Grind Survivors

Grind Survivors is fun in short bursts, but it struggles to hook you once the dust settles after a few runs.

There are an overwhelming number of games hitting early access or simply releasing under the radar. Occasionally you find something that feels familiar but fresh that you didn’t expect. I came in expecting more of the same but was pleasantly surprised at the draw it had on me. Grind Survivors is available on multiple platforms as a full release. If you’re looking for a new bullet-hell to sink your teeth into, it’s well worth your time picking up. It offers a variety of loot, builds, characters and ways to modify runs to suit the playstyle or build you want to focus on. I’m definitely going to have to go with the Thumb Culture Platinum Award for this one.

Grind Survivors is a fantastic entry to the bullet-heaven roguelite catalogue. If games like Vampire Survivors are your jam, then you’ll have a blinding time with this one. Not only is it addictively moreish, but it’s also well-optimised for consoles, super-polished, and looks stunning on a 4k screen. I’ve piled well over 40 hours into this one so far, and I’m still ticking off achievements. For a very reasonable £12.49 on the Xbox store, you’ll get your money’s worth for sure. If you fancy a copy for yourself, then you can purchase a copy HERE.

Grind Survivors is a roguelike capable of hooking you with its addictive loop and clever systems to the point where you'll simply want more. Why? Well, because it is genuinely fun.

Breaking a run wide open with the right combo never gets old, even if the grind can test your patience.

In short, Grind Survivors stands out as a solid entry in an increasingly saturated genre, managing to carve out a distinct identity—primarily through its progression system. While not every idea is executed perfectly, the game offers a compelling enough foundation to hold one's attention, particularly for those already familiar with the genre. Its niche appeal might deter non-fans—myself included—yet I still feel Grind Survivors is the kind of game that is perfect to keep installed and play in short bursts, whether to relieve daily stress or simply to revel in the chaos of ceaselessly mowing down demons.

Forging your weapon in Grind Survivors is such a cool process that it'll have you blasting through runs just to see what you can make next. 🔫

Grind Survivors isn’t reinventing the wheel, but it does try its own spin on the ever-popular survivor-like titles. It offers a compelling loop of loot, infusing and improving weapons cycles that are built around robust meta-progression and varied character abilities. While the initial onboarding could be clearer, the Forge system is unduly stressful at first. But the constant flow of unlocks and escalating difficulty provides the necessary "just one more run" hook characteristic of the genre.

This game is simply awesome. Of course, there are many roguelike games of this genre on the market, and surely there are other strong titles. But this one absolutely holds its own. The controls, graphics, sound, and gameplay: Everything is really top-notch, ensuring you have the ultimate gaming experience with this game. And you will definitely lose sleep over it before you start playing. So think before you act! For a price of 12.99 euros, this is absolutely highly recommended.

If you’re familiar with the survivor genre, you’ll likely get some enjoyment out of this, as the games difficulty will hold your attention, especially with the sheer amount of unlocks the game has. However, if you’re looking for a more fun and relaxing game you can check out of and just play, there’s easier, and better, games in the genre out there to try.