DREDGE reframes the fishing sim as a slow-burn horror story, hauling a small trawler around five archipelagos by day, then racing back to harbor as darkness pulls hallucinations and Lovecraftian shapes from the water. Its defining trick is dread: a cozy catch-and-sell loop curdles into panic management the longer the boat stays out past dusk, with crafting, upgrades and an inventory-grid puzzle all tied to that tension, so hoarding one more rare fish costs sanity and time.
Critics rated it Strong on OpenCritic near 82, it won SXSW Sydney's Game of the Year and drew four BAFTA nominations, and players sit Overwhelmingly Positive on Steam. The shared reservation is repetition: a roughly twelve-hour run of fetch errands and a docking rhythm that dulls once the mystery is solved. Anyone drawn to atmosphere and a tense loop over deep narrative should sail; those wanting a long, story-heavy voyage should pass.
Single Player Only
Overall, player feedback for DREDGE is highly positive, with many praising its unique blend of fishing mechanics and Lovecraftian horror elements, as well as its atmosphere and art style. However, some reviews express dissatisfaction with the pacing and narrative depth, particularly regarding the fetch quests and the perceived shortcomings of the DLC. Despite the mixed feelings about certain gameplay aspects, the majority of players recommend the game for its engaging design and visuals.
Based on 100 reviews from steam
Dredge Review
