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What is Dave the Diver? Guide to the marine adventure game

Key art for Dave the Diver showing the logo.

Credit: MINTROCKET

There is nothing like discovering an indie game that ignores industry norms to deliver a truly unique video game experience. Sometimes it pays to stray outside the confines of the triple A mainstream and to try out something you wouldn’t normally have considered. That’s where Dave the Diver comes in. It isn’t even out in full release, yet this deep-sea exploration and restaurant management hybrid is taking the Steam world by storm. But what is Dave the Diver and why is this oceanic adventure worth checking out?

What is Dave the Diver? 

Dave the Diver is a singleplayer marine adventure RPG game where you play as the eponymous deep-sea explorer. It features an engaging story with eccentric characters, a lighthearted narrative, and silly in-jokes.

By day, join Dave as he dons his diving suit and journeys into the depths of an underwater abyss known as the mysterious Blue Hole. While there, search for different kinds of sea creatures, exotic fish, and underwater mysteries. However, you need to be careful to manage Dave’s oxygen levels and be ready to combat the dangers that lurk in the depths of the Blue Hole.

Still from the Dave the Diver showing Dave swimming deep underwater with a fish
Credit: MINTROCKET

At night, Dave runs a fresh sushi restaurant with his quirky friends (each with distinct personalities, like Bancho) using the ingredients he acquires on his diving escapades. The various creatures Dave can harpoon on his trips are integral to success in the game’s sushi restaurant management.

The game is a fascinating hybrid of the adventure and restaurant tycoon genres. Catch fish, enjoy breathtaking underwater scenery, unravel the secrets of the mysterious Blue Hole, and run a successful exotic sushi restaurant. It’s the enjoyable gameplay experience you never knew you wanted.

Is Dave the Diver fully released?

The game is not fully released. However, it has been available in Early Access on Steam since 27 October 2022. It is also available to wishlist now.

How much is Dave the Diver on Steam?

Dave the Diver costs $19.99/£16.99 on Steam.

Is Dave the Diver on console?

Dave the Diver is not available for console (PS4, PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) and no plans for a console release have been announced. The game is only available for PC and Mac via Steam.

When is Dave the Diver coming out?

As announced at the Future Games Show Spring Showcase, the game is schedule to launch in June 2023. However, the exact release date is yet to be confirmed.

Bancho making sushi in Dave the Diver
Credit: MINTROCKET

Can I run Dave the Diver?

Below are the game’s system requirements for PC and Mac per the official Steam listing:

PC System Requirements

Minimum:

  • OS: Windows 7 64 bit
  • Processor: Intel Core i3 Dual Core
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA Geforce GTS 450 / AMD Radeon HD 3850
  • DirectX: Version 9.0
  • Storage: 5 GB available space
  • Sound Card: Windows Compatible Audio Device

Recommended: 

  • OS: Windows 10 64bit
  • Processor: Intel Core i5~i7 Quad Core
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA Geforce GTX 750Ti / AMD Radeon R9 270x
  • DirectX: Version 11
  • Storage: 5 GB available space
  • Sound Card: Windows Compatible Audio Device

Mac System Requirements

Minimum:

  • OS: Catalina 10.15
  • Processor: Intel Core i3 Quad Core 3.6GHz
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Graphics: Radeon Pro 555X
  • Storage: 5 GB available space

Recommended:

  • OS: Catalina 10.15
  • Processor: M1 Octa Core
  • Memory: 16 GB RAM
  • Storage: 5 GB available space

The game also features full controller support for the classic gamepad experience.

Still from Dave the Diver featuring the pixel art style underwater
Credit: MINTROCKET

How long does it take to beat?

The game is approximately 12 hours long. For completionists, it will take roughly 20 hours to fully complete the game (taking account of all side quests and extras).

Is Dave the Diver fun?

While not yet fully released, Dave the Diver has received “Overwhelmingly Positive” reviews from the Steam community during Early Access. Taking this into account, it is safe to say that players are generally finding it to be a fun experience.

Who made Dave the Diver?

This unique marine adventure game comes from developer MINTROCKET which is a brand of Nexon. Nexon is based in South Korea and has previously published games such as MapleStory and Kartrider: Drift.

Art style and graphics

Dave the Diver is made incredibly distinctive by its stunning art style. It features a combination of pixel art and cartoon graphics to bring the ever-changing Blue Hole and the beautiful sea environment to life.

How many chapters are in Dave the Diver?

The Early Access version of the game only features three chapters; however, they are lengthy and take roughly 12 hours to complete.

Is Dave the Diver multiplayer?

The game is not multiplayer. It is described as a “casual, singleplayer adventure RPG”.

Will you be venturing into the Blue Hole when the game launches in June? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other gaming articles…

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Sam Harby

About Author

Sam is one of the editors and founders of Downtime Bros and an accredited critic. As a lifelong fan of video games, his favourites are Metal Gear Solid and The Last of Us. With years of knowledge and critical analysis under his belt, he has written hundreds of articles - including news, guides, and reviews - covering video games, movies, TV, and pop culture. Follow him on Twitter and check out his reviews on OpenCritic.

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