Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor is an auto shooter akin to Vampire Survivor and Brotato based on the space dwarf epic mining game that is Deep Rock Galactic. A completely single player affair (although at the time of writing in early access so who knows what could change) unlike it’s parent title, this game provides what you would come to expect from the genre: fun, pain, crying and sheer joy from giant explosions while barely having to provide any input.

What’s good?

Like other auto shooters DRGS is incredibly easy to pick up and play. Pick a class, pick a loadout and then the only control you need is a thumbstick (except for levelling up, that needs an extra button press).

Despite being easy to play the game can be quite complex. Pick the wrong weapon or upgrade and you’ll quickly be swarmed and fighting an uphill battle. But coming back from those battles makes the game quite thrilling at times.

What’s bad?

DRGS can be quite repetitive at times. With a limit set of enemy types and elites it can feel like there’s not much new to explore after putting in a few good hours. There are four different biomes but the impact they have on play is limited.

The levelling system requires play as the different classes. This is good in some respects because it poses new challenges and ways of play. But it’s also a slippery slope if you have preferred one class over another and find yourself having to play catchup (adding to the repetitiveness).

How much did I play?

At the time of writing I’ve played over 21 hours of DRGS.

Conclusion

Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor is a great game to pick up and kill a few minutes. It’s equally fun as it is frustrating. I just wish there was a bit more variety.