Dredge

About

DREDGE is a suspenseful fishing trawler game that has you exploring a chain of remote islands, dredging the depths for hidden treasures, and uncovering the troubled past of each area. Upgrade your boat and equipment to catch rare fish and valuable deep-sea curios, complete quests for the locals, and beware the unfathomable horrors lurking in the dark. Fight for survival, unravel the mystery, and fish to live in this eerie open-world experience.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

+18

96%

Audience ScoreBased on 42,814 reviews

story5k positive mentions

grinding939 negative mentions

story
12,245 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
57%
3%
The story of "Dredge" is a captivating blend of cosmic horror and fishing simulation, drawing players into a mysterious world filled with unsettling lore and intriguing characters. While the main narrative is relatively short, often completed in around 10-15 hours, it effectively unfolds through environmental storytelling and side quests, encouraging exploration and engagement with the game's eerie atmosphere. However, some players noted that the story can feel predictable and that many side quests are simple fetch tasks, leaving them wanting more depth and complexity in the narrative.
- “The main story of the game was a true adventure that kept me more hooked than a fish on a line!”
- “A beautifully crafted adventure story.”
- “The story, upgrade loop, and immersion are all stellar examples of indie gaming.”
- “The main story feels flat, with less interactions than I would've expected.”
- “The story is pretty straightforward (if you get both endings) although some of the special fish the player catches do have lore attached to them.”
- “The story is very simple, but it works.”
gameplay
7,405 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
49%
47%
4%
The gameplay in "Dredge" is characterized by a simple yet engaging loop that revolves around fishing, upgrading your boat, and exploring various environments. While the mechanics are easy to grasp and initially enjoyable, many players note that the gameplay can become repetitive over time, particularly as the game progresses and the novelty of its core mechanics wears off. The atmosphere and story elements, however, effectively complement the gameplay, creating a unique blend of relaxation and tension that keeps players invested throughout the experience.
- “The gameplay loop is engaging and doesn't get repetitive.”
- “The blend of fishing mechanics and exploration is surprisingly addictive, and the upgrade system for your boat adds depth as you unlock better gear to explore the more dangerous parts of the sea.”
- “The gameplay is simple, the fishing loop with the Tetris minigame of storing your goods is never dull, and you just love upgrading your boat and gear.”
- “I am underwhelmed by the actual mechanics of the game itself, however.”
- “Its gameplay mechanics are simplistic to the point of being archaic, offering a repetitive and shallow experience.”
- “The gameplay loop unfortunately isn't doing much for me though.”
graphics
3,849 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
65%
34%
1%
The graphics of *Dredge* have been widely praised for their unique art style, which blends a charming, low-poly aesthetic with haunting visuals that effectively convey both beauty and horror. Players appreciate the game's atmospheric design, which enhances the overall experience, creating a sense of unease while exploring its richly detailed environments and character designs. The combination of stunning artwork, engaging sound design, and a captivating narrative contributes to a visually immersive experience that resonates with fans of Lovecraftian themes.
- “The unique art style and mysterious/spooky atmosphere immediately drew me in.”
- “The art style is gorgeous, the writing is fun, and the characters are delightful.”
- “The atmosphere and ambiance of the game are impeccable and the art style is charming as well.”
- “How does a game with such lackluster graphics manage to be so fun?”
- “Graphics are a lot worse than on the screenshots.”
- “The graphics lend themselves poorly to the theme of the game.”
atmosphere
3,659 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
71%
29%
The atmosphere in *Dredge* is widely praised for its unique blend of cozy fishing gameplay and unsettling, Lovecraftian horror elements. Players appreciate the game's ability to create a haunting ambiance, particularly during nighttime, where tension and a sense of dread permeate the experience. The art style, sound design, and music further enhance this immersive atmosphere, making it a standout feature that captivates players throughout their journey.
- “Dredge is a dark and atmospheric fishing adventure that takes you into eerie waters filled with secrets.”
- “The atmosphere and ambiance of the game are impeccable and the art style is charming as well.”
- “Dredge does atmosphere masterfully, creating a cozy yet spooky world to live in.”
- “The atmosphere feels very lazy and empty.”
- “The game itself isn't particularly challenging (the few threats that exist become trivially easy to avoid once you learn how they work, and checkpoints are forgiving is the event that you do need them), but the sense of unknowable horrors lurking in the deep does add to the melancholic atmosphere.”
- “The atmosphere is eerie in the beginning but at the end the stakes are non existent and the experience is bland.”
music
2,075 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
65%
33%
2%
The music in "Dredge" has been widely praised for its ability to create an immersive atmosphere that balances both calming and eerie tones, enhancing the game's Lovecraftian themes. Players appreciate the soundtrack's emotional depth, noting that it complements the gameplay and setting beautifully, although some mention that certain tracks can become repetitive over time. Overall, the combination of haunting melodies and ambient sound design significantly contributes to the game's engaging experience.
- “The game’s art style and moody soundtrack create an immersive experience, and the subtle storytelling pulls you deeper into the unsettling world.”
- “The incredible art style, soundtrack, and atmosphere kept me wanting to explore this world for as long as possible.”
- “The music, the atmosphere, the building dread of eldritch beings, and yes even the fishing is all so well done and enjoyable.”
- “The only downside is the music, it is too sad, and affects the mood of the game negatively.”
- “After a certain period of time the music can be annoying cause it plays the same track on the same location.”
- “Some of the music (for docks and other populated locations) is annoying and repetitive.”
grinding
1,011 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
3%
5%
93%
The reviews for "grinding" in the game reveal a mixed sentiment among players. While many find the fishing and resource collection engaging and enjoyable, some feel that the game can become tedious, especially when aiming for 100% completion or during late-game upgrades. Overall, the grinding is often described as manageable and not overly burdensome, but it can lead to repetitive gameplay and frustration for completionists.
- “Spent a lot of time fishing and delivering fish, but the world is small enough that it feels just right and not tedious.”
- “Not grindy like other games; it can be fairly entertaining and awesome to explore.”
- “The grind for 100% completion is there, but it's not tedious.”
- “Too grindy for a single player game.”
- “I ended up playing double the time it takes to beat this short game because I was joylessly grinding achievements and getting caught in fishing loops where I'd just fish because I didn't know what else to do at the time.”
- “The gameplay became a bit tedious in the end though.”
replayability
430 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
57%
27%
Overall, the game exhibits low replayability, with many players noting that once the main story is completed, there is little incentive to return. While some enjoy the initial experience and find value in achievement hunting or exploring the atmosphere, the consensus is that the game is short (around 10-15 hours) and lacks substantial content for multiple playthroughs. Many recommend purchasing it on sale, as its charm and enjoyment may not justify the full price given its limited replay value.
- “Although collecting all the fish in the game takes a while, the DLCs in the game are playable both early game and late game (after the main story).”
- “The main story was a tad short (don't rush the main story on the first playthrough), but the replayability is so high, I don't even view that negatively.”
- “Despite being relatively short, Dredge offers plenty of replay value, with multiple endings and secrets to uncover.”
- “There is no replay value, no swim and chill value.”
- “I wouldn't recommend because the game severely lacks replayability.”
- “The only real downside is that once you do complete it, there isn't that there isn't much replay value.”
humor
178 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The humor in the game is widely praised for its quirky and absurd elements, with players enjoying the funny fish designs and unexpected comedic moments throughout the gameplay. Many reviews highlight a blend of humor with darker themes, creating a unique experience that balances lightheartedness with a touch of creepiness. Overall, the game is described as both entertaining and amusing, making it a standout choice for those seeking a fun and humorous gaming experience.
- “It's a perfect blend of humor, challenge, and quirky adventures.”
- “If you haven't tried it yet, you're missing out on a hilariously good time.”
- “The ending made me laugh in real life with how absurd and random it felt.”
- “It can be frustrating... or funny.”
- “It can be frustrating... or funny.”
emotional
126 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
2%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its ability to blend heartwarming moments with darker themes, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with players. Many reviewers noted that the story evokes strong feelings, leading to emotional attachments to characters and even tears during pivotal moments. However, some felt that certain plot developments and endings undermined the emotional buildup, leaving a mixed impression on the overall impact.
- “By the end, I shed a tear.”
- “The soundtrack is not merely background noise; it's an integral part of the game that enhances the emotional impact, making every moment memorable.”
- “It's an immersive, emotional rollercoaster that pushes the boundaries of what games can achieve.”
stability
80 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
40%
Overall, the game demonstrates strong stability, with many users reporting a smooth and bug-free experience across various platforms, including Steam Deck and laptops without dedicated GPUs. While a few players encountered minor visual glitches or crashes, the majority praised the game for its polished performance and lack of game-breaking issues. This consistency in stability has been highlighted as a refreshing change in contrast to many other titles in the market.
- “The game is polished, almost bug free, very well balanced and just an overall positive experience.”
- “Mechanics don't outstay their welcome, the writing is concise and well paced, upgrades feel impactful and worthwhile, the game ran smooth and bug free from day one and was truly finished on release.”
- “Lovely graphics, smooth gameplay, fun satisfying game loop, clear goals and clear explanations of how to achieve them, and absolutely bug free, which is wild.”
- “If I close this game, my computer freezes then crashes. I don't know why this game is the only solution to the crashes.”
- “This game is fun but unfortunately way too buggy/crashy to be played.”
- “One final note - I played primarily on Steam Deck, the game is fully compatible and runs great, barring a couple of crashes I encountered.”
optimization
66 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
56%
5%
Overall, the game's optimization is highly praised, with many players reporting smooth performance even on older hardware, including integrated GPUs and the Steam Deck. While some minor performance issues and bugs were noted, the majority of users experienced stable gameplay without crashes or significant drops in frame rate. The game's design and technical execution are considered well thought out, contributing to an enjoyable and immersive experience.
- “Find a complete, well optimized, fun, charming game introduced by a dev team that actually cared about their product!”
- “I'm playing on a Steam Deck at 60fps and not even worrying about the battery, very well optimized game.”
- “Plays extremely well on deck, is super quick to install because it requires less than half a GB of space, can easily run on even the cheapest and oldest rigs, and runs smoothly, effortlessly, and flawlessly stable; 13.4 hours to finish the main story (without trying for full completion), and not a single crash, hang, stutter, or freeze.”
- “Performance or gameplay falls significantly below the passing mark.”
- “On the technical side, Dredge suffers from occasional performance issues and bugs.”
- “The game feels optimized for a demo but the whole game doesn't hold up to that standard.”
character development
56 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
38%
5%
Character development in the game is praised for its depth and authenticity, with many reviewers noting that the characters are well-designed and memorable, contributing to a strong narrative. However, some players expressed a desire for more extensive storylines and deeper lore to enhance the overall experience. While the character designs and dialogue are generally well-received, there are mixed opinions on the extent of character development, with a few reviewers feeling it could be improved.
- “Strong narrative, deep character development, details and plot twists that make you reconsider what you knew about the story.”
- “The character development is nothing short of extraordinary, as each persona is imbued with depth, nuance, and a sense of authenticity that forges a profound connection between the player and the virtual realm.”
- “You must fend for yourself by scavenging what you can out of the fear-inducing open waters, and face multiple challenges, learn the cursed secrets of the islands, complete with interesting character development, satisfying side quests, beautiful exploration, and unique abilities taken to a level not seen in other titles in this genre.”
- “I would have liked to see more story and character development, with some deeper lore and storylines for certain characters to really make the most of the Lovecraftian theme.”
- “I was expecting more story and character development and late game challenge.”
- “Further character development and a more cohesive narrative structure would greatly enhance the player's engagement with the game.”
monetization
26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
8%
15%
77%
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users criticizing it as a cash grab due to expensive DLCs and unnecessary microtransactions. While some appreciate the absence of intrusive in-game purchases and ads, others feel that the pricing does not reflect the game's value, leading to disappointment over what they perceive as a lack of genuine content. Overall, the sentiment leans towards frustration with the monetization strategy, despite some acknowledging the quality of the additional content.
- “It has all the charm of a mobile game (grind, buy better stuff, grind better stuff) without the in-game purchases and ads, and it also has a fun, inspiring, and dark twisted story behind it all.”
- “Is it a tad too expensive for what it is and turning into a massive DLC cash grab?”
- “By comparison, this game feels like a soulless cash grab with polished, stylized graphics released for three times more than it warrants.”
- “Also the fact that one of the DLCs is just a key to open a workshop for two items seems very much like a cash grab.”