Hydroneer

Hydroneer is a mining and automation sandbox game that offers a unique but polarizing experience. Players enjoy the core concept of digging, mining, and creating automated setups, which can become highly addictive and satisfying once the initial grind is overcome. The game features a simple, immersive approach with no traditional inventory system, requiring players to manually carry and place each item, which adds to the realism but also contributes to tedium.

However, many players find the gameplay frustrating due to clunky controls, poor terrain manipulation, and a lack of quality-of-life features like a proper inventory or smoother automation tools. The progression loop is repetitive, with limited objectives beyond upgrading tools and expanding mining operations. Multiplayer is limited to split-screen, which has disappointed those hoping for online co-op. Additionally, persistent bugs, save file corruption, and physics-related crashes significantly impact the experience. While the game has a dedicated fanbase and charm, it often feels unfinished and in need of polish.

Highlights

Players praise Hydroneer's addictive and engaging mining mechanics, describing the gameplay loop as rewarding once automation is set up. The game's simplicity and immersive manual item handling create a unique feel. The graphics, while not high-end, suit the sandbox style and contribute to the charm. The progression system and economic elements, such as stock market trading and farming, add depth for those who invest time. Fans appreciate the relaxing, chill atmosphere and the satisfaction of building increasingly complex mining operations.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the absence of an inventory system, making item management tedious and slow. Controls and UI are described as unintuitive and frustrating, especially when placing items or managing terrain. The early game is slow and grind-heavy, with limited objectives leading to repetitive gameplay. Multiplayer is restricted to split-screen only, disappointing players wanting online co-op. Frequent bugs, including save corruption and physics glitches causing crashes, diminish enjoyment. The game feels unfinished with poor optimization and inadequate tutorials, leaving many mechanics unexplained and progression cumbersome.