Ylands

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"Ylands is a simulation game that offers adventure for 2-players or more in a stunning low-poly world, filled with six unique regions and diverse sea life. Gather resources, craft tools, and construct your own ship to explore and defend against various enemies. Despite some optimization issues and bugs, Ylands boasts excellent visuals, humor-infused lore, and a stellar soundtrack for an immersive experience."

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

57%

Audience ScoreBased on 4,560 reviews

gameplay103 positive mentions

monetization69 negative mentions

The game has a charming low-poly aesthetic and beautiful graphics.
The building mechanics are in-depth and allow for a lot of creativity.
The exploration aspect is enjoyable, with various islands to discover and resources to gather.

The game has shifted focus from survival to a free-to-play model with microtransactions, frustrating early supporters.
The exploration mode is now limited, with small islands that can be seen from the starting point, reducing the sense of adventure.
There are numerous bugs and performance issues, especially in multiplayer, making the experience frustrating.

gameplay
425 mentions
24 % positive mentions
67 % neutral mentions
9 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is a mixed bag, with many players appreciating the depth of building and crafting mechanics, as well as the immersive exploration elements. However, numerous reviews highlight significant issues such as clunky controls, bugs, and a lack of polish, particularly in combat and multiplayer experiences. While the game shows potential and offers enjoyable moments, it is often hampered by poor execution and frustrating mechanics, leading to a recommendation for patience as developers continue to improve the experience.
- “The crafting is nicely organized and after 30 minutes of gameplay you can find anything in like 20 seconds.”
- “I found new things around every corner and I was immersed for hours with the gameplay and music.”
- “The gameplay is much more polished, and there are different game modes, so everyone can find something up their alley.”
- “The developers love to constantly mess around with the game mechanics; half the time you will boot up to find the latest update completely altered the way the game works in some frustrating new way.”
- “It's just so sad to see a game with this much potential turn into a cash grab game that had its core gameplay basically removed.”
- “The game has severe gameplay bugs that cause you to lose hours of work.”
graphics
392 mentions
47 % positive mentions
49 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a charming low-poly aesthetic that many players find visually appealing, with vibrant colors and beautiful environmental effects like sunsets and weather changes. While some users appreciate the unique art style and improved visuals compared to similar games like Minecraft, others criticize the performance issues and simplistic design, noting that the graphics can sometimes hinder gameplay clarity. Overall, the graphics evoke a relaxing atmosphere, though opinions vary on their execution and optimization.
- “The graphics of this game are unique and there are some truly beautiful moments while the sun sets over your ship or shines through your window.”
- “The graphics are amazing and the sense of exploration is always there.”
- “The low-poly graphics provide a beautiful atmosphere, and this style of graphics means that more items will be introduced quicker because less time is needed to design them.”
- “This game has bad graphics, the trailer does not show the whole truth, and the look around mechanism is laggy.”
- “Very poor graphic performance for such simple looking graphics.”
- “I usually wouldn't complain about blocky graphics, but the graphics hurt the gameplay in terms of not making gameplay elements clear.”
monetization
332 mentions
6 % positive mentions
73 % neutral mentions
21 % negative mentions
The monetization model of Ylands has drawn significant criticism from players, who feel that the game has shifted from a premium experience to a cash grab focused on microtransactions. Many users express disappointment over the introduction of in-game purchases, particularly for cosmetic items, which they believe detracts from the original gameplay and vision of the game. While some players are indifferent or supportive of the cosmetic-only microtransactions, the overall sentiment leans towards frustration over the perceived exploitation of the player base and the game's transformation into a free-to-play model.
- “I personally don't hate microtransactions if they have no adverse effects on the game (pay-to-win, pay-to-progress, etc.), but I will edit this review if something of that nature does occur in the future. As of right now, I will support this game and recommend it to anyone who loves intuitive survival games.”
- “Amazing game, great visuals, awesome crafting, and the microtransactions are no problem whatsoever.”
- “People whine about the microtransactions, but they are cosmetic only, and if that is your deterrent for buying the game, then you are missing out on some great gameplay.”
- “I am disgusted by the bait and switch Bohemia Interactive made with Ylands, changing the entire concept behind it and turning it into a greedy cash grab.”
- “The original vision of Ylands as a premium game supported by its community was replaced by a model focused on microtransactions and in-game purchases.”
- “To see it be turned into a cash grab is genuinely really upsetting and it makes me regret having bought the game.”
optimization
258 mentions
10 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
35 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is widely criticized, with many players reporting significant performance issues, including stuttering, lag, and frame drops, particularly on lower-end systems. While some users note improvements over time, the consensus is that the game still requires substantial optimization work to enhance the overall experience. Many recommend waiting for further updates before fully engaging with the game due to its current state.
- “With better optimizations and quality, it will become a great social game that sets the trend for the future of the gaming network.”
- “Add on impressive optimization, improved water simulation, and gorgeous lighting and shaders, and Ylands is a striking visual treat.”
- “They turned a great, but broken, game into a polished, fully optimized single and multiplayer sandbox survival game.”
- “I really wanted to enjoy this but performance issues from the first day ruined it for me.”
- “This game is horribly unoptimized.”
- “Very bad optimization, the game runs at 120 fps then drops very often to 18 - 20 fps for no reason even standing still, I have a high-end gaming PC which can run GTA V very high settings 1080p 80 fps no problem and it lags on this game.”
stability
235 mentions
3 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
97 % negative mentions
The game's stability remains a significant concern, with numerous players reporting frequent bugs, crashes, and glitches, particularly in multiplayer mode. While some users note improvements over time, many still experience frustrating issues that hinder gameplay, such as freezing and game-breaking errors. Overall, the game is considered too unstable for a full recommendation, especially for those who are sensitive to technical problems.
- “Single player is mainly bug-free as of my 11 hours in it, but multiplayer has some issues that the devs are aware of and are working on.”
- “Runs great.”
- “Animal AI seems reasonably intuitive and isn't too buggy.”
- “The game is still full of glitches and bugs (some even game breaking).”
- “This game is very bad; I understand that it's early access, but come on, it's so laggy and buggy. I regret buying this; building isn't the best, and playing with friends is bad as it's very laggy.”
- “As of this writing, the game is too unstable and buggy to recommend to anyone but those people specifically interested in watching the game being developed.”
story
122 mentions
6 % positive mentions
89 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for being minimal and lacking direction, with many players describing it as a sandbox experience rather than a narrative-driven adventure. While there are some quests and storylines available on special islands, they are often seen as insufficient and poorly executed, leaving players feeling that the game lacks a cohesive plot or engaging objectives. Overall, the emphasis is on crafting and exploration, with many players expressing a desire for more substantial story elements and quests to enhance the gameplay experience.
- “The game itself is an amazing experience; you load up the adventure tab and you are thrown right into the story.”
- “Y Lands is a tragic story.”
- “Story islands look really interesting; I only just arrived at the first one but I'm looking forward to exploring them.”
- “I think they kinda lost the plot a bit.”
- “Story (in adventure mode) isn't really there.”
- “There's no goal, no antagonist, no story, no enemy or opposing force except for generic monsters and elves to defeat.”
grinding
98 mentions
0 % positive mentions
2 % neutral mentions
98 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that the game features a significant amount of grinding, particularly in resource gathering and building, which some players find tedious and limiting, especially without certain DLCs. While many appreciate the creative aspects and the satisfaction of crafting and building, others feel that the grind can detract from the overall enjoyment, making it less appealing for those who dislike repetitive tasks. Overall, the experience varies widely depending on individual preferences for grinding and exploration.
- “Overall, it's a very grindy game that is very limited and I don't recommend it.”
- “The main reason this game is bad is because it becomes tedious to play.”
- “Unless you absolutely love grinding along, minute after minute, for stuff that leads to more grinding, you'll definitely want to pass this one up.”
music
92 mentions
55 % positive mentions
40 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its immersive and relaxing qualities, with many players enjoying the soundtrack's adaptability to gameplay events. While some find the music repetitive and wish for more variety, overall, it enhances the gaming experience, contributing to a charming atmosphere that keeps players engaged for hours. Despite a few technical issues, the soundtrack is considered one of the standout features of the game, with many expressing a desire to purchase it separately.
- “The music, art, and general ambiance are so, so relaxing.”
- “The soundtrack is one of the best I've heard in a game, at least in an early access sandbox game.”
- “The music is enjoyable and relaxing; it's definitely a game for relaxing by yourself or with friends.”
- “The music is shit.”
- “The music is quaint at first but now it reminds me of an elevator and I almost never have my headset on anymore.”
- “Music is a little repetitive, wouldn't mind some medieval rock whilst slaying fresh spawns with my awesome cannons.”
atmosphere
52 mentions
85 % positive mentions
10 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its stunning and immersive atmosphere, characterized by beautiful low-poly graphics, dynamic weather effects, and captivating lighting that enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the blend of relaxing daytime exploration and the tension of nighttime adventures, creating a balance between tranquility and danger. The engaging sound design and art style further contribute to a charming and enjoyable environment, making it a recommended choice for fans of crafting and survival games.
- “The game looks beautiful, from gloomy rain storms to thunderstorms, glorious sunsets, and bright sunny days; it is highly atmospheric.”
- “Combined with the atmospheric weather, fun topography, and dramatic sunsets/sunrises, I've taken more screenshots in this game than anything else I've played (and it's low poly)!”
- “The game creates a good atmosphere and remains partially scary at times despite the cartoonish atmosphere.”
- “The atmosphere and the beauty of this game really makes just traveling alone very enjoyable.”
- “Deep crafting progression and glorious atmosphere in regards to look, weather, and sound makes this crafting survival game worth the modest price tag.”
- “Different islands, different atmosphere.”
humor
30 mentions
93 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its cheerful and humorous art style, which adds to the overall enjoyment, especially when playing with friends. Players report numerous funny moments and scenarios, making the gameplay experience entertaining and engaging, despite some technical issues. Overall, the humor is a significant highlight, contributing to the game's casual and fun atmosphere.
- “Cheerful and funny art style, but educational, even for adults.”
- “I strongly suggest playing with a few friends because I have died laughing at scenarios we've been in.”
- “Day one: met up with a couple of buddies, fought some crazy mutated panthers, it was hilarious.”
replayability
16 mentions
25 % positive mentions
56 % neutral mentions
19 % negative mentions
The game boasts exceptional replayability, described as "infinite" and "endless," with players able to reset zones for new experiences. Its diverse gameplay options and creative editor contribute to thousands of hours of potential playtime, making it suitable for all ages. Many users express hope for additional content to further enhance this aspect.
- “This game is infinite; the replayability is awesome! You can reset your zone for a do-over if you desire - how cool is that?”
- “The game offers thousands of hours of replayability, and the editor allows for the most imaginative people to create their own worlds.”
- “Hopefully the developers will add more content and replayability.”
- “The game offers thousands of hours of replayability and the editor allows for the most imaginative people to create their own worlds.”
- “Replayability: endless, almost.”
emotional
4 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players express a profound emotional fatigue after engaging with the game, indicating a struggle to find joy or satisfaction despite its appealing art style and family-friendly content. The grind for resources, while exhausting, also instills a sense of achievement, suggesting that the effort put into the game can lead to a rewarding experience, albeit one that is emotionally taxing.
- “The art direction is cartoony in a good way, the lack of blood (that I've found at least) makes it suitable for all ages, and regardless of the grind to get 5 hay for a single 1x2 straw block, the grind to get everything else made me feel like I deserved everything I got.”