Stylish survival game sequel Crashlands 2 gets off to a great start on Steam

Astonishingly, it’s been nine years since indie survival game Crashlands won our hearts. It blended robust crafting mechanics with the ability to tame pets and a silly sense of humour that earned it a cult reputation among players as a worthy counterpart to the likes of Don’t Starve. Now, almost a decade later, developer Butterscotch Shenanigans has launched Crashlands 2, a similarly delightful and expanded successor that’s already following in its footsteps with an excellent early reception from players on Steam.

Crashlands 2 is a true sequel – you step back into the shoes of intergalactic trucker Flux Dabes, who is returning to the first game’s world, Woanope. Unfortunately, before you can catch up with what’s changed, a mysterious blast sends you crashing into an unseen land, leaving you far from society and alone in the wilderness. Thus does the survival game begin anew; you’ll need to gather materials, craft items, build structures, and make friends as you attempt to uncover a sinister plot that has thrown Woanope into disarray.

If you can think of a survival crafting element, it’s probably here. A thriving ecosystem packed with all manner of environmental interactions to discover, weird and wonderful creatures to study, and alien societies you can befriend. There’s a plethora of weapons, gadgets, and consumables such as stat-enhancing elixirs, allowing you to opt for all manner of playstyles. Go in loud, make use of stealth and traps, or fight from range and lure your enemies into natural hazards.

You’re able to set up a cozy base with the improved crafting system, building out a house and farm along with spaces to keep any animals you’ve recruited as pets. These companions can accompany you on your adventures – take care of their needs and they’ll prove worthwhile allies. As you meet more characters, you’ll learn their history and help them with their troubles through tasks and side quests, ultimately unravelling the truth of the suspicious goings-on across Woanope.

So far, the response to Crashlands 2 has been extremely positive. 93% of player reviews on Steam are positive, and its active user count has so far peaked at a very respectable 8,559 – nearly double the highest number that the original ever reached. “Everything I have seen so far in Crashlands 2 is a solid step up from the original,” one reviewer writes. Another says, “Still relatively early but man does this game hit just as hard as the first, which is huge praise from me seeing as it was a top three game of all time for me back in the day.”

Crashlands 2 is out now on Steam, priced at $24.99 / £20.99. Head here if you’re ready to make new friends on an alien planet.

Keep building out your options with the best crafting games on PC right now, and be sure to check in with our picks of the best indie games in 2025 to make sure you aren’t missing any hidden gems.

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