Traveling with a companion on a road trip often leads to moments of forced conversation and silence. In the world of Dustland Delivery, players take on the role of a sharpshooter dealing with the blacksmith they hired, attempting to ease the social awkwardness with limited success.
Flirting with a bodyguard at a bar didn’t go well, and the blacksmith showed no interest in small talk. Other attempts at engaging conversation—like discussions about an old junk dealer or an eerie cemetery—did not fare much better. The blacksmith only seemed interested in topics like “Abandoned train” and “Abandoned factory,” which are common sights in this post-apocalyptic landscape. The player notes the importance of keeping an eye out for remnants of the past, as managing stress and mood can be more complex than simply addressing hunger and thirst in this harsh environment.
Dustland Delivery, which is available on Steam for Windows and Proton/Steam Deck, places players in the position usually occupied by NPCs in post-apocalyptic RPGs. You become a trader, acquiring affordable items in one area to sell for a profit in another, while factoring in the costs of fuel, maintenance, and potential raider attacks into your margins. Players are responsible for every aspect of their journey: the speed of travel, when to rest, and whether to cautiously approach a nearby caravan or steer clear.
This game may particularly appeal to those whose favorite aspects of classic titles like The Oregon Trail revolved around trading. However, even for those less inclined toward commerce, the game offers an abundance of quirky humor, emergent storytelling, and significant replayability, especially considering its current price of $5. The base game includes three quest-driven scenarios and a tutorial. A recent DLC titled Sheol, released this week, introduces underground cities, expeditions through ruins, new terrains, and an additional story quest, priced at just $4.
A significant choice in gameplay involves deciding whether to drive through or around obstacles such as riverbeds, with various outcomes influencing your journey.
Interaction within towns is extensive, allowing for multiple activities in bars and shops, but success isn’t guaranteed.
Diving deeper into the game allows players to explore an elaborate character creation process.
Towns typically feature a shop, a bar, a point of interest, and quirky locals known for their snarky remarks.
Fortunately, Dustland Delivery streamlines the buying and selling process, sparing players from the complexities of calculations.
Driven to survive
With around five hours of gameplay so far, the impressions mirror the overwhelmingly positive reviews from Steam users. The interface appears pixelated and somewhat disorganized, which requires players to become familiar with the navigation. The tutorial serves as a helpful introduction, but players might need to explore various mechanics and potential pitfalls through experimentation. Nonetheless, the fundamental gameplay loop feels robust and carefully designed.
Gameplay resembles a blend of FTL: Faster than Light alongside the overland travel mechanics familiar from fantasy RPGs, infused with the unpredictable encounters and gritty atmosphere reminiscent of 2D titles from the Fallout series. Players must consistently weigh risks and make estimations about their resources. Should truck maintenance, team wellness, and supplies be pushed to the limit for a chance at a lucrative haul, or will the burden of higher fuel costs and rough terrain outweigh the benefits? How much danger from viruses does one accept for a shortcut on their primary quest?
Such decisions become even more pressing as players work toward establishing their own settlements, managing their crew along the way.
Dustland Delivery offers engaging gameplay for long stretches, perfect for breaks or quick “just one more city” sessions, easily accessible on any PC capable of running Steam. Step inside the virtual cab, transport your goods, and afterward share stories with your companions about the mutants you encountered hundreds of kilometers back.
