Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 81 | 17 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 98% | 94 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 98% | 94 | 2056 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Acclaim gate: the raw blend lands at 93.8, but scores above 88 must be earned in front of a mass audience; this verdict rests on 6,248 player reviews, a largely self-selected fanbase. As more players weigh in, the ceiling rises (full scale unlocks at 100,000 reviews).
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Oct 30, 2024) · 300 reviews sampled · 2056 total reviews in window · weighted 186.6 up / 4.8 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (17)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 90
“Loddlenauts is one of those satisfying games that balances a clear and important message with fun gameplay and a population of adorable creatures that it is all too easy to become deeply attached to.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Loddlenaut is sort of a job sim where the job in question feels futile. Cleaned places need re-cleaning, fed loddles need re-feeding. Given that the project at hand is to purify a mega-corp-abused ocean, it's quite a downer that the game feels so unwinnable, but maybe that's the point, in a melancholy kind of way. In any case, if you don't overthink it, the environment is calm, the loddles are cute and the execution leaves few irritations. If this is a PowerWasher's fever dream, then it would be a shame to wake up.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“While Loddlenaut failed to make me care about its cute fish in the long run, it ultimately delivered a poignant, memorable message, while also delivering on its promise of cozy underwater cleaning gameplay.”
read full review ↗ - 65
“It's a very short and simple experience, as the Steam page suggests, but it's definitely worth the time if you like the idea of cleaning an alien ocean to help the fishies out.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Loddlenaut is a beautiful gem to add to your collection if you’re into exploration and foraging. With no gameplay clutter, you can get right to do what you want, and with a cozy post-game, you can keep going as long as you like. Combat-free, stress-free, and super cute, there’s no wonder this game is already getting awards in the wholesome indie market. It isn’t everything, but everything it is is admirable. Dive into it for yourself!”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Cute, joyous and packing in an important message to boot, I adore Loddlenaut. This is the epitome of relaxing, stress-free gaming, with the only thing you need to worry about being keeping your oxygen topped up. Cleaning up the oceans is fulfilling in a way that few video games are, and getting to interact with the adorable loddles is simply a bonus you’re going to want to keep coming back for.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“There’s very little to dislike about Loddlenaut. It ticks all the boxes of an ideal cozy game, with adorable companions, a calming atmosphere, and uncomplicated mechanics. You’ll be zapping away goop and caring for Loddles during this roughly 4-5 hour clean-up adventure, making it a great game to curl up with on a lazy afternoon. Its only downsides are its upgrade limitations and bare-bones story, which could have seen this little indie float to the top. Despite this, if you’re looking for your next wholesome game, and one with an ever-important message, you and Loddlenaut will get along swimmingly.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“If you go into Loddlenaut expecting anything in the way of stakes or drama or a challenge, you’ll probably be underwhelmed. But if you just want a relaxing, chill game that you can escape into for a couple of hours, it’s hard to think of a nicer, more pleasant way to pass the time.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Loddlenaut is a cute and relaxing adventure experience. Can you clean the ocean and save the aliens? Upgrade your equipment, discover new biomes, and save the day. I only wish that it was longer.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Loddlenaut invites us to remove pollution from an oceanic planet in a relaxing experience. Simple mechanics make underwater cleaning enjoyable and meditative, and it's rewarding to see nature reappearing due to our efforts. A captivating atmosphere with colorful visuals, a soft soundtrack and lots of pet fish make the adventure even more enchanting. For those looking for a few hours of uncomplicated relaxation, Loddlenaut and its ocean cleansing are a great option.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Loddlenaut excels at its main gameplay loop. I excitedly spent a full three and a half hours exploring ocean zones, gathering trash and materials, and building up my home cove. As for the titular loddles, I had little cause to care for them. Raising them, feeding them, and giving them a home were accessory parts of your quest. Ultimately, I wish the loddles could have played a more significant role in your mission to clean the ocean.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Loddlenaut is so perfectly simple, relaxing, and beautiful that I can't help but want to dive straight back into the planet of GUP-14 to breathe life into it all over again. Its gameplay is satisfying and grants the player enough control to not bring down the pace in bogging down the mechanics; it never overstays its welcome but provides a plentiful amount of stress relief and fun to stand out in the indie world. With its gorgeous graphics and style, I hope I can venture across space again with Moon Lagoon to clean up its planets.”
read full review ↗
Pure Nintendo
Nintendo Life
GameLuster
GameGrin
LadiesGamers.com
GameSpew
GINX TV
Gaming Age
Movies Games and Tech
GameBlast
KeenGamer
GamingTrend…and 5 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- 1.2.4 Patch Notes - No more missing loddles!Jan 31, 2025
- 1.2.3 Patch Notes - A small batch of bug fixes!Oct 30, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- 1.2.1 Patch Notes - The Goddles Update!Sep 19, 2024
- Announcing the Goddles Update - Coming September 19th!Aug 27, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- 1.0.22 Patch Notes - Jingle Shells for everyone!Feb 1, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- 1.0.2 Patch Notes - The “Gift of GUPPI” Update!Dec 18, 2023
- 1.0.1 Patch Notes - Balance changes and bug fixes!Nov 23, 2023significant · resets scoring window