Lovecraftian fishing RPG Dredge launches on consoles and PC in March

Dredge, a “sinister fishing adventure” in which players seek fish and fortune, but encounter something, well, rather fishy on their journey, will be released March 30, developer Black Salt Games and publisher Team 17 announced Friday. DredgeIt will be available on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 as well as Windows PCs, Xbox One and Xbox Series X. Switch owners will receive a complimentary demo. DredgeThe next few weeks will be very interesting.

Black Salt Games’ horror-fishing RPG casts players as a fisherman exploring a remote archipelago for a variety of fish and hidden treasures. They will meet quest-giving islands residents and find out about their history. As they build their boat, improve their skills and discover more unusual sealife, the players also learn more about them. To withstand all the dangers of sea life, players must have strong mental endurance.

As noted in Polygon’s hands-on preview of Dredge from last year’s Gamescom:

Fish are not the only danger lurking under the waves. These creatures can infect cargo and stoop to board. Some larger animals will attempt to break up your hull. Not only does it cause damage and loss of cargo but also makes you more panicky.

If your panic levels are high Dredge As your height increases, you are more likely to be boarded and attacked by monsters. Rocks will also randomly start to appear as you sail, with the explanation being that because it’s dark and you’re not thinking straight, you can’t see them until the last minute. This can be mitigated by switching on your boat lights, although it makes you visible to monsters more. All of these minor systems are smartly interconnected to craft an experience that rapidly oscillates between calmness and chaos, flitting from tranquility to terror as if it’s nobody’s business.

Take a look at Dredge’s launch trailer for a taste of things to come.