Dredge is a chillax loot ’em-up with nautical horror influences — squid and treasure throng the ocean, while players can fish and salvage underwater items at certain spots. Each item takes up space in inventory, and players arrange them in a Tetris-like way to maximize capacity.
Talking to the locals can prompt Pursuits, and the more of them a player completes, the better their ship can be upgraded by the town’s shipwright. But nighttime is treacherous, with the sanity meter dropping and hallucinations causing mayhem.
Fishing
Dredge is a unique indie game from Blacksalt Games that blends open world exploration, Lovecraftian horror, and simple fishing mechanics. It’s not for everyone but anyone willing to dive into the dark waters of The Marrows can uncover valuable hauls, mysterious treasures, and enigmatic secrets.
The most common way to earn money in Dredge is by catching fish and placing them in your boat. It’s like a static version of Tetris and you have limited space in your cargo hold, so it’s best to avoid certain types of fish that aren’t worth it.
The best fish to sell are Cod, Crab Pots, and Trawl Nets. Blue Mackerel is practically worthless, so avoid it unless you have the space for it. Other types of fish like Aberrations can be sold for even more, but they’re a little harder to find and require two inventory slots to catch.
Navigation
Dredge is a surprisingly absorbing indie game from Black Salt Games, offering a satisfying gameplay loop that’s equally calming and unnerving. However, the serene waters of this Lovecraftian adventure harbor more than a few surprises, and players should be cautious in approaching the hallucinations that rise up from the depths.
One of the most important tips for playing Dredge is to avoid hitting jagged rocks, as even a minor bump can require ship repairs at the Shipwright and cost cargo slots in the player inventory. Additionally, players should explore every nook and cranny in the world of Dredge as it’s brimming with treasures such as shipwrecks, bridges, and more. These can help players unlock important perks and increase their overall haul. Besides, these discoveries may also lead to some intriguing quests that can further advance the story.
Inventory Management
Dredge features all sorts of interlocking systems that make the game a unique experience. One of these systems is the Research Parts, which unlock powerful new rods and engines for your boat. These are a vital part of the progression system, so getting them is a priority.
Talking to the locals can prompt Pursuits in Dredge, which are side quests that reward you with a variety of items, including Research Parts. These are a great way to get ahead on the progression curve and start boosting your boat’s capabilities right away.
Players can also acquire Research Parts by dredging up material patches in the game’s underwater ruins. However, this can be a hit or miss process, and the player will likely spend a significant amount of time dredging just to get a single piece.
Ship Repairs
Dredge is a game about restocking your inventory, but the ocean itself is the real star of the show. Crashing waves, sea breezes and slight rustling in the distance fill the soundtrack with a natural ambience that’s perfect for sipping cocktails while watching your boat bob on the horizon.
Sailing through the ocean is a slow-paced affair that requires patience and careful navigation. Hitting rocks or other obstacles will damage your ship, reducing its durability and lowering your speed in the water.
It’s easy to get caught up in the soothing numbness of Dredge’s gameplay. But if you want to make the most of your trip, try seeking out the bigger fish first. The larger catches take up more inventory space, so they’ll make the biggest impact on your income.
Avoiding Jagged Rocks
In Dredge, you play as a fisherman who answers a help wanted ad posted by the residents of a small town in a quaint maritime archipelago. The game lures you in with it’s lore and simple mechanics, and before you know it, you’re sinking into the ocean waters, only to collide with some pretty jagged rocks.
Daytime excavations in Dredge are relaxing but come night, a number of nefarious obstacles can pop up out of nowhere. From what appears to be an inviting, iridescent fishing spot to an attack from a giant angler fish, these hallucinations can damage your ship and deplete cargo slots in the inventory.
The tips outlined in this guide should help you to navigate Dredge’s waters with ease. Remember to focus on fishing, upgrade your boat and inventory, manage your cargo, and stay away from the rock-strewn shores at night!