Raft

A choppy start leads to a compelling survival experience in Raft.

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"Raft" is a survival game where you and your friends must navigate a perilous ocean to stay alive. Starting with just a hook, you'll gather debris to expand your raft and set sail towards dangerous islands. Watch out for the man-eating shark and other hazards as you search for the last remnants of civilization. Your goal is to build a worthy floating home and survive the epic adventure across the sea.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

94%

Audience ScoreBased on 114,443 reviews

story4,093 positive mentions

grinding1,974 negative mentions

story
10,747 mentions
38 % positive mentions
57 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The story in "Raft" is a mixed bag, with players expressing a range of opinions on its depth and execution. While some appreciate the engaging narrative that unfolds through exploration and notes, others find it lacking and repetitive, particularly in the later stages where puzzles and fetch quests dominate. Many players enjoy the balance of survival mechanics and story progression, but feel that the game loses its appeal after completing the main storyline, as there is little incentive to continue playing beyond that point. Overall, the story adds a layer of intrigue to the gameplay, but its execution leaves room for improvement.
- “This storytelling approach is engaging without overwhelming the primary survival mechanics, creating a balance that respects the player's autonomy while offering context for their journey.”
- “We laughed, we screamed, and when we hit the final credits, we knew this chaotic journey was the most beautifully zesty love story we could have ever sailed.”
- “The story is engaging and some of the tasks are challenging, but never too frustrating to do.”
- “The story is bland and forgettable, the combat very simplistic, and the longer you play the more it shines through that the developers have made their last version and then abandoned it.”
- “The story is genuinely just not interesting at all, the boss fights are jank as hell, and my god is the story unnecessarily long.”
- “The story is a little lacking but what survival craft game isn't.”
gameplay
4,560 mentions
36 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Raft" is centered around resource gathering, crafting, and survival mechanics, which many players find engaging and addictive, especially in multiplayer settings. While the core mechanics, such as building and expanding your raft, are praised for their creativity, some players note that the gameplay can become repetitive and grindy over time, particularly due to the constant need for food and water management. Additionally, the shark mechanic, while initially exciting, is often described as a nuisance that detracts from the overall experience, leading to mixed feelings about the game's balance and pacing.
- “The limited resources constantly drive players to make tactical decisions about which items to prioritize, adding a layer of strategy that keeps the gameplay fresh and challenging.”
- “The thrill of transforming a simple raft into a floating fortress while fending off challenges from the environment creates an addictive gameplay loop that keeps players coming back for more.”
- “The core gameplay loop involves the player collecting different items to build something out of nothing.”
- “The gameplay quickly becomes monotonous as players spend the majority of their time fishing for debris and fending off shark attacks.”
- “The gameplay loop is very repetitive and can be very grindy.”
- “The shark mechanic is a terrible mechanic.”
graphics
2,479 mentions
52 % positive mentions
44 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Raft" are generally described as charming and vibrant, featuring a colorful, cartoonish art style that enhances the game's laid-back atmosphere. While some players appreciate the simplicity and aesthetic appeal, others note that the graphics can be underwhelming compared to more modern titles, with occasional performance issues on lower-end systems. Overall, the visuals contribute positively to the immersive experience, making it enjoyable for both solo and multiplayer gameplay.
- “Raft features charming, low-poly graphics that create a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.”
- “The vibrant colors of the ocean, coupled with charming graphics, create a visually inviting world that invites players to immerse themselves in their journey.”
- “The graphics are stunning, with a vibrant color palette that captures the beauty and danger of the open sea.”
- “Graphically, 'Raft' isn't particularly impressive.”
- “The graphics are simplistic and lack detail, making the game world feel bland.”
- “The graphics are hideous, the procedurally generated map is a desert of open ocean and almost identical little islands, with no variation in the garbage you can collect as you go.”
grinding
2,197 mentions
1 % positive mentions
9 % neutral mentions
90 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of "Raft" has received mixed feedback from players. Many find the game enjoyable and engaging, especially in multiplayer, where the grind becomes more manageable and fun. However, solo players often describe the experience as tedious and repetitive, particularly in the early stages, where resource management and survival mechanics can feel overwhelming. Overall, while the game offers a satisfying progression system, it heavily relies on grinding, which can detract from the enjoyment for some players.
- “Not too grindy, just enough to spend some good time.”
- “Very fun game, not very grindy and includes many cool features. I highly recommend.”
- “Novel and solid survival game that isn't too grindy, has a nice progression curve and story pacing.”
- “The joy of exploration and creativity faded, replaced by the tedious grind of managing hunger and thirst, which often felt more like a burden than a challenge.”
- “Resource gathering and progression are painfully slow, making the game feel more like a tedious grind than an exciting survival adventure.”
- “The game starts out promising, but quickly becomes monotonous and tedious.”
music
1,096 mentions
48 % positive mentions
51 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music in "Raft" is widely praised for its calming and immersive qualities, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Players appreciate the soothing soundtrack that complements the serene oceanic setting, often comparing it to the nostalgic vibes of games like Minecraft. However, some users note that the limited number of tracks and infrequent play can lead to repetitiveness, suggesting a desire for more variety in the music selection. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a significant asset to the game's relaxing atmosphere.
- “The music was peaceful, and I loved the collection aspect and having to research recipes that would further our progress.”
- “The soundtrack is subtle but effective, providing a calming backdrop that contrasts with the tension of survival.”
- “The music is incredibly relaxing, which makes for great little jumpscares.”
- “The audio design, including the soundtrack and sound effects, is equally uninspired and repetitive.”
- “The music can start to get really annoying and repetitive, the combat starts to get really annoying and repetitive, the atmosphere starts to get really.... you get it.”
- “The only problem with it in early access is that it has a very limited soundtrack and the long periods of silence before music starts up again can be a bit jarring.”
humor
784 mentions
99 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The humor in "Raft" is predominantly derived from its chaotic multiplayer experience, where players often find themselves in absurd and hilarious situations, especially when playing with friends. Many reviews highlight the game's quirky mechanics, funny glitches, and the comedic interactions with the shark, which contribute to a lighthearted atmosphere that enhances the overall enjoyment. While solo play can be less entertaining, the game shines in multiplayer mode, leading to countless laugh-out-loud moments and memorable adventures.
- “We couldn’t stop laughing; it was so funny.”
- “Funny shark who I named Gerald bit my toes while I was trying to cook fish. Very fun game, would recommend.”
- “It's funny to play with friends, and it's a good game.”
- “This Christian fish guy is unfunny.”
- “But not funny at all after long hours.”
- “They did an unfunny April Fools' joke.”
stability
746 mentions
5 % positive mentions
1 % neutral mentions
95 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been a significant point of contention among players, with many reporting a wide range of bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay. While some players find the glitches amusing and part of the game's charm, others express frustration over game-breaking issues, particularly in multiplayer mode. Overall, the game is described as "buggy" and "unpolished," with many hoping for future updates to address these stability concerns.
- “Everything works fine, no glitches.”
- “The game is also relatively bug free at this point, which is something that really sets it apart from similar games.”
- “For me, it was amazingly stable and bug free for an early access title.”
- “Bugs became an omnipresent annoyance, from items getting stuck in the environment to glitches that disrupted the gameplay experience.”
- “The game is buggy as hell, even though my sail is facing north it moves west.”
- “Game is so buggy it's just unplayable; it's just really bad.”
replayability
387 mentions
34 % positive mentions
53 % neutral mentions
13 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players noting that while it can be enjoyable with friends and offers some creative building opportunities, it lacks significant content and variety for solo play after completing the main story. Some reviews highlight that the game is fun for a limited time, but once players have experienced the core mechanics and story, the replay value diminishes considerably. Overall, while there are elements that can extend replayability, such as multiplayer modes and modding support, many feel that the game could benefit from additional content to enhance its longevity.
- “The game has high replay value because there are many ways to play and build your raft.”
- “The active community and modding support further extend the game's replayability and creativity.”
- “It's fun, immersive, and endlessly replayable, offering a unique experience that captivates from start to finish.”
- “The only downside is the low replayability, as there’s only one story with one path, with no multiple endings or choices.”
- “The game itself is fine, but it lacks replayability and interesting content.”
- “The biggest complaint from me - 0 replayability, you will never touch this game again after completion.”
optimization
315 mentions
27 % positive mentions
48 % neutral mentions
25 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, especially when building larger rafts or exploring larger islands. While some users experience smooth gameplay on high-end systems, others struggle with low frame rates and overheating, even on capable hardware. Overall, there is a consensus that the game requires substantial optimization improvements to enhance performance across a wider range of systems.
- “In terms of performance, Raft runs smoothly on most systems, and the art style, while simple, is charming and fitting for the setting.”
- “The game runs smoothly even on the highest settings for middle to high-end computers; the graphics are good and the sound is engaging.”
- “I really enjoy this game, especially because it's well optimized for lower-spec PCs.”
- “Optimization also leaves much to be desired - even on better hardware you can experience drops in fluidity.”
- “Terrible optimization and in-game performance even with a beyond capable PC.”
- “The performance is so utterly bad, especially in multiplayer, that the game is practically unplayable at times.”
atmosphere
294 mentions
65 % positive mentions
32 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Raft" is widely praised for its captivating blend of serene visuals and immersive sound design, creating a unique experience that balances relaxation with the tension of survival. Players appreciate the charming low-poly graphics, soothing ocean sounds, and the sense of isolation that enhances the gameplay, making it both inviting and suspenseful. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered one of its standout features, contributing significantly to its appeal and enjoyment.
- “The ambient sounds of the ocean, the creaking of the raft, and the occasional storm create an immersive atmosphere that enhances the survival experience.”
- “The game's charming visuals and atmospheric sound design further enhance the immersion, transporting players to a beautifully desolate world where every decision could mean the difference between life and death.”
- “The graphics are beautiful, the environment is atmospheric, the motion of the ocean is great, and the gameplay is smooth and balanced.”
- “The game has great potential, but it lacks the lively ambiance and atmosphere needed to make it truly vibrant.”
- “The game's previous atmosphere is completely demolished by the addition of random NPCs inserted into the story last-minute for the excuse of having more player models.”
- “No story, no real immersion, no atmosphere, no goal, no soul.”
emotional
112 mentions
96 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Raft" is characterized by a blend of heartwarming experiences and moments of genuine connection, often evoking tears of joy and nostalgia among players. Many users highlight the game's ability to foster friendships and create a cozy atmosphere, while the serene music and engaging gameplay enhance its emotional impact. However, some players express disappointment with the storyline, feeling it detracts from the overall emotional resonance of the game.
- “Every time I think of 'Raft', I shed a tear.”
- “This game has made me cry legitimate tears of joy.”
- “Best game I've ever played! My friends and I started a world and 15 hours later finished the game. At the end, we got so emotional saying goodbye to our raft and everything we've done!”
- “Boring storyline that feels forced.”
- “I eventually got bored and quit, as my time on the raft began to become eclipsed by my time in the somewhat boring story missions.”
- “Good game, very much good, but the story is boring in my opinion.”
monetization
28 mentions
11 % positive mentions
7 % neutral mentions
82 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing frustration over perceived cash grab tactics and unfinished content. While some appreciate the absence of microtransactions and find the game enjoyable, others feel it lacks depth and updates, leading to disappointment. Overall, the sentiment leans towards skepticism regarding the developers' intentions, with several users labeling it as a cash grab despite some positive gameplay experiences.
- “No microtransactions, thank you!”
- “I'd even be willing to pay for in-game purchases because I enjoy this game.”
- “Thank you for this game <3 and there are no microtransactions!”
- “I was really looking forward to it for so long, but it seems like just a cash grab where things are left unfinished and buggy.”
- “The game has been in early access for over 3 years and they barely bring out any updates. This game feels like a cash grab at this point, and if you want to buy an unfinished game that will most likely remain unfinished, then go ahead.”
- “Well, this is a cash grab game.”
character development
12 mentions
25 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
25 % negative mentions
Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing disappointment due to minimal lore and a lack of depth in character arcs, leading to feelings of disconnection. While the character designs are praised for their attractiveness and charm, the overall narrative and character growth are seen as insufficient, detracting from the immersive experience. Some players appreciate the survival elements but still note that the absence of meaningful character development is a significant drawback.
- “Awesome story and character design.”
- “Really enjoy the survival and character development aspects.”
- “The character design is gorgeously done, adding to that survival realism we have come to crave.”
- “The minimal lore and absence of character development left me feeling uninvested and disconnected from my surroundings.”
- “The game lacks story, plot, and character development.”
- “This game is frickin sicko mode my only complaint is that there is no character development or item development.”