Grime is the kind of indie action-adventure RPG that pulls you into a world that feels alien, unsettling, and impossible to look away from. Developed by Clover Bite and published by Akupara Games, it blends Souls-like combat tension with Metroidvania-style exploration, delivering a dark journey where discovery is just as important as survival.
The premise is instantly intriguing: you play as a mysterious being with a black hole for a face, waking up in a strange 3D realm where nothing explains itself—not even your own existence. As you push through twisting caves and eerie landscapes, you’ll uncover secrets tied directly to your identity, piecing together what you are and why you’re here. But the path forward is never safe. The world is packed with grotesque creatures, each with different strengths, patterns, and vulnerabilities you’ll need to learn and exploit if you want to keep moving.
Combat in Grime leans into variety and experimentation, especially thanks to its “living weapons.” These aren’t just swords and clubs with a fresh coat of paint—they’re formed from living creatures and can mutate during battle, adding a unique flavor to the game’s progression. Defeating enemies is also more than just clearing a room: you can absorb their bodies to unlock new abilities, letting you shape your build and customize your playstyle as you go. That flexibility becomes crucial when the game throws towering bosses at you, demanding careful timing, smart strategy, and the right approach to win.
Player reception has been strong since launch. The game released on August 2, 2021, and has accumulated 6,304 user reviews on Steam, with 85% rated positive. It also holds solid scores on review aggregators, reflecting a generally favorable response to its atmosphere, world design, and visuals. Many players praise its striking universe and attractive graphics, along with the satisfying blend of Souls-like and Metroidvania mechanics.
That said, it’s not without issues. While the fights are widely enjoyed, the combat itself isn’t considered especially groundbreaking and draws clear inspiration from other games in the genre. Some players also report a noticeable number of bugs, including visual and audio problems.
If you’ve been curious about trying it, now is a good time. Grime has dropped to its lowest price, currently listed at $9.99 on Steam until April 14, 2026, reflecting a 60% discount. After that, it’s expected to return to $24.99. There’s also a demo available for anyone who wants to test the gameplay before buying, and the game has received four updates that add new content and features, making it a more complete experience than it was at launch.
