Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor Review – A Rock-Solid Roguelike Spin on Dwarven Chaos

Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor, released on August 13, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC, is a roguelike spin-off from Ghost Ship Games’ co-op hit, developed by Funday Games. Trading the original’s first-person mining for a top-down, bullet-hell survival experience, it casts players as a lone dwarf battling alien swarms on the planet Hoxxes IV. Earning an impressive 86/100 (Generally Favorable), Survivor delivers addictive gameplay, deep progression, and the series’ signature charm, though its steep difficulty and limited variety may test some players. For fans of Vampire Survivors and Deep Rock Galactic, it’s a thrilling, dwarven romp that shines in 2025’s roguelike lineup.

A Dwarven Struggle Against Alien Hordes Set in the gritty mines of Hoxxes IV, Survivor follows a dwarf miner stranded after a cave-in, fighting to survive against waves of insectoid aliens. The 10–15-hour campaign (with infinite replayability) weaves a light narrative through mission logs and radio banter, emphasizing survival over story. The tone retains Deep Rock Galactic’s irreverent humor—think dwarven quips about beer and bugs—making every run feel lively. Compared to 2025’s Hades II, Survivor’s story is less intricate but fits its arcade roots, focusing on action over depth. Unlockable lore entries add flavor, but the lack of a deeper narrative limits emotional investment. X posts capture the vibe: “Rock and stone! The humor’s great, but I wanted more story.” Multiple biomes and mission types enhance replayability, keeping players digging for more.

Addictive Roguelike Action with Depth Gameplay is a top-down, auto-shooting roguelike, with players controlling a dwarf’s movement while weapons fire automatically. Choose from four classes—Scout, Gunner, Driller, Engineer—each with unique weapons, like flamethrowers or turrets, and upgradeable perks. Runs last 20–30 minutes, tasking players with mining resources, battling swarms, and completing objectives like defending a drill. A robust upgrade system, using collected minerals, unlocks new weapons and passives, offering endless build variety. The difficulty is punishing, with relentless enemy waves, but adjustable settings and assist modes cater to newcomers. Co-op is a highlight, supporting 4-player online play with cross-platform support, though local co-op is absent. X users love the chaos: “Building a turret fortress is so fun!” but note, “Some runs feel too samey.” Compared to 2025’s Moros Protocol, Survivor’s mechanics are tighter and more engaging, though enemy variety lags behind Vampire Survivors.

A Gritty, Vibrant Underground Spectacle Visually, Survivor impresses with a stylized, gritty aesthetic, running at 4K/60 FPS on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The Switch version, at 1080p/60 FPS, holds up despite slight texture compromises. Hoxxes’ biomes—crystal caverns, lava pits—burst with color, and enemy designs, from scuttling grunts to hulking dreadnoughts, are menacing. The dwarves’ animations, with exaggerated reloads and mining swings, ooze personality. The soundtrack, blending industrial rock and electronic beats, pumps up the action, with dynamic sound effects for explosions and pickaxe strikes. PS5’s DualSense haptics enhance immersion, vibrating for enemy hits and mining. Performance is solid, with only minor PC stuttering in crowded waves, patched post-launch. Compared to 2025’s Platypus Reclayed, Survivor’s visuals are less whimsical but equally polished.

A Dwarven Gem with Room to Grow Priced at $30, Survivor offers great value with unlockable classes, weapons, and cosmetic skins. Regular updates with new biomes are planned, boosting longevity. X feedback is enthusiastic: “Rock and stone forever!” but notes, “More enemy types would be nice.” Compared to Risk of Rain 2’s variety, Survivor is simpler but more accessible. Its polish and charm make it a standout, though greater diversity could push it higher.

Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor earns its 86/100 for its addictive gameplay, charming dwarven vibe, and slick presentation, making it a must for roguelike fans. Minor variety issues don’t dull its shine. Funday Games delivers a stellar spin-off—rock and stone to the next mission!