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You Must Build A Boat

PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, iOS, Mac, Android • 2015

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Quick resume

You Must Build A Boat is the sequel to the award winning "10000000". Travel the world, run procedurally generated dungeons finding artifacts, capturing monsters and recruiting crew for your boat

Global score

82/100

Genres

Action, Casual, Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Puzzle

Pros

  • Addictive and engaging gameplay
  • Good value for price
  • Strong progression and upgrades
  • Charming pixel art and soundtrack
  • Varied dungeons and quests

Cons

  • Repetitive and grindy late game
  • Reliance on luck over skill
  • Minimal narrative and social features
  • Some ui and technical annoyances
  • Short overall playtime

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players can choose quests and upgrades freely, and decide how many quests to tackle at once, allowing control over gameplay direction."

  • Competence
    2

    "Game involves skillful matching and timing but also relies significantly on luck, especially in later stages."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is on personal progression and self-set goals rather than competing against others or leaderboards."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Addictive gameplay with a strong 'one more run' syndrome encourages long and repeated play sessions."

  • Cooperation
    -4

    "Gameplay is primarily single-player with no evidence of cooperative multiplayer or teamwork."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players customize and upgrade their boat and crew, but core gameplay follows a fixed match-3 structure."

  • Domination
    -5

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

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game as a casual, stress-relieving distraction with engaging but light gameplay."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for fun and personal interest without external pressure or obligation."

  • Experimenting
    1

    "Some exploration of upgrades and strategies, but core gameplay is repetitive and follows established routines."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Players progress through different dungeons and unlock new areas, providing some discovery elements."

  • Expression
    2

    "Boat and crew customization allow some self-expression, though visual options are limited and pixelated."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Game features imaginative elements like monsters, spells, and a fantastical boat-building journey."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Minimal social connection; primarily a solo experience with little community interaction."

  • Growth
    4

    "Strong focus on upgrading equipment, recruiting crew, and improving abilities over time."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay typical of puzzle games with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires active attention and fast-paced matching; not suitable for passive or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No evidence of forming close relationships or emotional sharing within the game."

  • Leadership
    -4

    "No leadership roles; player manages own progression without directing others."

  • Progression
    5

    "Central gameplay loop involves accumulating upgrades, items, and crew to build and improve the boat."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Game offers a balance of challenge and flow, though some find it frustrating due to RNG elements."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Enjoyable chiptune soundtrack and pixel art provide sensory stimulation, though visuals are simple."

  • Status
    -4

    "Achievements exist but social recognition or popularity is not a major focus."

  • Story
    1

    "Minimal narrative; story is mostly a backdrop to gameplay progression and boat building."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Some strategic decision-making in upgrades and quest selection, but core gameplay is straightforward."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Fast-paced matching and timed runs provide some excitement and tension."

  • Value
    5

    "Highly praised for its low price and satisfying gameplay length, offering good value for money."

  • Violence
    1

    "Combat is present but cartoonish and light; focus is more on puzzle mechanics than violence."

  • Survival
    2

    "Players must avoid failure by managing resources and completing quests under time pressure."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026