The Planet Crafter

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"The Planet Crafter" is a survival and terraforming game where you are tasked with making a hostile planet habitable for humans. Gather resources, craft tools, build and upgrade your base, and use machines to heat the planet and create an oxygen-rich atmosphere. Watch as life forms begin to appear as you successfully terraform the planet.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

96%

Audience ScoreBased on 43,956 reviews

gameplay1,474 positive mentions

grinding1,790 negative mentions

gameplay
4,146 mentions
36 % positive mentions
61 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Planet Crafter" is characterized by a satisfying and addictive loop that combines exploration, resource gathering, and base building, reminiscent of titles like "Subnautica" but without the combat elements. Players engage in terraforming a barren planet, which visually transforms as they progress, providing a rewarding sense of accomplishment. While the mechanics are generally intuitive and accessible, some players note a lack of depth and polish, particularly in late-game content and building mechanics, leading to a repetitive experience over time.
- “An incredibly satisfying and engaging gameplay loop that brings me back time and time again.”
- “The gameplay is simple, but involved, and the concept of the terraformation is simple enough to understand, with multiple sub-progress trees affecting the total progress.”
- “The gameplay loop is very addicting and simple - fun!”
- “The terraforming gameplay is incredibly cheap, lackluster and not really fun.”
- “Gameplay loop gets where boring very fast, because after few hours everything feels like a chore - running, flying for 5-10 minutes to gather few materials and doing that hundreds of times.”
- “The gameplay lacks any depth, and the numbers provided to keep track of terraforming are beyond absurd.”
story
3,518 mentions
23 % positive mentions
71 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The story in "Planet Crafter" is generally described as minimal and underdeveloped, with many players noting that it lacks the depth and engagement found in similar games like "Subnautica." While there are elements of lore and environmental storytelling scattered throughout the game, including messages and remnants of previous inhabitants, the narrative feels more like an afterthought rather than a central focus. Players express hope for future updates to expand the story and add more compelling content, but currently, the gameplay primarily revolves around terraforming and crafting rather than a rich narrative experience.
- “I highly recommend if you're into survival/crafter games with actively changing beautiful scenery and a very interesting story-line.”
- “The story elements are fantastic and watching the planet come alive before you is just awesome.”
- “The story is simple but enticing and makes you want to discover all of the little ruins and abandoned locations placed throughout.”
- “The story is almost non-existent; it's more of an easter egg.”
- “The story is really shitty, and base renderings seem completely undeveloped.”
- “The story feels like an afterthought - it feels like it's trying to emulate subnautica, but the story isn't compelling at all, has no depth, and doesn't make much sense.”
graphics
2,772 mentions
41 % positive mentions
51 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Planet Crafter" receive mixed reviews, with many players noting that while the visuals can be charming and colorful, they often feel dated and lack polish compared to modern standards. Some users appreciate the aesthetic transformation of the planet as they progress, finding it rewarding, while others criticize the simplistic textures, graphical glitches, and limited customization options. Overall, the game is seen as enjoyable despite its graphical shortcomings, with many players emphasizing that the gameplay experience outweighs the visual limitations.
- “The graphics are amazing; especially after you get plant life on your planet the scenery is truly impressive.”
- “The visuals are stunning, and the atmospheric soundtrack perfectly complements the feeling of solitude and discovery.”
- “The graphics are beautiful and the game runs smoothly even if you don't have a top-end system.”
- “I am at maximum graphical settings and the game does not look good.”
- “The graphics feel like they're back from the 2000s.”
- “The graphics could be better and you might find some bugs here and there but nothing game breaking.”
grinding
1,880 mentions
1 % positive mentions
3 % neutral mentions
95 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of "The Planet Crafter" has received mixed feedback from players. While many appreciate the satisfying progression and the rewarding feeling of terraforming a planet, several reviews highlight that the game can become excessively grindy, particularly in the late game, where resource collection and crafting tasks can feel tedious and repetitive. Players noted that the initial grind is manageable, but as the game progresses, the lack of automation and the sheer volume of resources needed can lead to frustration, especially for those who prefer a more streamlined experience. Overall, the game is recommended for fans of grinding and crafting genres, but potential players should be prepared for significant resource management and repetitive tasks.
- “Very rewarding feeling, seeing the planet change as you go, not grindy at all and there is always something to do.”
- “Progression is tuned well without railroading you, mechanics are fair and respectful of your time (no grinding necessary, incredible).”
- “There's very little waiting for your next materials, pretty much no grinding, and so much to build and do.”
- “I found the game too grindy, the graphics are just not very good, the mechanics all seem very boring.”
- “The late game especially feels very grindy, repetitive, and not much rewarding.”
- “I finished this solo and I gotta say that it's waaaaaaaay too grindy.”
atmosphere
1,016 mentions
44 % positive mentions
52 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Planet Crafter" is widely praised for its immersive and evolving nature, as players witness the transformation of a barren planet into a lush, habitable environment. The stunning visuals and atmospheric soundtrack enhance the sense of solitude and discovery, creating a relaxing yet engaging experience reminiscent of games like "Subnautica." While some players note minor issues with pacing and repetitive elements, the overall ambiance and sense of achievement in terraforming contribute to a captivating gameplay experience.
- “The visuals are stunning, and the atmospheric soundtrack perfectly complements the feeling of solitude and discovery.”
- “The immersive atmosphere, combined with stunning visual effects and a dynamic weather system, keeps players engaged as they witness their efforts visibly altering the planet's ecosystem.”
- “The atmosphere, sense of wonder, and how inviting it is to explore, make Planet Crafter one of those rare gems in survival games.”
- “Once you've created a breathable atmosphere, the game stops being a challenge and becomes a time trial.”
- “For a game that really relies on atmosphere (no pun intended), there was very little in the way of music or sound effects.”
- “The gameplay loop is the normal gather stuff to make stuff to unlock new things to craft more things with hunger/thirst, but seeing the slow changes as you go from barren no atmosphere wasteland to blue skies to clouds to rain and the ability to spread grass in what used to be a wasteland to bodies of water is satisfying.”
music
900 mentions
42 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, enhancing the overall experience of exploration and terraforming. However, many players note that the soundtrack can become repetitive, with a desire for more variety and additional tracks to match the evolving environment. While some find the music relaxing and fitting, others feel it occasionally detracts from the game's intended chill vibe, suggesting a need for a broader range of musical themes.
- “The visuals are stunning, and the atmospheric soundtrack perfectly complements the feeling of solitude and discovery.”
- “The music is absolutely beautiful.”
- “The soundtrack is simple yet relaxing and adequate for long hours of play, absolutely love it, it keeps you going.”
- “The music gets a bit repetitive, though.”
- “For a game that really relies on atmosphere (no pun intended), there was very little in the way of music, or sound effects.”
- “The only thing I would say is that the music/sound effects get really repetitive after hours of playing.”
stability
710 mentions
12 % positive mentions
3 % neutral mentions
85 % negative mentions
The game's stability has received mixed feedback, with many players noting a variety of bugs and glitches, particularly in building mechanics and terrain interactions. While some users report a generally smooth experience with few major issues, others highlight significant performance problems, including crashes and graphical glitches. Overall, the game is considered playable and enjoyable, especially for an early access title, but it still requires further optimization and bug fixes.
- “The game plays very well and is bug free, a lot better than most AAA titles.”
- “It works great, graphics are great and the game runs very stable, no lag, no freezes or crashes.”
- “And for an early access game, it runs great, smooth like butter.”
- “The game is buggy, the UI is clunky, and some features that should be in place are not present.”
- “This game is so incredibly buggy I can't believe it's not still early access.”
- “Hitches, freezes, and an apparent memory leak that caused my entire computer to lock up on multiple occasions made playing the game more stressful than rewarding or fun, because I was always worried about saving as early and often as possible to protect my progress from the inevitable crashes.”
optimization
604 mentions
25 % positive mentions
63 % neutral mentions
12 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received mixed feedback, with many players noting that while it runs smoothly on lower-end systems and has improved over time, performance issues become more pronounced in the late game, particularly with increased vegetation and complex structures. Some users report significant frame rate drops and stuttering, especially when many elements are rendered simultaneously, indicating a need for further optimization. Overall, while the game is generally well-optimized for casual play, it struggles under heavier loads, suggesting that ongoing updates are necessary to enhance performance.
- “The game is well optimized and the music evolves as the planet evolves.”
- “I love the optimization; I love that I'm 20 hours in and it seems like I'm not even halfway through the progression of terraforming.”
- “The beauty of the environment, elegant mechanics, and satisfaction of optimization kept me coming back.”
- “The game is not optimized.”
- “To say the game is poorly optimized is an understatement.”
- “My biggest problem with the game, however, was the performance, which kept getting worse the further my bases grew.”
replayability
400 mentions
26 % positive mentions
65 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
Replayability in this game is a mixed bag; while some players find enjoyment in exploring the hand-crafted world and discovering new elements during multiple playthroughs, many express disappointment due to the static map and limited variability in gameplay. The lack of procedural generation and only one available map significantly restricts replay value, leading to a consensus that while the game offers a solid initial experience, it may not sustain long-term engagement without future updates or additional content. Overall, players are hopeful for enhancements that could improve replayability in the future.
- “This game is very replayable and has a very interesting concept.”
- “Even though you only have one map so far, it has great replayability; I always find new wrecks and things to do.”
- “The little tidbits of story you get are interesting, but the real fun with this game is in the replay value as you learn more and more about how to breeze through the game and set up elaborate ways of ensuring your steady progress.”
- “The game is not very replayable as there's only one map and it's not so much fun anymore once you know it (as well as what's going to happen, what is going to matter, etc.).”
- “There is no replayability as the game only has one map/planet and will always be the same.”
- “Unfortunately, this game was short with not much replayability for me.”
humor
146 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, with players enjoying the quirky glitches, such as clipping through walls and the chaotic launch trajectories of rockets. Many find the game's absurdities—like the unrealistic mechanics of building and terraforming—hilariously entertaining, contributing to a lighthearted and fun atmosphere. Overall, the combination of funny graphics, unexpected bugs, and amusing gameplay moments creates a uniquely enjoyable experience that keeps players laughing throughout their adventures.
- “You can stock rockets if you launch them fast enough and they fly all over the place and it is just hilarious (you still get the effects, even though they never reach orbit).”
- “Having to relocate my entire base when my first one was slowly flooding due to me not realizing I had built in an ancient lake bed was quite funny.”
- “It's been a blast and very funny!”
emotional
104 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "The Planet Crafter" resonates deeply with players, evoking feelings of adventure, nostalgia, and personal investment as they witness the transformation of a barren world into a vibrant ecosystem. Many reviewers highlight poignant moments, such as the first rain or the sight of blue skies, which elicit tears and a sense of accomplishment. While some critiques exist regarding certain gameplay mechanics, the overall sentiment is that the game offers a heartwarming and fulfilling experience that rekindles a love for gaming.
- “When the sky turned blue, I cried.”
- “After hours of hard work, seeing rain on a once barren planet for the first time is an amazing emotional moment.”
- “The feeling of seeing your blue skies or your lake or your moss for the first time is an emotional milestone.”
monetization
34 mentions
9 % positive mentions
26 % neutral mentions
65 % negative mentions
The game's monetization model is praised for its absence of microtransactions and additional paid content, which many players see as a refreshing change from typical AAA titles that often rely on aggressive monetization strategies. Reviewers appreciate the developers' commitment to the game, expressing hope that it remains a genuine labor of love rather than devolving into a cash grab. Overall, the lack of in-game purchases and a focus on quality updates contribute positively to the game's reception.
- “Big plus: no microtransactions, no DRM, it works flawlessly on Linux (Proton Experimental).”
- “✔️ No microtransactions, no casino.”
- “No in-game purchases.”
- “To me, this is exactly how a labor of love turns into a cash grab, and with that said, I've had enough of it.”
- “Not to mention the disgustingly predatory monetization practices intertwined.”
- “The only thing that has me worried is a cash grab.”
character development
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Reviews emphasize that while graphics and character design are visually appealing, the true strength of character development lies in a well-structured narrative flow that enhances player engagement. Many games fall short in this area, highlighting the importance of meaningful character progression and storytelling.