Rain World

In this broken, industrial wasteland, the rain is your enemy.

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In Rain World, you play as a nomadic slugcat surviving in a harsh, post-apocalyptic environment flooded by constant rain. Solve puzzles, outsmart predators, and navigate treacherous platforming challenges to find food and safety for your family. With a minimalist narrative and tough-but-fair gameplay, Rain World is a compelling and unique indie platformer.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

80%

Audience ScoreBased on 38,923 reviews

gameplay1,159 positive mentions

grinding286 negative mentions

gameplay
3,894 mentions
30 % positive mentions
66 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of *Rain World* is characterized by its unique blend of survival mechanics and exploration within a richly detailed ecosystem, where players control a vulnerable slugcat navigating a hostile environment. While many players appreciate the depth and emergent gameplay that arises from mastering its complex mechanics, the game is often criticized for its steep learning curve, lack of clear guidance, and punishing death mechanics that can lead to frustration. Overall, the experience is described as rewarding for those willing to invest time in understanding the game's systems, but it may not appeal to everyone due to its challenging nature and occasional clunky controls.
- “The gameplay, story, art, and music are all of a high quality, making the game very enjoyable to play, in spite of the difficulty.”
- “The gameplay is super fun because the slugcats control very well and the world is exciting to explore. The visuals are absolutely stunning at times, and the lore is hard to understand but in a mysterious way that makes you yearn for more.”
- “The game has a surprising amount of mechanical depth to discover, and is overall very enjoyable.”
- “The problem with this is that you’re penalized and actually lose levels each time you’re killed, and given how easily it is to do so this is honestly a mechanic that has made me drop the game many times prior, just adding even more unnecessary tedium and grinding to something that’s already guaranteed to be a struggle to get through.”
- “The game doesn't show you or explain too much about the game mechanics, or the objectives, but while you are playing you will understand the story, the objectives, and what is happening!!!.”
- “The gameplay is basically just finding four units of food (within a time limit. neither the existence of this time limit nor how long it takes is told to the player either) and going back to the shelter.”
story
3,263 mentions
34 % positive mentions
64 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The story of *Rain World* is intricately woven into its gameplay and environment, requiring players to piece together its narrative through exploration and environmental storytelling rather than direct exposition. While many players find the story compelling and emotionally resonant, its cryptic nature and the game's punishing difficulty can make it challenging to uncover, often leading to frustration. Overall, the game offers a rich lore and a unique storytelling experience that rewards patience and curiosity, appealing to those who enjoy deep, atmospheric narratives.
- “The gameplay, story, art, and music are all of a high quality, making the game very enjoyable to play, in spite of the difficulty.”
- “Only game ever to bring me to the verge of tears through my love and hate and frustration and sadness for it and its story.”
- “The story is an intriguing and kind of mysterious in its own way as well.”
- “The pacing of the story mode is way too slow for me.”
- “I should not have to open Google and watch a million videos spoiling the entire game just so I can feel like I have a sliver of a chance to go anywhere, especially when the game touts its story and world discovery as such a massive part of it.”
- “The story is vague, but made clear(ish) through environmental storytelling.”
music
1,937 mentions
57 % positive mentions
42 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The music in "Rain World" is widely praised for its atmospheric quality and dynamic integration into gameplay, enhancing the emotional depth of the experience. While the soundtrack is sparse, it effectively builds tension during encounters with threats, creating a sense of vulnerability and immersion in the game's world. Many players find the music to be a standout feature, with some tracks evoking strong emotional responses, making it a memorable aspect of the game.
- “The game does an incredible job at making the world feel alive with its procedural animation and ambience, and the choice of having great music triggered at certain times rather than constantly like most games makes it feel like a wonderful reward after having figured out where to go, or how to surpass a certain obstacle.”
- “The music is so atmospheric yet enjoyable in and out of the game, the gameplay is seamless and really makes you feel like you're at the bottom of the food chain.”
- “The music, scenery, lighting, art, mechanics, and practically everything else is magnificent and, dare I say, perfect additions!”
- “Almost all the time, there is no music, and you're left with just the sounds of the ever-moving world.”
- “The player will spend much of their time accompanied by no music at all, creating a lonely and sometimes unsettling feeling.”
- “The only redeeming factor is the soundtrack, which almost never plays.”
graphics
1,929 mentions
59 % positive mentions
39 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Rain World" are widely praised for their stunning pixel art style and immersive environments, creating a captivating atmosphere that enhances the gameplay experience. Reviewers highlight the intricate details, vibrant colors, and unique aesthetic that contribute to the game's overall charm, often comparing it to a living art piece. However, some players note that the visuals can occasionally obscure gameplay elements, leading to confusion in navigation.
- “This game is stunning; its lore is deep and extensive, the artwork and even the littlest detail will wow you.”
- “The graphics are absolutely stunning and the ecosystem the game creates is mind-blowing.”
- “The visuals are breathtaking; I will often find myself stopping to take in the environments while the incredible soundtrack plays in the background.”
- “Graphics are simple yet messy.”
- “The graphics may look 'retro' but it is a very beautiful game and makes good use of the whole 'the apocalypse is green' aesthetic.”
- “The graphics and gameplay suck.”
atmosphere
1,120 mentions
70 % positive mentions
29 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Rain World" is widely praised for its immersive and haunting quality, characterized by stunning pixel art, a captivating soundtrack, and a richly detailed ecosystem that enhances the sense of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. Players often describe the environment as both beautiful and oppressive, effectively conveying feelings of loneliness and danger, which contribute to a unique and memorable gaming experience. Despite its challenging gameplay, the atmospheric elements are considered a major draw, making it a standout title for fans of atmospheric exploration games.
- “The atmosphere is impeccable - the faded, rusting, overgrown architecture, the way the ancient machinery groans and heaves as you move through regions, the subtle music that swells when danger is nearby, and the constant, oppressive threat of the rain the game takes its name from.”
- “The game's stunning pixel art visuals and atmospheric sound design draw players into its hauntingly beautiful world.”
- “The atmosphere is amazing and the gameplay compliments it very well.”
- “Why would I care about the atmosphere if the core gameplay is so bad?”
- “The graphics are also okay but not that great, the atmosphere is grim and despite having played really grim games before, I did not find this enjoyable at all and I do not feel like I want to pick it up again.”
- “The game's pacing in general can be annoyingly slow once the initial magic of the atmosphere wears off, to the point that I bound a button on my controller to the dev command to speed the game up, which makes the game a lot less boring in my opinion.”
humor
736 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in this game is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the absurdity of the situations they encounter, such as the unpredictable behavior of enemies and the comical deaths of the protagonist, a slugcat. Many reviews emphasize the game's ability to elicit laughter through its quirky animations, funny character interactions, and the chaotic nature of multiplayer gameplay, making it a delightful experience, especially when shared with friends. Overall, the humor is described as both intentional and emergent, contributing significantly to the game's charm and replayability.
- “Very fun game with lots of exploration and funny deaths.”
- “I got a mod that let me have over a thousand slugpups and so I used all seven slugpups I had as meat shields when I fought the war against scavengers and some of them actually lived. I'm going literally insane; it was so funny.”
- “Haha, funny lizard becomes dinner.”
- “Oh, and watch out for the fake poles, they're not funny.”
emotional
374 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Rain World" resonates deeply with players, often evoking strong feelings of sadness, frustration, and attachment. Many reviews highlight the game's beautiful art, haunting music, and poignant storytelling, which lead to moments of genuine emotional investment, including tears during key story events and character interactions. Despite its challenging gameplay, players find the emotional highs and lows rewarding, creating a lasting impact that makes the game memorable and meaningful.
- “The art is beautiful, and although it may seem like a simple survival game at first, there is deep, enriching lore and a beautiful ending (which made me cry when I first completed the game).”
- “Rainworld isn't just a game; it's an emotional journey through a world that feels both hauntingly beautiful and achingly real.”
- “The story is wonderful, especially the Downpour ones; you can tell just how much love the devs put into their game, it's such an emotional game that made me cry many times.”
grinding
354 mentions
1 % positive mentions
18 % neutral mentions
81 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being tedious, frustrating, and often unfair, with many players feeling that it detracts from the overall experience. Reviewers note that the need to repeatedly farm for resources and levels, especially after deaths, creates a punishing cycle that can lead to significant backtracking and a lack of meaningful progress. While some appreciate the challenge and aesthetic of the game, the overwhelming sentiment is that the grinding mechanics feel excessive and detract from enjoyment, making it difficult for many players to recommend the game.
- “Overall this made the game not very tedious for me and I did not feel that it respects my time.”
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “You’re not punching trees to build abodes, you’re not meeting warring survivor factions and buddying up, you’re not grinding for a nice pair of trousers.”
- “The problem with this is that you’re penalized and actually lose levels each time you’re killed, and given how easily it is to do so, this is honestly a mechanic that has made me drop the game many times prior, just adding even more unnecessary tedium and grinding to something that’s already guaranteed to be a struggle to get through.”
- “It's a tense, stressful game with very little reward. It can give you the feeling of being trapped and of wanting to get out, out of an area, out of the game, out of the room, out of the house, especially because discovering new areas is challenging and you can get stuck going around aimlessly in circles, and it can feel tedious while simultaneously being stressful.”
- “You want to progress and see more that the game has to offer, but get stuck grinding to the end of zones, to finally make it and be denied due to the karma system.”
replayability
194 mentions
41 % positive mentions
57 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The replayability of Rain World, especially with the Downpour DLC, is highly praised, offering a wealth of content through multiple campaigns, unique slugcats, and various game modes like expedition mode. Players appreciate the game's dynamic AI and the ability to explore different routes and challenges, which contribute to its near-infinite replay value. However, some users note a steep learning curve and varying personal experiences with replayability, indicating that while many find it endlessly engaging, others may feel it lacks sufficient replay value.
- “Rainworld is an incredible and engaging game with interesting mechanics, fascinating enemy AI, a rich and engrossing world and characters, and more than enough replay value, especially with the Downpour DLC.”
- “The replayability is huge with one official DLC that is basically a whole other game and another DLC in the works, the Watcher.”
- “After over 300 hours of playing, I still have things that I haven't done. With the addition of Expedition mode, the game has near infinite replayability.”
- “Lacks replayability, but was the best first experience I have had playing a game ever.”
- “Eh, it's alright, not enough replayability.”
- “As it stands now, I wouldn't say that Rain World has much replayability value, but after the drop that will change.”
stability
108 mentions
6 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
94 % negative mentions
The game's stability is frequently criticized due to a variety of glitches and bugs that can disrupt gameplay, including freezing, AI issues, and inconsistent movement mechanics. While some players find these glitches amusing and part of the fun, others report that they can lead to frustrating experiences, particularly when they hinder progression. Overall, the game is described as enjoyable despite its instability, with many players noting that it runs well on platforms like Steam Deck, though some adjustments may be necessary to minimize visual glitches.
- “Runs great on Steam Deck.”
- “Not too buggy.”
- “Runs great on the Switch and PS4 too!”
- “Glitches are unfortunately quite common, and range from mildly annoying things, such as lizards grabbing you through walls, to the game freezing in specific rooms (often in downpour), preventing progression.”
- “The game was super buggy, which was sometimes awful and near game breaking since progression was sometimes almost impossible, but I still enjoyed the game.”
- “The character will often get stuck on walls/floors or just be unable to jump for a period of time even when changing surfaces (this also happens to the AI which ruins immersion - think Mass Effect animation glitches).”
optimization
36 mentions
22 % positive mentions
61 % neutral mentions
17 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its smooth performance and ability to run well even on low-end hardware, while others report significant performance issues, particularly in certain levels and during multiplayer sessions. Although some aspects, like AI and gameplay, are well-optimized, there are complaints about outdated menus and occasional lag spikes. Overall, the experience varies widely depending on the system and specific gameplay scenarios.
- “Game runs smoothly, feels like a very deliberate experience / well done indie game.”
- “Oh, and by the way, this is all extremely well optimized: it runs super smoothly on my potato Intel integrated laptop graphics.”
- “The performance is a solid 60fps on my system, and that is perfect for the game, it is just as intended.”
- “Atrocious performance, painfully bad dialogue, and what made me quit the game was the first France level, which is just a gigantic empty asset flip area.”
- “The tech seems dusted, menus are not optimized to modern standards and are pixelated at points where you don't want it (screen resolution is very limited).”
- “I honestly couldn't recommend this game to anyone before because of the overwhelming difficulty and performance issues.”
character development
26 mentions
62 % positive mentions
27 % neutral mentions
12 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is primarily centered around the player's mastery of movement and enemy behaviors, rather than traditional narrative growth. Reviewers praise the unique and creative character designs, particularly for the slugcat and scavengers, highlighting the game's stunning visuals and atmospheric elements that enhance the overall experience. However, some mention inconsistencies between in-game character design and promotional artwork.
- “Once you've gotten used to it all, Rain World will hit you with the best enemy AI in any game, a fleshed out world, completely original enemy and character design, and just stunning pixel art.”
- “It's a pretty unique game, with simple mechanics, an interesting environment, unique character design, and a nice air of mystery, danger, loneliness, and hope.”
- “It has some Metroidvania-like qualities (unlocking new areas and then exploring them), but most of your character development comes from better learning how your slugcat moves and the behaviors of the enemies that are dunking on you.”
- “It has some metroidvania-like qualities (unlocking new areas and then exploring them), but most of your character development comes from better learning how your slugcat moves and the behaviors of the enemies that are dunking on you.”
- “- inconsistency in character design between game and artwork.”
- “This is peak female character design.”
monetization
22 mentions
0 % positive mentions
9 % neutral mentions
91 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some users feeling that the $24 price tag is unjustified and criticizing the DLC as a cash grab rather than a meaningful addition. While the game is noted for its true advertising, some players feel that the promotional materials misrepresent the gameplay experience, leading to disappointment. Overall, there is a sentiment that the game stands out in a landscape filled with predatory monetization practices, but it still falls short in delivering value for its cost.
- “Not worth its $24 price; the DLC should be added to the game, not just a cash grab to get more stuff to do.”
- “In the advertisements I saw for this game, it seems like they deceptively chose a few clips where the creatures looked like they were moving organically, which during the game happens ~20% of the time.”
- “Anyone looking for something unique in this current gaming space of predatory monetization systems and recycled ideas, this is for you.”