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DREDGE

Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, Xbox Series X|S, Mac, PlayStation 4, Android • 2023

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Quick resume

DREDGE is a single-player fishing adventure with a sinister undercurrent. Sell your catch, upgrade your boat, and dredge the depths for long-buried secrets. Explore a mysterious archipelago and discover why some things are best left forgotten.

Global score

96/100

Genres

Adventure, Role-playing (RPG), Simulator

Pros

  • Unique blend of fishing and lovecraftian horror
  • Atmospheric art and sound design
  • Engaging progression and upgrades
  • Addictive gameplay loop
  • Multiple endings and secrets

Cons

  • Short overall length
  • Some repetitive gameplay elements
  • Story can feel minimal or underdeveloped
  • Dlc pricing criticized
  • Limited combat and social features

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players freely explore islands in any order, choose upgrades and fishing strategies, and decide how much risk to take at night."

  • Competence
    3

    "Players engage in fishing minigames, boat management, and progression through upgrades, providing skill-based challenges and feedback."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on personal pace, exploration, and individual progression without competitive or ranked modes."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Many players report addictive gameplay loops and long sessions, with motivation to complete encyclopedia and side quests."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Gameplay is primarily single-player with no multiplayer or cooperative elements."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players customize and upgrade their boat and equipment, and manage inventory spatially, but game world and story are fixed."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are solitary and balanced."

  • Escapism
    5

    "Strong atmospheric and horror elements provide immersive escapism from real life, with players seeking distraction and mood."

  • Expectation
    -5

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and enjoyment, with no obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players explore new areas, try different upgrades and fishing techniques, and uncover secrets, encouraging experimentation."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Game encourages discovering new islands, secrets, and lore, rewarding curiosity-driven activities."

  • Expression
    1

    "Some self-expression through boat upgrades and minor customization, but limited character or environment personalization."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strong Lovecraftian cosmic horror theme with supernatural creatures and surreal events."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; gameplay is solitary and individual."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players learn fishing mechanics, manage resources, and improve skills and equipment over time."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during fishing and navigation; not designed for background or idle play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "Minimal social interaction; no close relationships or emotional sharing."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; solo gameplay."

  • Progression
    4

    "Strong progression through boat and equipment upgrades, unlocking new areas and abilities."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Gameplay balances calm fishing with moments of tension and dread, providing a flow experience."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Atmospheric visuals and sound design provide sensory stimulation and emotional engagement."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems; achievements are personal."

  • Story
    3

    "Engaging narrative with Lovecraftian themes and multiple endings, though some find it minimal or underdeveloped."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Players plan upgrades, inventory management, and risk-taking, but overall gameplay is straightforward."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Tension builds at night with threats and sanity mechanics, creating suspense and relief cycles."

  • Value
    2

    "Generally perceived as good value for price, especially on sale; some criticism of DLC pricing."

  • Violence
    -3

    "Combat is minimal or indirect; focus is on fishing and survival rather than destruction."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players manage boat integrity, sanity, and resources to avoid failure and progress."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026