Review : Crashlands 2

Context

Just like in the first game, you play as Flux Dabes, a space trucker who—unsurprisingly—crash-lands once again on the alien planet Woanope. The difference is that the sequel is bigger, more colorful, and above all better designed. Gone are the randomly generated worlds: here, every biome and every quest has been handcrafted by the developers at Butterscotch Shenanigans. The result: exploration feels much more natural, like a true adventure RPG with crafting mechanics added in.

Crashlands 2 is available on Steam, iOS, and Android, with shared saves through the studio’s own Rumpus system. In other words, you can farm a few resources on your phone while heading to class, then continue the very same game on your PC when you get home.

I would also like to thank Butterscotch Shenanigans for providing the key used to test the game. This key was obtained through a collaboration with Keymailer.

Graphics

Visually, it bursts with color and looks very crisp. Even when the battles get chaotic, you can still grasp everything that’s happening. The artistic direction is highly polished and truly distinctive.

Gameplay

It can be summed up in just three words: explore, fight, craft. You gather resources, smack alien creatures around (yes, really), and use the loot to craft weapons, armor, and bases. Then, you do it all over again.

The difference compared to other survival games? Crashlands 2 doesn’t leave you in the dark: there are quests, a story, and NPCs that push you forward.

In short, it’s the kind of game where you tell yourself: “Alright, just one more quest.” And two hours later, you still haven’t put your device down.

Combat is based on timing and dodging. Enemies telegraph their attacks with visual cues, and you have to learn their patterns. That said, at first, it’s clearly a gear check. No matter how quick your reflexes are, without the right armor you’ll take ridiculous amounts of damage. Thankfully, once you’re properly equipped, fights become smooth and satisfying. And if you’re looking for more challenge, recent updates have added a Hardcore mode (permadeath), a Scramble mode (roguelike-style progression shuffle), and a Custom mode where you can adjust the difficulty to your liking.

Speaking of updates, the developers aren’t letting up:

• Update 1.1 (The Compendium): new weapons, pet rework, in-game encyclopedia, etc.

• Update 1.2 (The Hardcore Scramble): Hardcore, Scramble, and Custom modes + new pets. In short, lots of replayability.

As a result, on Steam the reviews are already marked as “Very Positive” and keep climbing.

Story

You play as Flux Dabes, back on Woanope to recharge, but soon thrown into a new adventure after a mysterious explosion. Exploring the alien world will let you meet fantastic beings, solve mysteries, and craft brand-new items. Survival relies on cooperation: building friendships to unlock recipes, equipment, and unique gameplay possibilities.

You’ll also have a home to build—a welcoming haven where you and your friends can catch your breath… before deciding to face the looming threat over Woanope. Every biome and NPC has been designed to encourage exploration. So if you enjoy lighthearted games with a good dose of humor, you’ll feel right at home. But if you’re allergic to constant jokes, it might wear you down.

Music and sound design

On the audio side, the soundtrack by Fat Bard blends spacey atmospheres with western-style guitars, and against all odds, it fits perfectly with the “galactic Wild West” vibe. Personally, I even used it as background music while studying, and it worked surprisingly well.

Replayability

Crashlands 2 offers remarkable replay value, not only thanks to the richness of its content (crafting, exploration, narrative systems), but especially through the modes added via updates that completely change the way you play. Whether you want a tough challenge, a laid-back session, or a unique experience each time, the game adapts. The community is unanimous: people keep coming back to it—and often—with pleasure.

Conclusion

It’s funny, colorful, stress-free (no hunger or thirst meters to manage), and always moving forward. The cross-save is a real bonus: you can play whenever, wherever you want.

It’s not for everyone: if you’re looking for a realistic, serious survival game, or if you hate goofy humor, this won’t be for you. But if you want a game that blends adventure, crafting, and good vibes, honestly, for its price, it’s a fantastic choice. In short: imagine Animal Crossing meets Don’t Starve, but with giant smackdowns and zero calorie counters. And honestly? I’m diving back in without hesitation.

You can grab the game here.