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‘Dredge’ is the most outstanding mobile gaming experience in 2025 thus far. Released on Android and iOS platforms by Kiwi developers Black Salt Games, it has successfully transitioned from its initial PC and console release to its new handheld format with remarkable results.
At first glance, the game’s faithfulness to its original versions is astounding. I had initially reviewed ‘Dredge’ in March 2023, where it earned a spot among my top indie games of that year. It has now become even more accessible with this mobile release. The sheer depth and immersion provided by the experience is simply astonishing.
Upon starting the game on my Google Pixel 7a, I was impressed by its seamless performance, free from any technical issues. The intuitive controls are designed to work effortlessly across both the left and right sides of your screen, making it easy to control the boat and access various functions simultaneously.
What’s more remarkable is that Black Salt Games has managed to recreate the same unsettling atmosphere on mobile as well. Playing without headphones or with them enabled, ‘Dredge’ still manages to send chills down my spine. It’s uncanny how eerily immersive it can be on a small screen, reminiscent of another exceptional horror experience, ‘The Room’.
While some may be hesitant about the price tag of $25 (although it is currently available at an attractive launch deal of $10.99), I firmly believe that it is worth every penny. The mobile game offers immense value for its cost.
As someone who supports microtransactions in free-to-play games as long as they are reasonable and offer real substance, I am delighted to say that ‘Dredge’ delivers all the above without any need for in-app purchases. It has a story, an atmosphere, and a sense of closure that is sorely lacking in most mobile experiences.
With this release, it’s likely that we’ll see numerous “best mobile games” lists being updated in the coming months.
