DREDGE is a single-player fishing adventure with exploration and a sinister mystery, rather than a conventional action-horror game. Team17 reported an 83% average Metacritic score across platforms in April 2023; a separate Steam snapshot accessed October 8, 2026 showed 96% positive English user reviews. Those numbers describe different kinds of reception at different dates, so they should not be treated as interchangeable.
What kind of game is DREDGE?
Team17 describes DREDGE as “a single-player fishing adventure with a sinister undercurrent.” The official premise is built around catching and selling fish, taking quests from local residents, upgrading a vessel, and exploring remote islands and surrounding waters. That framing points to fishing and exploration with mystery and horror elements—not a claim that the game is a conventional action-horror title. Team17’s game page
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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DREDGE Complete Collector's Edition - Nintendo Switch | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
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DREDGE: Deluxe Edition - Xbox Series X | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Fireshine Games Dredge Deluxe Edition | $46.04 | Buy on Amazon |
Black Salt Games developed DREDGE, and Team17 published it. The official press kit gives March 30, 2023 as the release date across platforms. Team17’s launch announcement lists PC, GOG, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X|S. Store availability can vary by region and change over time, so check the relevant platform’s current store for your location. Team17 launch announcement · Official press kit
What do the review scores say?
The available figures are snapshots from different sources. Metacritic and VideoGamesCritic aggregate critic reviews; Steam’s percentage reflects user reviews. They use different inputs and should not be combined into a single score.
#1 Best Overall
- A special edition of DREDGE with of all the DLC included on the cart / disc (Blackstone Key, The Pale Reach and The Iron Rig). Also features exclusive artwork and a reversible inlay that depicts the cover of the Book of the Deep.
- A replica of the mysterious Sign of Ruin talisman. A symbol of the deep is carved into this unassuming rock. It's sure to draw the attention of those attuned to it. Approximately 10cm x 10cm x 10cm in size.
- A double-sided poster featuring the all-new Complete Collector’s Edition artwork on one side and the original DREDGE artwork on the other.
- A fold-out nautical chart to help you navigate your way around The Marrows and the surrounding archipelagos, along with a sticker set of map markers.
- A complete compendium of all fish and their aberrant variants in a hardback volume, message from the developer and metal doubloon coin.
| Evidence | Figure | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Metacritic average | 83% across platforms | Reported by Team17 on April 24, 2023 as part of its launch-era acclaim announcement; not a current score guarantee. Team17 announcement |
| Steam reviews at launch | More than 7,000 reviews | Team17’s April 24, 2023 announcement described the rating at that time as “Overwhelmingly Positive.” Team17 announcement |
| Steam English user reviews | 32,536 reviews; 96% positive | Steam snapshot accessed October 8, 2026. The count and percentage are live storefront figures that can change. Steam listing |
| VideoGamesCritic aggregation | 82/100 | Snapshot accessed October 8, 2026; the page also shows platform-level figures, which may differ. VideoGamesCritic |
The figures support a favorable reception, but they are not a substitute for an individual review. Team17’s 2023 announcement also selected short praise excerpts from outlets including The Guardian and GamesRadar; those publisher-chosen lines are promotional excerpts, not a complete or balanced sample of reviews. Team17’s acclaim announcement
Is DREDGE worth playing?
The documented appeal is the contrast between a practical fishing-and-upgrading loop and an unsettling mystery around the archipelago. If that combination sounds inviting, the reception figures offer encouraging context, but they do not tell you whether the pacing, atmosphere, or play style suits you personally. Check a full review or gameplay footage for a better sense of those details before buying.
Rank #2
- Two Halves of one Tale: DREDGE keeps the player enthralled by hinting at a story much more sinister than at first thought: Uncover piece by piece the mystery surrounding your arrival in the Archipelago.
- Day and Night Cycle Storytelling: While the world of DREDGE seems peaceful during the day, once the sun sets, you’ll want to be sure you keep your lights on and wits about you. The world changes dramatically at night, so always be on your toes!
- Fishing Galore!: Every type of fishing within the game comes with an accompanying system to catch fish! From patrolling shallow waters, to trawling the ocean floor, using crab pots, to the titular dredging itself. Experience a wide array of different game mechanics solely created to make fishing as varied and interesting as possible.
- Keeping Sane: If you want to survive the sea, you need to make sure your sanity is kept in check with the Panic system. Without it, you’ll be seeing deadly illusions, like terrifying aquatic creatures, false rocks you may crash your ship on, and much more.
- Oh Captain! My Captain!: Keep your boat in good shape with the boat upgrade menu, research opportunities and all-round repairs. Let it get too damaged and you’ll be one step closer to the grave.
What editions and add-ons are documented?
Team17’s launch announcement documented a base game and Digital Deluxe Edition, alongside a physical Deluxe Edition for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. A separate pre-order announcement described the physical edition with a poster, artbook, sticker set, digital soundtrack, and in-game items. These are launch-era details; they do not confirm that the edition is currently in stock or that every later retail package contains the same extras. Verify the exact platform, seller, and package contents before purchase. Team17 launch announcement · Team17 pre-order announcement
Steam lists several separate products associated with the game. Their presence on the storefront does not mean they are included with every edition.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- 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.
- Unravel a Mystery Captain your fishing trawler across a collection of remote islands, each with its own inhabitants to meet, wildlife to discover, and stories to unearth.
- Dredge the Depths Scour the sea for hidden treasures and complete quests to gain access to strange new abilities
- Study Your Craft Research special equipment and upgrade your boat’s capabilities to gain access to rare fish and valuable deep-sea curios.
- Fight the Unfathomable Strengthen your mind and use your abilities to survive trips out on the water after dark.
- The Pale Reach: listed as a separate add-on. Steam listing
- The Iron Rig: listed as a separate add-on. Steam listing
- Blackstone Key: listed separately; Team17 says it is not essential to enjoy the base game in full. Steam listing · Team17 FAQ
- Original Soundtrack and Digital Artbook: also listed as separate Steam products. Steam listing
What should you check before buying?
- Platform and region: confirm that the base game is currently listed for your platform and regional store.
- Edition: distinguish a digital edition from the announced physical Deluxe Edition, and check the seller’s exact contents.
- Add-ons: decide whether you want the base game alone or one of the separately listed expansions or extras.
- Review evidence: compare critic aggregates with player sentiment only as separate signals, and remember that live store totals can change.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
