Dredge: A Stylish and Spooky Journey into Lovecraftian Waters

The indie hit Dredge had been on my ‘to play’ list since it came out. I usually play AAA first-person story-driven games, but I’d just finished Star Wars Outlaws and wanted a change.

(Plus, Dredge came up on a PS5 sale.)

After playing several epic sandbox games, it was a nice change of pace to play something stylish and concise that you can finish in around 12 hours.

I didn’t really know anything about it, but Dredge had such good reviews I thought I’d chance it and was pleased I did. At first, I thought it was just a kind of fishing simulator, but then the Lovecraftian themes started to seep in, and it hit all the right notes.

Indie games often excel at blending creativity with ambition, and Dredge is no exception. I really should play them more. Developed by Black Salt Games, this maritime adventure is a short but unforgettable gem that impressed me as both a gamer and a fan of H.P. Lovecraft. With its seamless mix of fishing simulation, eerie exploration, and subtle storytelling, Dredge carves its niche as one of the most stylish and atmospheric games of recent years.

So, what’s Dredge all about?

The premise is deceptively simple: you’re a lone fisherman navigating a mysterious archipelago, hauling in fish by day and surviving by night. But beneath the surface, quite literally, lurks a sinister world teeming with eldritch secrets and cosmic horror. As someone deeply appreciative of Lovecraft’s work, I was immediately drawn to the game’s slow-burn narrative and its ability to evoke a creeping sense of dread without ever being overtly grotesque. The ocean becomes a character in its own right—beautiful, bountiful, and terrifying.

The gameplay strikes a fine balance between relaxation and tension. By day, you’ll cast your nets and manage your inventory with satisfying precision. It is actually quite chilled out. When I decided to make a bit of money and not do quest stuff, I would put on a podcast (in real life), then get up just before dawn and head out for a relaxing day of fishing (very much not real life).

By night, the stakes rise dramatically as thick fog, monstrous entities, and your dwindling sanity combine to create a genuine sense of unease. Each expedition felt like a calculated risk, and that tension kept me hooked for hours on end. When you find yourself out at sea and night falls, things get eerie. It is hard not to bang on about Lovecraft, but the themes of ancient creatures, creeping evil, the occasional tentacle and the constant threat of losing your sanity definitely gave me a Lovecraftian vibe.

Visually, Dredge is stunning in its minimalism. I love a unique-looking game. Its art style—a mix of painterly textures and clean, sharp design—creates a world that is both vibrant and foreboding. The sound design is equally noteworthy, with haunting melodies and subtle environmental cues amplifying the sense of isolation. Together, they craft an immersive experience that lingers long after you’ve docked your boat for the final time.

While Dredge isn’t a particularly long game – as I said, it’s about 12 hours – its compact runtime feels intentional, ensuring that every moment is purposeful and engaging. I found myself savouring the experience, and I’m already planning a replay when it eventually arrives on iPad (I think in February). I think it is also coming to Macs generally, but for some reason, it seems perfect as a tablet game.

For fans of Lovecraftian horror or anyone seeking a unique, atmospheric adventure, Dredge is a must-play. Its blend of style, substance, and subtle scares is a rare achievement in modern gaming. Fancy cycling between peace and relaxation and then mild, building terror? Dredge is it. Black Salt Games has crafted a masterpiece of quiet horror, and I’m pleased to have taken the plunge (pun, sadly, intended).

As you can tell, I loved this game. I’m about to launch into Mass Effect Legendary edition and will play all three games. So that is my next month or planned. I will try a cleansing indie again after that, given the success of trying Dredge. Recommended.