Hydroneer - Buyer's Guide

Explore procedurally generated terrain, dig for riches, and craft a thriving mining operation in Hydroneer. With hydro-powered machinery, modular base construction, and crafting, experience a vast, ever-changing world with hidden relics and secrets. Not perfect, but still enjoyable with patience.
Fan-art of Hydroneer

In Hydroneer, excavate for riches and craft a thriving mining operation by digging deep into procedurally generated terrain. Unleash hydro-powered machinery to unearth resources, construct a modular base, and craft a wide range of items, all while exploring a vast, ever-changing world filled with hidden relics and secrets.

Should I play Hydroneer in 2024?

The good

Hydroneer has garnered a very positive overall sentiment from players, which is a testament to its engaging and fun core gameplay. Players love the unique mining and automation mechanics, and the game has an almost addictive quality for those who enjoy resource management and crafting. The quirky, hands-on approach to every task, including individual item management, has a certain charm that has captivated a loyal fanbase.

Many users also appreciate the creative freedom the game offers and have had countless hours of fun experimenting with different setups and techniques. For some, the game’s intricacies provide a rewarding challenge that keeps them coming back.

The bad

The game isn’t without its flaws. It can be quite demanding on hardware, which means that older or less powerful computers may struggle to run it smoothly. The lack of an inventory system and the need for constant micromanagement can become tedious, leading some players to feel frustrated. Bugs and technical issues, such as progress deletion and problems with split-screen multiplayer, also tarnish the experience. The game’s automation elements, while a core part of its appeal, require a lot of manual intervention and can break down frequently, adding to the tedium.

Verdict

Despite its rough edges, Hydroneer has a strong following and a lot to offer for fans of sandbox and resource management games. The hands-on approach to mining and building offers a unique and enjoyable challenge that can be incredibly rewarding. If you’re equipped with a good computer and have a lot of patience for manual tasks and occasional bugs, this game can be a gem. For those who aren’t keen on such a meticulous level of management and prefer more streamlined inventory systems, you might want to look for a sale or consider alternatives.

In essence, if you thrive on the satisfaction of building something from scratch and don’t mind the tedious bits, Hydroneer is worth digging into! 🪓🌟



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In-game Screenshot

Screenshot of Hydroneer

Top image is not real in-game screenshots. Fan-art made by Gamer.se. Some game metadata is coming from RAWG