Set in a Lovecraft-inspired world, players begin their extraordinary adventure when they take up fishing at their new home in The Marrows islands and strange things begin to occur. The core mechanics of Dredge involve a combination of collecting and selling resources, upgrading your equipment and abilities, and exploration.

Players will come across a number of peculiar inhabitants, both on land and at sea, that will reward you for your help. While some island dwellers will ask players to complete simple tasks, there are some stranger folk that are willing to pay big if you’re willing to retrieve some more exotic artifacts from the ocean floor. What they do with these relics is unknown, but you might want to consider if earning extra cash to upgrade your sea vessel is worth bringing about the end of the world.

By day, the seas can be a quiet oasis filled with plenty of opportunities for a fisherman to become profitable. But when the sun goes down, the waters surrounding The Marrows become less inviting. Dangers may approach from down below, above your head, or within your mind. We recommend getting home in time for supper lest you lose your sanity, or worse.

Publisher Team17 and developer Black Salt Games have more eldritch experiences planned for Dredge throughout the year, including three free updates and a new paid adventure featuring the Ironhaven Corporation, an entity you may have heard mentioned in passing from some of the game’s inhabitants.

In-game Map Markers (Q2 2023)

One of the features requested by so many of you is extended functionality for the in-game map, and we’re excited to introduce this with our first free update in May. The addition of map markers will allow you to select from different coloured icons representing everything from dangers, shipwrecks, mysteries, and more, enabling more effective navigation between locations than before. Additionally, this update will include some fixes and balance changes.

New Modes (Q2 2023)

In our second update, two new modes will introduce very different ways to experience Dredge. The first is Passive Mode, which caters to players who prefer a less intense experience. Monsters that usually attack fishing boats will no longer be aggressive, allowing players to focus on fishing and enjoying the serene surroundings. 

This update’s second mode is another much requested feature: Photo mode. But rather than just add the ability with a simple menu option, we’re taking a different approach. When it launches, our photo mode will see the addition of a new in-game character who’ll help players unlock their camera ability and share clues on where to find some of the local marine wildlife as subjects for your photography, some of which will be brand new in this update. The mode will be ‘hooked’ into the PlayStation’s screenshot sharing ability so you can share your captures, whether that be of majestic whales or nightmarish abominations from the deep.

Boat Customizations (Q3 2023)

Our third free update will introduce boat customizations such as paint schemes and flags. As you explore the coastlines and bayous of Dredge, you’ll unlock new boat paint schemes and flags to make your fishing vessel really stand out. We’ll have more information on both updates two and three later in the year.

Premium DLC Content (Q4 2023)

Finally, we will be developing a paid and entirely optional DLC featuring the mysterious Ironhaven Corporation. They’re looking to establish an innovative drilling operation in the area to revitalize the towns and populations, but their ultimate goal is unknown. As you gather materials to construct new buildings and biomatter to fuel the rig, meet new characters, craft new equipment, and catch new fish, you may uncover the truth behind their potentially nefarious operations.

Key Features

• 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   
• Fish to Survive: Sell your discoveries to the locals to learn more about each area, and upgrade your boat to reach even more secluded locations   
• Fight the Unfathomable: Strengthen your mind and use special abilities to survive trips out on the water after dark   

Dredge is available for Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam) at £21.99/$US 24.99/€24.99.