Slime Rancher 2 Review – A Charming Slime-Filled Adventure That Sticks to the Basics

Slime Rancher 2, released on September 21, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC, is the long-awaited sequel to Monomi Park’s 2017 indie hit. This first-person farming adventure returns players to the Far, Far Range, where they wrangle adorable slimes and build a ranching empire. Earning a 79/100 (Generally Favorable), Slime Rancher 2 delivers a cozy, colorful experience with expanded mechanics and a larger world, but its lack of bold innovation and repetitive tasks keep it from surpassing the original’s charm. For fans of relaxing sims and newcomers alike, it’s a delightful escape, though it plays it safe in a year of ambitious indies.

A Slimy Quest in a Vibrant World Set on the new Rainbow Island, Slime Rancher 2 follows Beatrix LeBeau as she explores a sprawling archipelago filled with bouncing slimes and mysterious ruins. The 20–30-hour campaign blends exploration, ranching, and light story elements, with notes and holograms revealing the island’s history. The narrative is minimal, focusing on Beatrix’s personal journey rather than a grand plot, which suits the game’s laid-back vibe but lacks the emotional depth of titles like 2025’s Baby Steps. New “Eco Events,” like seasonal storms that spawn rare slimes, add environmental storytelling, but the lack of voiced characters or cinematic cutscenes makes it feel sparse. X posts capture the sentiment: “The world is so pretty, but I wanted more story!” Compared to Stardew Valley’s rich character arcs, Slime Rancher 2 leans heavily on its whimsical tone and slime-collecting loop.

Ranching with Refined Charm Gameplay builds on the original’s formula: vacuum up slimes, feed them to produce plorts, and sell them to upgrade your ranch. New slimes, like the fluttery Cotton Slime and explosive Tangle Slime, add variety, with crossbreeding mechanics creating hybrid species for unique rewards. Exploration is a highlight, with diverse biomes—crystalline caves, lush meadows—packed with secrets and platforming challenges. The jetpack and new grappling tool make traversal fun, though imprecise controls can lead to frustrating falls. Ranch management is deeper, with automated feeders and modular pens, but repetitive tasks like feeding and cleaning grow tedious over time. Multiplayer is limited to local co-op, where a second player can assist with ranching, but the lack of online support disappoints. Accessibility options, like adjustable controls and colorblind modes, make it welcoming, though the late-game grind can overwhelm casual players. X users love the slimes—“They’re so cute!”—but note, “The grind feels like a chore by the end.” Compared to 2025’s Consume Me, Slime Rancher 2’s mechanics are more polished but less inventive.

A Colorful World with Minor Smudges Visually, Slime Rancher 2 is a delight, running at 4K/60 FPS on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a 1080p/30 FPS Switch version that retains its charm despite reduced detail. The cartoonish art style pops with vibrant colors—neon slimes, glowing flora—and dynamic lighting that shifts with day-night cycles. Slime animations, from wobbly hops to explosive bursts, are adorable, though human NPCs lack detail. The soundtrack, with upbeat acoustic and electronic tracks, enhances the cozy vibe but isn’t as memorable as the original’s. PS5’s DualSense haptics add tactile feedback for vacuuming and jetpacking, elevating immersion. Performance is mostly smooth, with occasional frame drops on Switch in crowded areas and rare PC bugs during autosaves, patched post-launch. Compared to 2025’s Hades II, Slime Rancher 2’s visuals are simpler but equally charming.

A Cozy but Familiar Harvest Priced at $35, Slime Rancher 2 offers solid value with unlockable cosmetics and ranch upgrades, though the absence of a robust endgame or story DLC disappoints. X feedback praises the polish—“It’s so relaxing!”—but critiques the repetition: “Feels too much like the first game.” Compared to Farming Simulator 25’s depth, it’s less complex but more accessible. The game’s charm and polish make it a joy, but bolder risks could have elevated it further.

Slime Rancher 2 earns its 79/100 for its adorable slimes, vibrant world, and refined gameplay, making it a cozy gem for sim fans. While repetitive tasks and a safe approach hold it back, its charm shines through. Monomi Park delivers a solid sequel—here’s hoping the next one takes bigger leaps.