the price after Early Access.
What are the system requirements?
The game needs a 64-bit Windows system with 8 GB RAM and 1 GB of storage. Steam lists only minimum requirements.
| Component | Minimum |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 8.1, 10, or 11 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-4340 or better |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics | Compatible OpenGL, 1 GB VRAM or better |
| Storage | 1 GB available space |
| Other | Must be able to run NWJS v0.88.0 |
Note: the Steam client supports only Windows 10 and later since January 1, 2024.
Who is HIROTONFA?
HIROTONFA is an American cartoonist and solo game developer with more than 92,000 followers on X. American Revolution Smuggler is his first commercial release, and he built its trading, combat, and social systems alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did American Revolution Smuggler release?
It entered Steam Early Access on September 24, 2026.
How much does it cost?
The launch price is $19.99 with a 10% launch discount. The developer plans to raise the price after Early Access.
Is there a free demo?
Yes. A free demo is available on the Steam store page.
How many romance routes are available?
Four in Early Access: Loyalist-chan, Patriot-chan, Louisiana-chan, and Florida-chan. At least ten are planned for 1.0.
When is the full 1.0 release?
The 1.0 release is targeted for 2027. The developer has not given an exact date.
Which platforms is it on?
Windows PC via Steam. No other platforms are listed.
Is it multiplayer?
No. Steam lists it as single-player only.
