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.

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Play Modes

Reviews

95%

Audience ScoreBased on 19,451 reviews

gameplay579 positive mentions

grinding143 negative mentions

gameplay
1,945 mentions
30 % positive mentions
66 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of *Rain World* is characterized by its unique blend of survival mechanics, exploration, and a steep learning curve that can be both rewarding and frustrating. Players often find themselves navigating a beautifully crafted ecosystem filled with intricate enemy AI and hidden mechanics, but the game provides minimal guidance, leading to a trial-and-error approach that can be daunting for newcomers. While many appreciate the depth and complexity of the gameplay, others criticize its punishing nature and lack of clear direction, making it a polarizing experience that may not appeal to everyone.
- “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 gameplay is a tense cat-and-mouse game between you and the many predators of the world, and if you can grasp the combat and movement mechanics well enough, you can actually start to defeat some of the predators that hunt you.”
- “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.”
- “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 loop consists of mindlessly walking with the occasional avoiding of enemies, or sitting around waiting for an enemy camping a choke point to either go away or for it to kill you.”
story
1,631 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 explore and piece together the narrative through environmental storytelling and subtle hints rather than direct exposition. While many players find the story compelling and emotionally resonant, its cryptic nature and the game's challenging mechanics can make it difficult to uncover, often leading to frustration. Overall, the game offers a rich lore and a unique storytelling experience that rewards patience and exploration, appealing to those who enjoy deep, atmospheric narratives.
- “The story is an intriguing and kind of mysterious in its own way as well.”
- “The entire rain world with downpour extension is also tied together and every story moves in one unified ecosystem which makes every slug story a must to go through to understand the entire lore.”
- “The story itself is actually pretty abstract, difficult to interpret with layers upon layers of visual storytelling and strange NPCs.”
- “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
968 mentions
57 % positive mentions
42 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The music in "Rain World" is widely praised for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, enhancing the game's emotional depth and sense of danger. While the soundtrack is used sparingly, it effectively complements the gameplay, with dynamic cues that intensify during moments of threat, creating a unique audio experience that resonates with players. Many reviewers highlight the beauty and originality of the music, noting its ability to evoke strong feelings and enhance the overall atmosphere 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 soundtrack is absolutely amazing and I love the amount of lore in the game.”
- “The player will spend much of their time accompanied by no music at all, creating a lonely and sometimes unsettling feeling.”
- “The music is pretty much an alarming sense that tells you if you are in danger or not, even though some sounds are awesome like floes and bioengineering for example.”
- “The music is scarce, mostly you'll sit clenching your controller, trying to catch ledges and swim away from danger in relative silence.”
graphics
962 mentions
59 % positive mentions
39 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Rain World" have been widely praised for their stunning pixel art style and immersive environments, creating a visually captivating experience that enhances the game's atmospheric storytelling. Reviewers highlight the intricate details and unique aesthetics of each region, alongside fluid animations that bring the world to life. While the visuals are often described as breathtaking and artistically impressive, some players note that they can occasionally obscure gameplay elements, leading to moments of frustration. Overall, the game's graphics are considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to its appeal.
- “The graphics are absolutely stunning and the ecosystem the game creates is mind-blowing.”
- “The visuals, sounds, and music are woven together perfectly, movement is natural but precise, and although it can be infuriating in harder areas and the controls definitely take time to master, I don't think I would change anything.”
- “The art style is beautiful and the gameplay is well made.”
- “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 are simple yet messy.”
- “A game released in 2017 not natively supporting 1080p is a strange decision and one that absolutely ruins the visuals at 1440p or 4k.”
atmosphere
560 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 and vulnerability. Players often describe the game as both beautiful and oppressive, with each area offering a unique ambiance that contributes to the overall feeling of isolation and danger. Despite its challenging gameplay, the atmospheric storytelling and environmental design create a compelling experience that resonates deeply with players.
- “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 hand-drawn art style, atmospheric soundtrack, and intricate ecosystem create a captivating and unforgettable world filled with danger and wonder.”
- “The atmosphere is so unique, and the artwork is breathtaking.”
- “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 gameplay can be slow or frustrating at times, even stressful, but you don't play it just for that, you play it for the atmosphere, mood etc., which can make the occasionally frustrating gameplay feel much better than it would.”
- “The atmosphere and game mechanics are so unbelievably brilliant and beautiful that I pushed through the pain time and time again.”
humor
368 mentions
100 % positive mentions
-1 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the comedic elements of gameplay, such as the absurd deaths of the slugcat and the unpredictable behavior of enemies. Many reviews mention the enjoyment derived from playing with friends, where hilarious moments arise from chaotic encounters and unexpected glitches. Overall, the game is described as a blend of challenging mechanics and lighthearted fun, making it a memorable experience filled with laughter.
- “Very fun game with lots of exploration and funny deaths.”
- “Funny game where you survive as a little goober and try to not die.”
- “It's a blast to play with friends and I had some hilarious moments when playing this game with all of the homies.”
- “Oh, and watch out for the fake poles; they're not funny.”
- “The jokes fell flat and felt forced, lacking any real wit.”
- “I expected more clever humor, but it mostly missed the mark.”
emotional
187 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is profoundly impactful, with many players reporting intense feelings ranging from joy to heartbreak. The stunning visuals, deep lore, and challenging gameplay contribute to a rich emotional journey, often leading to tears and a strong attachment to the characters, particularly the slugcats. Despite its difficulty, players find the experience rewarding, with many describing it as a unique blend of beauty, tragedy, and existential reflection that resonates deeply long after playing.
- “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).”
- “Rain world isn't just a game; it's an emotional journey through a world that feels both hauntingly beautiful and achingly real.”
- “The story is amazing, and got me emotional multiple times.”
grinding
177 mentions
2 % positive mentions
18 % neutral mentions
81 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being tedious, frustrating, and often punishing, with many players feeling that it detracts from the overall experience. Reviewers note that the need to repeatedly farm resources and levels, especially after deaths, leads to a cycle of unfulfilling gameplay that can feel like a chore rather than a challenge. While some appreciate the game's aesthetic and world-building, the overwhelming sentiment is that the grinding mechanics are poorly designed and can make progression feel unnecessarily drawn out and unrewarding.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “Overall this made the game not very tedious for me and I did not feel that it respects my time.”
- “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.”
- “Grinding for hours with nothing to show for it, because the closest you got to progress was erased microseconds after you spawned onto the screen and into a lizard's rasping jaws.”
- “Navigating through the game's bleak and oppressive world quickly becomes a tedious, repetitive grind that’s more infuriating than rewarding.”
replayability
97 mentions
41 % positive mentions
56 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The replayability of "Rain World," especially with the "Downpour" DLC, is highly praised, offering numerous new characters, campaigns, and game modes that significantly enhance the experience. Players appreciate the game's intricate mechanics, dynamic AI, and the ability to explore different routes and challenges, making it feel almost infinitely replayable. However, some users note a steep learning curve and varying personal experiences with replay value, indicating that while many find it engaging, others may not feel the same level of replayability.
- “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.”
- “A lot less replayable (at least for me) than I thought it would be.”
- “Eh, it's alright, not enough replayability.”
stability
54 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 charm, others report that they can lead to frustrating experiences, particularly in critical moments or during co-op play. Overall, while the game runs well on platforms like Steam Deck and offers enjoyable gameplay, the prevalence of bugs remains a significant concern for many users.
- “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
18 mentions
22 % positive mentions
61 % neutral mentions
17 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its smooth performance and stability, even on lower-end systems, while others report significant performance issues, particularly in certain levels and during multiplayer sessions. While some aspects, like split-screen functionality, have improved, there are still complaints about lag, crashes, and outdated menu designs. Overall, the game's optimization appears to vary widely depending on individual hardware and 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
13 mentions
62 % positive mentions
23 % neutral mentions
15 % negative mentions
Overall, character development in the game is highlighted through its unique and creative character designs, particularly for the slugcat and scavengers, which are praised for their originality and visual appeal. Players appreciate the depth of interaction with the environment and enemies, noting that character growth primarily stems from mastering movement mechanics and understanding enemy behaviors. The game's stunning pixel art and atmospheric elements further enhance the immersive experience, contributing to a sense of mystery and emotional engagement.
- “The sandbox is fun to mess around with, the campaigns are a great time with all the exploration and survival aspects, and the character designs are creative and cool.”
- “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.”
- “-inconsistency in character design between game and artwork.”
monetization
11 mentions
0 % positive mentions
9 % neutral mentions
91 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some users criticizing it for perceived deceptive advertising and a high price point of $24, suggesting that additional content should be included rather than sold as DLC. While some appreciate the game's unique qualities amidst a landscape of predatory monetization, others feel that the marketing does not accurately represent the gameplay experience.
- “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.”