Merchant of the Skies Review: A cozy trading sim that grows on you

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I was intrigued by the name ‘Merchant of the Skies’ when I downloaded it on my Xiaomi 15 Ultra. The idea of flying ships and islands sounded like a lot of fun, and I wondered if the game would live up to its promise – if my virtual ship could handle all the challenges ahead.

I honestly didn’t even know about AstralRide until they announced it was coming to mobile! It first came out on PC in 2020, and now it’s finally on Android and iOS. I’ve been playing for around 10-12 hours now, and I totally get why people loved it when it originally released – it’s a really cozy and fun trading sim.

The gameplay’s beginning is confusing, in a good way

What really stands out in Merchant of the Skies is how it begins. You don’t start as a powerful tycoon; instead, you’re a humble airship captain making small deliveries and simple trades between islands in the sky. The brief conversations you have along the way make the experience even more enjoyable.

At first, the game felt a little overwhelming, I’ll admit. It throws a lot at you right away – menus, shops, resources, upgrades, energy, quests, and various other systems – plus the story itself. But you’ll gradually learn everything as you play.

Initially, I focused on wood trading because it was straightforward – buy cheap, sell for a profit. However, realizing how lucrative it was for the town of Southburgh, I quickly shifted my focus to maximizing my own earnings there.

Core gameplay with the learning curve is a major plus alongside exploration

The main idea of the game is to buy items in one location and sell them for a higher price somewhere else. As you explore, you’ll learn which islands are willing to pay the most for different goods, and you’ll gradually improve your trading routes to maximize your profits.

One of the best things about this game is its relaxed pace. You’re free to explore the map at your own speed, discover new islands, and try out different ways to trade. It really gives you a sense of freedom and creativity.

Honestly, exploring this game is just awesome. That feeling when you click a path and a new sky island appears? Seriously gives me a rush! And I’m always excited to see what resources are waiting for me on each island – gotta collect those shiny coins, you know?

The map is quite interesting to use. On the left, under the menu showing your coins, there’s a circular timer that also gives you a sense of how trading conditions are changing. To be honest, I’m still figuring it all out – I’m definitely new to this!

The management systems with progression add to their charm

Managing fuel and energy can be tricky, and I often found myself wondering why things would suddenly go wrong. Running out of power is really frustrating because your ship will be towed, and the towing fees are incredibly expensive.

The game has a really smooth progression system. You start by assisting characters and finishing quests, which then lets you unlock workshops, upgrade your ships, and build your own production lines. It’s all very straightforward to follow, as your quest list clearly shows you what you need to do.

Like I said before, while the beginning might seem overwhelming, it actually gives you a good sense of how complex and rewarding the game can be. It’s certainly not the most beginner-friendly game out there, but I really liked that there’s a lot of potential for improvement and mastery.

The best part about this game is its flexibility – you can play it however you like. Whether you prefer to spend your time exploring the world, or focusing on building up wealth through trading, both are viable options. You’ll need coins to keep your energy up while exploring, though I wish the energy system wasn’t there at all.

Visuals and music settle in neatly to the experience

I was immediately drawn to the game’s art style. It beautifully combines pixel art with gentle, peach and pastel colors, creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Everything, from the floating islands and small buildings to the clouds and airships, feels incredibly charming.

The user interface is generally okay, but it could be more visually appealing. It’s functional and gets the job done, though some menus aren’t immediately intuitive. I also found some of the buttons a bit small, making them difficult to press accurately.

Honestly, the music is fantastic! It’s super chill and really makes you feel like you’re a traveling merchant soaring between islands. But what really got me was the sound design when you’re just flying around the map – they nailed all the little details!

When your ship sails into a storm, you’ll notice a gentle rumble of thunder. This, along with birdsong and peaceful music, creates a surprisingly relaxing atmosphere.

Final Verdict

Merchant of the Skies offers a one-time purchase price of $7.99 for the full game – no hidden costs or extra payments. It’s a great value for what you get, and overall, a worthwhile experience.

I had a bit of a learning curve initially, but you’ll likely find it much easier. Once you understand how it works, it really delivers a compelling and immersive experience.

This game successfully blends exploration, trading, ship management, and economic systems. While it’s not the most visually stunning game, and the user interface could be improved, its immersive atmosphere, great music, and relaxed gameplay more than compensate.

Merchant of the Skies Review by GamingonPhone

Gameplay Mechanics – 8
Progression and Upgrades – 8
Graphics and Music – 8.5
Controls and UI – 7
Value for Money – 8.5

8

Good

Merchant of the Skies can be a little tricky to learn, but it quickly becomes a calming experience. The joy comes from soaring between islands, discovering profitable trade routes, and gradually growing your own aerial business. It’s a wonderfully cozy game that lets you play at your own speed.

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2026-05-08 04:42