Though video games like Dead Space can provide horrifying experiences that players will never forget, and titles like Overwatch 2 can deliver competitive matches filled with action, many gamers use the medium as a form of relaxation. The success of games like Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Disney Dreamlight Valley show that cozy games can be a terrific source of entertainment. For Steam users, and those with a Deck specifically, Dinkum is a calm game worth trying.
Though Dinkum can easily be played on a gaming laptop or PC, as it is far from the most graphically intense title, the Steam Deck may be the perfect home for the ambitious indie game. Being able to bring the Steam Deck on the go, to other parts of the house, or into bed are major advantages that cannot be ignored, and the pickup and play nature of Dinkum makes it a perfect choice for the device. With the default gamepad controls feeling perfect, too, players in need of a soothing gameplay experience and a fun co-op game for Steam Deck need look no further.
What Makes Dinkum Worth Playing for Steam Deck Users
Despite only being made by one developer named James Bendon, Dinkum is full of content and receives updates fairly often. Fans of the Animal Crossing series will find many of the same core gameplay mechanics to enjoy, like mining rocks, bug catching, fishing, digging for treasure, and collecting seashells. Players can even donate to a museum just like they do in Nintendo’s hit franchise. However, Dinkum also has a few mechanics that set it apart, such as a deeper farming system where players can raise a few animals. This is just the tip of the iceberg, though, as Dinkum has several strengths that give it a lot of depth.
The most unique thing Dinkum has going for it that other games like it lack is a proper combat system. Players can get access to a number of weapons, ranging from hammers and spears to swords and nail bats. They can then use these to fight some dangerous wild life, with mini bosses able to be fought as well. Whenever players want a break from the usual relaxing gameplay, they can do some hunting or head below the island for Dinkum's deep mining. Here, they can get rare loot and fight unique enemy mobs, adding even more combat opportunities to the mix.
Dinkum allows players to go on proper quests to make money and acquire new items, with players also able to improve relationships with the characters they meet and convince them to move onto their islands. Players also need to acquire licenses to get access to better tools, store discounts, and more, meaning they will have some long term goals to grind toward - a key aspect of this type of game. With fast travel points able to be unlocked in Dinkum, and vehicles able to be acquired to traverse the decently large map, buyers will have access to content they may not be expecting going in.
Those who love fashion in video games will find plenty of fun outfits to collect, from everyday attire like dresses to more unique costumes like a ninja outfit or Finn’s hat from the hit animated series Adventure Time. Those who want to take things slow and focus on collecting new clothes can do just that, or players seeking to go all-in on house customization will find that there are a few options to pick from and a good bit of furniture to collect. Though it may not have the adorable art style of Disney Dreamlight Valley or Animal Crossing, Dinkum has a lot of the same charm, and its combat, quests, fast travel, and vehicles give it its own identity. With everything accessible in co-op, there is a lot to love about Dinkum.
Though Dinkum has major goals to work toward for those seeking to spend a lot of time with it, it is similar to games like Animal Crossing where players can keep on going for as long as they wish while also moving at their own pace. This makes it the perfect Steam Deck game, as players can easily hop on for 30 minutes, do some mining or favors for NPCs, and then hop off. With the controls feeling natural for the Steam Deck, and the game running perfectly on the platform, it is something that more people should consider playing.
Dinkum is available through early access on PC.
