Games Genie
Deep Rock Galactic cover art

Deep Rock Galactic

Best if you want intense, rewarding co-op missions where teamwork and chaos blend perfectly—mining valuable resources from hostile alien caves while fending off relentless bug swarms with friends.

Released
May 13, 2020
Metacritic
84
View reviews
Genre
INDIE
User Rating
4.1

Why We Recommend This Game

Deep Rock Galactic nails the co-op shooter formula by making every player essential. Four distinct classes—Gunner, Scout, Driller, and Engineer—each solve problems differently, and missions demand you coordinate your unique abilities. The Engineer platforms up high walls, the Scout lights distant ceilings, the Driller carves shortcuts through rock, and the Gunner holds the line when swarms attack. Solo play works with an AI companion, but this game truly shines with a coordinated squad. The gameplay loop is brilliantly paced: drop into procedurally generated caves, complete objectives like mining rare minerals or eliminating targets, then call an escape pod and survive the mad dash to extraction. Missions typically run 20-40 minutes, perfect for a quick session or marathon evening. The destructible terrain isn't just a gimmick—you'll constantly make tactical decisions about whether to tunnel shortcuts, create defensive chokepoints, or preserve flares and ammo. The learning curve is welcoming. Early missions teach you the basics without overwhelming complexity, and the community is notably supportive (the "Rock and Stone!" salute isn't just a meme—it reflects the genuine player culture). Difficulty scales across five hazard levels plus optional mutators, so you control the challenge. Higher difficulties demand serious coordination and mastery of your class abilities. Progression feels substantial without grinding. You'll unlock weapon modifications, cosmetics, and overclocks that meaningfully alter playstyles. The seasonal updates add new mission types and objectives, keeping veterans engaged. Each mission feels distinct thanks to procedural generation—you're never following the same cave layout twice. What makes this special is how it balances moment-to-moment tension with longer strategic planning. You're managing limited resources (ammo, flares, health), coordinating class abilities, and adapting when swarms attack at inopportune moments. The frantic extraction sequences create memorable "we barely made it" stories. It's Left 4 Dead meets Minecraft in the best possible way, wrapped in a cheerful dwarf-mining-in-space aesthetic that never takes itself too seriously.

Best For

  • Co-op enthusiasts who love games requiring genuine teamwork and communication
  • Players who enjoy mastering class-based mechanics and optimizing loadouts
  • Anyone seeking bite-sized sessions with meaningful progression that respects your time

Not For

  • Solo players seeking a rich single-player narrative experience
  • Those who dislike procedural generation or prefer handcrafted level design
  • Players averse to wave-based combat or resource management pressure

Multiplayer & Game Modes

4 online • Partial Crossplay

Deep Rock Galactic has partial crossplay support, supports up to 4 players online, features co-op campaign mode.

Features

Crossplay(Partial Crossplay)
Online Multiplayer
LAN Support
Drop In/Out
Co-op Campaign

Play Modes

Single PlayerMultiplayerCo-opOnline MultiplayerLAN Multiplayer

Player Count

0
Online
1-4
LAN
1-4
Team Sizes
Co-op teams up to 4

Additional Details

Supports solo play and 4-player co-op (public or friends). No couch co-op/split-screen. Drop-in/out supported (players can join/leave a running mission). Cross-play is partial: Microsoft Store/PC Game Pass version can play with Xbox consoles; Steam does not cross-play with Xbox. PlayStation versions do not cross-play with other platforms. Console online play requires the platform’s online subscription (e.g., PS Plus on PlayStation).

Edition and Platform Information

Important details about which version to buy and where to play.

Platform Recommendations

Supports crossplay between Xbox and Windows Store versions. Steam version has the largest player base. All platforms receive simultaneous content updates.

Accessibility Features

Offers colorblind modes, subtitle customization, and HUD scaling. Limited accessibility for motion sensitivity due to intense combat and cave navigation. No difficulty assist options that reduce enemy aggression.

Screenshots

Click any screenshot to view in full size

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this game answered by our team.

Can I play this solo effectively?

Yes, with the BOSCO drone companion that helps with combat and mining. Solo is viable and enjoyable, but you'll miss the chaotic coordination that makes co-op special. Difficulty auto-scales for player count.

How long does it take to learn?

Basics take 2-3 missions. Each class needs several hours to master. The game tutorializes well, and lower difficulties are forgiving. Expect 10-15 hours before feeling truly competent at higher hazard levels.

Is the community friendly to newcomers?

Exceptionally so. The playerbase is famously welcoming. Most veterans happily carry new players through missions and teach mechanics. Toxicity is rare compared to other multiplayer shooters.

How much content and replayability?

Hundreds of hours potential. Multiple mission types, procedural caves, four classes with deep customization, and seasonal content. Progression unlocks are substantial, and higher difficulties remix the experience entirely.

Do I need friends to play with?

No. Quick matchmaking works well, and the community makes playing with randoms enjoyable. Voice chat helps but isn't required—laser pointer and context-based pings communicate effectively.