Dinkum, a cozy survival and life simulation game developed by indie creator James Bendon, has officially launched on Steam after spending nearly three years in early access. Blending elements of Minecraft and Stardew Valley, Dinkum stands out thanks to its Australian outback-inspired setting and robust survival mechanics. The game originally debuted in July 2022 and quickly gained popularity, reaching a peak of nearly 13,500 concurrent players on Steam.
Following its full release on April 23, Dinkum continues to be priced at an affordable $19.99, with regular discounts dropping it as low as $13.99 during sales. Although it remains a PC exclusive for now, plans for console ports were previously hinted at, though it's unclear if they are still moving forward. For those interested in a more portable experience, Dinkum is "Playable" on the Steam Deck, though it hasn’t yet earned full verification for the device.
Dinkum offers a rich gameplay loop focused on resource gathering, building, and community interaction. Players can farm, fish, mine, and hunt, while the game’s seasonal system affects crops and wildlife availability, similar to Stardew Valley. The mining mechanics echo Stardew's underground exploration, and the colorful art style draws comparisons to Animal Crossing. Dinkum supports co-op multiplayer for up to six players and has modest PC requirements, making it accessible to a wide range of gamers.