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) | – | 82 | 106 |
| Creator reviews (1 tracked) | – | 90 | 2 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 93% | 88 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 80 | 17 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 93% | 87 | 2217 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Aug 16, 2024) · 300 reviews sampled · 2217 total reviews in window · weighted 243 up / 23.7 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (76)
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.
- 80
“SteamWorld Heist II has so many outstanding core elements that, even chasing new horizons at the expense of some balance, it's still a recommended sequel. While quirks might make it run out of steam at points, don't be surprised when it keeps you coming back for more. With a presentation polished as a pearl and some fun twists, this lengthy sequel should find a place in the Switch collections of those up for the challenge.”
read full review ↗ - 90
- 80
“Like SteamWorld Heist, only more so, this is an eminently playable game, fun, well-paced, and finely tuned. It may be somewhat safe and at times predictable, but it avoids anything resembling a major misstep, making it an easy recommendation for fans of this genre of game.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Steamworld Heist II expands upon its predecessor's solid foundation, offering a more complex and ambitious experience that rewards patience and careful planning. While the increased difficulty and expanded mechanics may deter some players, those willing to invest time and tweak things to suit their preferences will find a deeply satisfying tactical adventure.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“I have several small, indie game series, that have never let me down. SteamWorld is one of them. Be it meroidvania, be it a jRPG with cards, all my advenures with steambots were at least good. SteamWorld Heist 2 confirms that rule, and I simply have to recommend this game.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“With such a cheery disposition, this bright tactical RPG with a steam-powered robot crew draws in players and keeps them glued to the screen with a simple yet fun gameplay loop that never grows rusty.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“The approachable tactical strategy shooter is back, packing plenty of personality, polish, and a fair challenge”
read full review ↗ - 90
“SteamWorld Heist II is impressively epic and offers gamers a lot of bang for their buck. It's a bigger, better, and more varied strategy game than its predecessor. While the story is mostly fluff to support the deep combat systems and character building, most people won't notice because they'll be too focused on the heat of a battle which unfolds like a tense story in its own right.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“SteamWorld Heist II is a captivating blend of strategy and action that delivers a truly solid experience. The game's turn-based combat is a highlight, offering a satisfying mix of planning and execution, and the job system adds to character progression and customization. Mission rewards and necessary backtracking can detract from the overall enjoyment and pacing, but if you don't mind a bit of a grind, then SteamWorld Heist II is definitely worth checking out.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“SteamWorld Heist 2 does everything the name implies. It has the copious amounts of charm and strong world-building found in the wider series, while building and improving on the excellent gameplay foundation introduced in the original SteamWorld Heist. This seafaring adventure isn't one you should miss if you're after some top-tier tactics, and the improvements over the original make the almost-10-year wait more than worth it.”
read full review ↗ - 84
“With its strategic gameplay and engaging design, SteamWorld Heist II is sure to captivate fans of the genre and is definitely worth a try.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“The turn-based tactics of it all are still so delightfully crunchy and awesome, featuring new objectives, unique bosses, and oodles of content. However the constant returns to the bar to rest and the strained simplicity of the water travel hold this back from being such a slam-dunk instant classic as its predecessor. This is a sequel that is bigger and better in a lot of respects, but is also weighed down by superfluous additions.”
read full review ↗
Pure Nintendo
Fintendo
Slant Magazine
Nintendo Life
GRYOnline.pl
RPGamer
Nindie Spotlight
Cubed3
PC Invasion
Push Square
Atarita
NintendoWorldReport…and 64 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Patch Notes - v1.5Oct 3, 2024
- Patch Notes - v1.4Aug 16, 2024significant · resets scoring window