Dredge Reviews

Dredge is ranked in the 89th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
9 / 10.0
Mar 24, 2023

To use fishing terms, Dredge isn't one you'd kiss and throw back. It's the definition of a trophy catch. Its series of elegantly simple systems interplay nicely, blending seamlessly with an eerily stunning eldritch style and a moreish checklist of sea life to catch.

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Lee Mehr
Top Critic
7.5 / 10.0
May 10, 2023

Despite some nasty snags on the line, DREDGE is nevertheless a rare catch.

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4.7 / 5.0
Apr 14, 2023

Dredge is the first indie game of 2023 that will surprise you. The overall simplicity of this game will at first deceive you and afterward, you will appreciate this decision and how everything is synchronized with each other. Maybe the quest designs were too simplistic, but the other aspects of the game, especially the music is so good, that you would eventually forget about it.

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8.3 / 10.0
Apr 3, 2023

It's impossible not to get caught in Dredge's clutches: supernatural horror, dry and fascinating narrative and an intoxicating gameplay loop make Black Salt Games' first effort an indie to remember.

Review in Italian | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Mar 24, 2023

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WellPlayed
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
Mar 24, 2023

Dredge blends cosmic horror and local fishing economies into a robust but expertly paced adventure that rewards your investment with a strange tale, engaging mechanics and a unique, wonderful vibe.

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GameSpew
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
Mar 23, 2023

Dredge is one of those rare treasures: a game unlike anything else that completely captures your attention with its intriguing world and simple yet captivating gameplay. We could keep hunting for rare fish forever, and we only wish there were more secrets for us to uncover; new parts of the world for us to explore. But when our only complaint is “we want more of it”, it’s clear we have something rather special on our hands.

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9 / 10.0
Apr 15, 2024

Dredge is a totally innovative and creative take on the survival horror genre and manages to tell a compelling story without long-winded cutscenes or spoon-feeding it. The minor metroidvania elements to its adventuring also give players a lot of freedom to play at their own pace.

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GBAtemp
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
May 10, 2023

Dredge offers a refreshing experience with an interesting mix of ambiance and gameplay.

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8.5 / 10.0
Jun 7, 2023

Dredge has no right to be as good as it is, but it effectively plays to its strengths and mixes solid systems with a strong theme. If you're not into fishing or Lovecraft, Dredge won't be your cup of tea. However, if either even slightly tickles your fancy, I can almost guarantee that you'll have a blast delving into the twisted mysteries of Dredge - and you'll even make a decent buck with mutant fish while you're at it.

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8 / 10.0
Apr 15, 2023

It's a delightful mix. It's really fun to fish peacefully during the day and try to escape the monsters at night to reach the nearest harbor. Unfortunately, the sense of tension wears off quickly and once you figure out the monsters, you can easily escape them all. Still, it's fun to try to catch all the fish species, solve the mystery of the islands and reach different endings.

Review in Turkish | Read full review

73 / 100
Apr 12, 2023

DREDGE offers an addictive fishing loop that pairs well with its surface-level Lovecraftian horror, undone only by a missed opportunity to dive deeper.

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85 / 100
Apr 5, 2023

Dredge promotes a strange fusion of genres and is proof that even outlandish ideas work when the project is well executed. Black Salt Games' debut game is amazing and delivers an experience of extremes – from relaxing fishing to terrifying moments.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Apr 3, 2023

The constant fear and impending sense of dread make sure you're always uncomfortable, making Dredge a master class in the subtlety of horror. Even though the story never comes out and explains everything that's happening, it does enough to make sure you can put it together, while relying on the journey you've made for yourself to stand tall. All in all, Dredge is one of those near-perfect indie games-it accomplishes everything it sets out to do, keeps the player entertained throughout, and manages to be innovative in an industry filled with games for us to play.

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9 / 10.0
Mar 23, 2023

DREDGE is both atmospheric and mechanically engaging. The story threads are very personal and, at times, heartbreaking. Even though I didn’t catch all the species featured in the encyclopedia, I had plenty of fun moving around the world, trying to identify the best spots for certain species and mastering mini-games.

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9 / 10.0
Mar 23, 2023

DREDGE is the perfect mix of an RPG, fishing, puzzle, and survival game. It combines all these elements with an interesting and creepy story that evokes feelings of horror from an H.P. Lovecraft tale. This is a must-play title, especially if you want something more unique to try out.

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8.5 / 10.0
May 30, 2023

As the debut title from a New Zealand studio, DREDGE has won the hearts of many players with its masterful atmosphere, its incentive to explore a visually intriguing world, and its immersive story. This fishing simulator, which combines Lovecraftian horror, logical thinking, quick reflexes, and a relaxing experience, will particularly appeal to more demanding players. Despite the excellent first impression, however, I feel that the developers could have squeezed much more out of the game, as they simply didn’t fully realize its potential.

Review in Czech | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Apr 8, 2023

DREDGE is an excellent game that manages to expertly combine fishing mechanics with horror elements to create a unique and engaging experience.

Review in Italian | Read full review

85 / 100
May 20, 2026

DREDGE has become one of the most unique indie games of recent years thanks to its blend of fishing, exploration, and Lovecraftian horror. Black Salt Games has further enhanced the experience with new expansions that reinforce its atmosphere and personality. While it may not aim for constant terror, it does manage to keep us uneasy and alert as we navigate through the fog, making each trip to sea an adventure that is both relaxing and unsettling.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Mar 23, 2023

Its gloomy and mysterious atmosphere, reminiscent of H.P. Lovecraft's most terrifying tales, and its strong emphasis on exploration make this a highly recommended game. While there are certainly more robust and ambitious games on the market, Dredge could easily be a hidden gem worth discovering among them all.

Review in Spanish | Read full review