Best Games Like Dave The Diver

There are a handful of indie darlings that came out in 2023, with one of the most talked about games of the summer being Dave the Diver. A resource-gathering RPG mixed with a restaurant managing game, this title from MINTROCKET stands out for fun gameplay and a cool art style.

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The concept of Dave the Diver is rather unique, telling the story of how Dave gets a job working at a sushi restaurant and needs to use his scuba diving skills to hunt down fish for various dishes. While there aren’t many games quite like it, there are a handful that are worth checking out if players are looking for an experience like it.

Updated October 31, 2023 by Chris Birsner: Much of 2023 has gone by, and one of the most talked about games that isn’t in the AAA conversations is still Dave the Diver. The conversation was especially revived when the game was released late in October for the Nintendo Switch, a console known for amplifying some of the smallest games out there.

There are so many unique aspects mixed into the game, with a bevy of genres that people can draw comparisons to. This includes simulators, role-playing games, and even roguelites. Because of this, those who play Dave the Diver will likely find a game that is similar to it right around the corner. But there are a few that implement many similar elements that Dave the Diver does.

1 The Sushi Spinnery

Metascore: N/A

Dave puts his life on the line to get the best fish possible for his sushi restaurant. While not nearly as stressful as trying to take down a shark, The Sushi Spinnery does put pressure on the player to figure out how to make their sushi bar a must-place to be.

A game by Kairosoft, which has a long history of making a plethora of management simulators, The Sushi Spinnery tasks players with crafting a menu that will most appeal to customers, including introducing unique combinations of ingredients. In addition, players can add a variety of amenities to spice up the joint and enter specific dishes into contests.

2 Spiritfarer

Metascore: 84

From the jump, Dave the Diver is a very silly and upbeat game that is also pretty fast-paced in terms of going back and forth between fishing and restaurant management. Those who are looking for something a bit more laid back and sentimental may enjoy the vibes of Spiritfarer.

As Stella, players are tasked with being a ferrymaster for those who have passed on. The main goal of the game is to take care of those aboard the ship and expand the ship to make those accommodations. The game is meant to tug at the heartstrings as players get to know each of these ghosts before saying goodbye to them as they move to the afterlife.

3 Bear And Breakfast

Metascore: 72

At the beginning of Dave the Diver, the player learns that Dave has just been a normal diver and has been approached with the idea of running a sushi restaurant. This is a somewhat similar premise of the cozy management game Bear and Breakfast, which is about a bear taking on the role of remodeling and managing an inn located in the forest.

Hank the Bear runs the bed and breakfast with his friends as they look to attract customers and continue to grow the business. However, there is a much deeper story to Bear and Breakfast as an aspect of this game includes Hank learning about some secrets that are hidden in the wilderness.

4 PlateUp!

Metascore: N/A

One of the unique aspects of Dave the Diver is that it has a roguelite element when it comes to underwater exploration and fishing. However, these elements somewhat disappear when focusing on simply managing the restaurant. PlateUp! is a roguelite game all about managing restaurants at procedurally-generated locations.

Players are given full control over a single restaurant, being able to select a menu and decorate a restaurant that they feel works best. If they can get through 15 days of service, they’ll gain access to a new restaurant that will involve new options and challenges. PlateUp can also be experienced with up to four friends.

5 Moonlighter

Metascore: 81

There is a minimal amount of combat in Dave the Diver, but those who are looking for a more combat-focused RPG that also has some management simulation elements should check out Moonlighter, a game about being an adventurous shopkeeper.

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Setting up shop near a portal into other realms, the player will be tasked with going through difficult dungeons in an attempt to get valuable rewards. These items can then be put up for sale in the shop where players can make money, and then use money received to get stronger to take on steeper challenges.

6 Abzu

Metascore: 78

Swimming around the ocean collecting fish can be more meditative than it initially seems. But those who aren’t interested in taking out fish or want a break from the constant harpooning and take in the sights may be interested in Abzu.

This ocean exploration game has players swimming with various sea creatures in peaceful environments with the main task of swimming deeper into the ocean. Learn about each of the fish that is around the player while also discovering the remains of an ancient civilization.

7 Overcooked! All You Can Eat

Metascore: 84

During restaurant service in Dave the Diver, players will need to keep customers happy by topping off their tea, delivering sushi on time, and various other tasks during the service. Balancing all of this is reminiscent of Overcooked! All You Can Eat, one of the most chaotic cooking management games out there.

A combination of the first two games in the franchise, All You Can Eat is a level-based game that can be played with up to four chefs per level. The goal of each level is to keep up with making dishes for customers while also dealing with obstacles that are introduced along the way.

8 Cult Of The Lamb

Metascore: 82

There are a lot of tone shifts in Dave the Diver, with the game seeming rather chill at some points and then getting intense at others. No other indie game brings that amount of whiplash quite like Cult of the Lamb, a game about a possessed lamb looking to gather followers for its mission.

The roguelite does involve dungeon crawling, intense combat, and boss fights, but after going out on a run, players can return to their camp and look to take care of their followers. This involves setting up new stations, putting followers to work, and even handling conflicts between the followers. The game perfectly blends simulation mechanics with its roguelite action.

9 Dredge

Metascore: 80

While it doesn’t include managing a sushi restaurant, Dredge is yet another 2023 indie that is all about fishing. And unlike Dave the Diver, which is going for a much more comedic tone overall, this exploration game has a Lovecraftian horror twist to it and an overall more serious vibe.

In Dredge, players drive a boat around attempting to find various fish to make a profit on. However, when going out at night, players will discover some unusual fish that will require more research about the secrets of the ocean. This is all while completing quests to advance a story and upgrading to ship to take on longer adventures and bigger fish.

Dave the Diver is out now on PC.

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