Volcanoids is an action, indie, simulation, and adventure title developed for PC that centers on base-building and survival elements in an open-world volcanic setting. Players operate a customizable steampunk drillship as their primary mobile fortress rather than a static structure, combining exploration, resource gathering, combat against machines, and technological progression through technology tiers.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around the drillship, which serves as both transport and expandable base. Players travel across the island surface to collect materials while using the vessel's underground burrowing capability to evade periodic volcanic eruptions that reshape accessible areas. Combat involves engaging hostile mining robots that appear on the surface and below ground, with opportunities to salvage useful components from defeated machines before destroying the remainder. Inside the drillship, a building system supports customization of interior and exterior sections, allowing upgrades that expand capacity, add automation features such as assembly lines, and incorporate defensive or offensive modules. Progression occurs by advancing through distinct technology tiers that unlock new parts, efficiencies, and weaponization options for the vessel.
Resource management ties directly into these systems, as gathered materials fuel both immediate repairs and long-term expansions. The drillship's mobility encourages repeated surface excursions followed by retreats underground, creating a rhythm of risk and recovery amid the island's changing terrain.
Game Modes
Volcanoids supports singleplayer sessions where one person manages all aspects of drillship operation, exploration, and combat. Co-op multiplayer allows up to four participants total, with one player acting as host and the others joining as crew members. In co-op, quests and objectives synchronize across the group, enabling shared control of the drillship for scavenging, building, and fighting together. Both modes follow the same underlying progression toward silencing the volcano through map advancement and enemy encounters.
Exploration and Combat
The volcanic island presents an environment altered by eruptions, requiring players to uncover new zones and hidden elements while navigating persistent threats from robotic enemies of varying sizes. These machines patrol both open areas and subterranean spaces, prompting tactical decisions about engagement or evasion. Salvage from battles contributes to drillship improvements, reinforcing the connection between combat outcomes and overall advancement. Quests guide players toward key structures that sustain the eruptions, adding directed objectives amid free-form exploration.
Progression and Automation
Technology tiers structure long-term development, starting from basic customization and expanding into automated production lines and enhanced control interfaces for drillship functions. Players allocate resources to prioritize expansion, defense, or mobility upgrades, with automation reducing manual oversight of routine tasks over time. This system rewards consistent play by compounding efficiencies that support deeper incursions into hostile territory.
Is It Worth Playing?
Volcanoids suits players who enjoy survival crafting loops centered on a unique mobile base mechanic combined with light shooter elements against robotic foes. The co-op option expands the experience for groups seeking collaborative base management and exploration, while singleplayer delivers the full questline and progression independently. Development continues in Early Access with ongoing updates that refine systems such as automation and enemy encounters. Those drawn to steampunk themes and iterative drillship customization will find consistent engagement through resource cycles and map discovery, though expectations should align with the current scope of content focused on core survival and building rather than expansive narrative depth.
