Russian Fishing 4

About

Russian Fishing 4 is a single player and multiplayer open world role playing game. It was developed by FishSoft, LLC and was released on November 10, 2021. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

"Russian Fishing 4 is a realistic fishing game with 17 unique reservoirs and over 190 fish species. The game offers a vast selection of fishing tackle and allows free movement on the water bodies, enabling different types of fishing. It is designed by anglers, promising an immersive and authentic fishing experience."

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Skip User Reviews

79%

Audience ScoreBased on 6,742 reviews

gameplay108 positive mentions

grinding300 negative mentions

Highly realistic fishing mechanics that mimic real-life fishing experiences.
Beautiful graphics and immersive environments that enhance the gameplay.
Engaging community with helpful players and a variety of fishing techniques to explore.

Extremely grindy progression system that requires significant time investment to unlock gear and locations.
High costs for equipment and repairs, making it feel like a pay-to-win game.
Limited multiplayer features, as players cannot fish together despite being in the same game.

grinding
311 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
3%
96%
The grinding aspect of the game is a major point of contention among players, with many describing it as excessively tedious and time-consuming, particularly for free-to-play users. While some appreciate the realistic simulation of fishing and find the grind rewarding, others express frustration over the slow progress and the perceived need for premium features to advance more efficiently. Overall, the game is best suited for those who enjoy a lengthy grind and have the patience to invest significant time into it.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “One long, tedious grind.”
- “You're grinding silver coins like a crypto miner in Siberia, one minnow at a time.”
- “I recommend getting a job and then buying everything in this game rather than grinding because it will be like 100x faster.”
- “The game is very grindy because of this unless you pay to win.”
gameplay
296 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
54%
10%
The gameplay of "Russian Fishing 4" is characterized by its deep and realistic mechanics, offering a variety of fishing techniques, gear, and immersive environments that appeal to both casual players and hardcore fishing enthusiasts. However, many players note a steep learning curve, slow progression, and a grind-heavy experience exacerbated by pay-to-win elements, which can detract from the overall enjoyment. While the game excels in providing a meditative and detailed fishing experience, the lack of clear tutorials and the need for extensive research on mechanics can be frustrating for newcomers.
- “The gameplay is accessible for newcomers while offering depth for seasoned anglers.”
- “The attention to detail and engaging gameplay make it a standout title in the fishing genre.”
- “The game offers an expansive world filled with various locations, fish species, and intricate mechanics that cater to both casual players and hardcore fishing enthusiasts.”
- “However, this realism comes at a cost: extended periods of waiting for fish to bite, which mirrors real-life fishing but may frustrate players seeking action-packed gameplay.”
- “Many players criticize the pay-to-win mechanics, arguing that progression without spending money is excessively slow.”
- “The gameplay can feel slow-paced and repetitive at times, the game's customization options and multiplayer features make it worth checking out for those who enjoy the sport of fishing.”
graphics
229 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
62%
32%
6%
The graphics in "Russian Fishing 4" are widely praised for their realism and detail, featuring beautifully rendered environments and lifelike fish models. Many players appreciate the stunning visuals and immersive atmosphere, although some report performance issues, particularly on lower-end systems. Overall, while the graphics are considered among the best in fishing games, optimization remains a concern for some users.
- “Amazing game with beautiful scenery and map design, fish characteristics are pretty decent, the fish and gear modeling (visuals) are excellent, by far the best I've seen in any fishing game.”
- “The graphics are stunning, with beautifully rendered landscapes and realistic water effects that truly bring the environment to life.”
- “This game is really addictive, has decent graphics and the gameplay is pretty stable for a free-to-play early access game.”
- “For the visuals you get, performance is underwhelming.”
- “The years have not been kind to this game; the graphics are very outdated, animations as well, not to mention the developers seem as money-hungry as EA.”
- “The graphics are stuck in the past, and the animations?”
monetization
65 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
9%
57%
34%
The monetization model of the game has drawn significant criticism for its heavy reliance on microtransactions, which many players feel creates a pay-to-win dynamic and exacerbates the grind-heavy progression. While the game is free-to-play, the high costs of in-game purchases and the aggressive push for spending have led to perceptions of it being a cash grab, overshadowing its otherwise enjoyable gameplay. Despite some players finding it manageable without spending money, the overall sentiment leans towards frustration with the monetization practices and their impact on the gaming experience.
- “Despite its popularity, the game has sparked significant debate within the community due to its monetization strategies and grind-heavy progression.”
- “The game is free-to-play but relies heavily on microtransactions to alleviate its grind-heavy progression.”
- “Yes, there are microtransactions, but they don't get you anything that you can't get without paying money.”
- “It's a shame, because all of the positives are buried by the heavy-handed push for microtransactions.”
- “After 4,000+ hours (this is my alt), I can say RF4 has the most absurd monetization I’ve ever seen.”
- “Mirroring what others have said, the game is ridiculously grindy and while technically 'free' is pretty much a cash grab.”
story
41 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
7%
73%
20%
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its absence, with many users noting that it lacks a structured narrative and focuses primarily on open-world exploration and gameplay mechanics. While some appreciate the freedom from quests and objectives, others express frustration over the minimal storytelling elements, indicating that those seeking a more narrative-driven experience may be disappointed. Overall, the consensus is that the game prioritizes gameplay over story, leaving many players wanting more in terms of narrative depth.
- “Russia Fishing 4 is an amazing game; the graphics, story, and gameplay truly compete with the likes of other AAA titles.”
- “If you are one for in-depth action adventure, with a complex narrative, you will absolutely love the story too.”
- “This game changed my life. I was in a dark space in my life being a diver who had a fear of the water. The story, the characters, the power of the music, all helped me get through my tough time.”
- “The game lacks a structured storyline, focusing instead on open-world exploration and skill development, such as crafting lures and harvesting bait.”
- “Conversely, those seeking a casual or story-driven experience may find it frustrating.”
- “If you want a story, then go read a book.”
humor
33 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
94%
6%
The humor in the game is described as darkly hilarious, often stemming from the absurdity of the gameplay mechanics, such as the effort put into fishing only to catch low-value fish. Players find the developers' responses and the game's economy amusingly frustrating, while many appreciate the humorous references and quirky elements throughout the game. Overall, the humor is a mix of relatable frustrations and clever writing, making it a notable aspect of the experience.
- “There's something darkly hilarious about spending four hours perfecting groundbait recipes just to land a 2kg bream that sells for less than a Starbucks latte.”
- “Caught more laughs than fish, hilariously addicting!”
- “I personally enjoyed this aspect of the game, as I like collectibles, and found the bio descriptions hilarious and full of humorous references, which describes the game as a whole.”
- “And by 'not funny' I mean extremely repetitive and boring.”
- “Not funny; it's just a grind to earn money.”
optimization
28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
53%
29%
The game's optimization is widely criticized, with many players reporting poor performance, low frame rates, and high CPU and GPU usage, particularly on lower-end systems. While some users appreciate the visuals and animations, they note that the game struggles with significant performance issues, including lag and connection problems. Overall, the consensus is that the game requires substantial optimization improvements to enhance the player experience.
- “Recommended specs suggest a GTX 1060 for optimal performance.”
- “Good graphics, good sound, good optimization.”
- “Still a lot of room for improvement and optimization, but it's getting there.”
- “For the visuals you get, performance is underwhelming.”
- “The game's optimization is poor at this point and runs poorly for what it is.”
- “Interesting concept but sadly very poorly optimized graphics.”
atmosphere
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
34%
14%
The atmosphere in Russian Fishing 4 is widely praised for its realistic and immersive design, featuring beautiful natural environments, soothing ambient sounds, and a meditative quality that enhances the fishing experience. Players appreciate the attention to detail in the graphics and sound, which create a serene and relaxing setting, although some note that the distinctiveness of different fishing locations could be improved. Overall, the game successfully captures the essence of fishing in the Russian countryside, making it appealing to simulation enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
- “The ambient sounds—chirping birds, rustling trees, distant splashes—create a meditative atmosphere.”
- “The ambient sounds of nature, from the rustling of leaves to the gentle lapping of water against the shore, create a peaceful atmosphere that makes the game a relaxing experience.”
- “The stunning graphics and serene atmosphere further enhance the immersion, making it easy to get lost in the beauty of the Russian countryside.”
- “The atmosphere seems to be very small in relation to the character.”
- “The different lakes start to feel the same after a while; they don't have their own atmosphere or soul.”
- “The areas you fish in are stunning, with additional wildlife noises that add atmosphere.”
stability
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
94%
The game's stability is generally criticized for being buggy and glitchy, with users reporting issues such as freezing, lost inventory items, and problematic mechanics. While some players find it playable and enjoyable, especially at lower settings, the prevalence of glitches detracts from the overall experience, particularly given its early access status.
- “This game runs great at 800x600 resolution at the lowest settings, and can achieve 30 fps with amazing graphics if I increase the resolution to 720p.”
- “Its buggy as hell and requires you to spend real money.”
- “This is an early access game so of course you get all the glitches, random losses of (very valuable) inventory items, and all the other fun that comes along with a buggy game.”
- “Like bugs and freezing while switching rods or missed catches due to glitches.”
music
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
53%
20%
The music in the game is widely praised for its calming and relaxing qualities, enhancing the overall fishing experience. Players appreciate the soothing soundtrack that complements the game's serene atmosphere, making it enjoyable to listen to music or watch shows while playing. However, some users note that the game can feel boring without music, emphasizing its importance for maintaining engagement during longer play sessions.
- “Good to give your life away for, played it for a little on this account but it's the best fishing game in terms of realism, relaxing too.. put on some music and enjoy, it takes a lot of grind though. For people who get bored of grinding, I wouldn't recommend it, but for others who like fishing, yes...”
- “You're waiting patiently for a bite while being soothed by the sounds of the water, the sunrise on the horizon, and the soothing soundtrack of the game.”
- “The calming soundtrack in the main and crafting menu fits the concept of 'fishing' in the game and most of the sounds fit in quite harmoniously.”
- “Boring without music and even with you'll play max 30 minutes lmao”
- “The only thing I don't like is the lack of information in regards to the items; for a new player, it can be really confusing what to use and the most efficient way to learn is watching YouTube videos... but, like I said, the game is fantastic, I love the graphics, the pace, the diversity of things you can do and achieve, the sounds and music, I cannot recommend it enough.”
- “Also should have added some soundtrack of Russian rock groups like Leningrad.”
emotional
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, often reminiscing about nostalgic experiences and personal memories, such as bonding with family. The game evokes strong feelings, with some players reporting moments of joy and even tears during gameplay. However, there are also frustrations regarding gameplay mechanics that detract from the overall emotional experience.
- “Gg to the devs. It made me feel like going back to my hometown to have a go at it with my dad, just like the old times.”
- “Great game! I played it a lot; it made me feel like I was a kid again.”
- “Amazing, I cried.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Players appreciate the game's high replayability due to its diverse range of fish species, each exhibiting unique behaviors and habitat preferences, which enhances the challenge and encourages multiple playthroughs.
- “The game features a wide variety of fish species, each with unique behaviors and habitat preferences, which adds to the challenge and replayability.”
- “Every playthrough feels fresh due to the dynamic environments and random events that keep you coming back for more.”
- “With multiple strategies to explore and different outcomes based on your choices, the replayability is off the charts!”