Game: DuneCrawl
Genre: Action, Adventure, Indie, RPG
System: Steam (Windows)
Developer|Publisher: Alientrap
Controller Support: Yes
Steam Deck: Verified
Price: US $19.99 | UK £16.75 | EU € 19.99
Release Date: January 5th, 2026
Review code provided, with many thanks to Keymailer.
DuneCrawl – Far From Crabby Adventure
There’s something quietly exciting about starting a new year with an indie game that feels genuinely different. DuneCrawl arrives early in 2026 and immediately sets itself apart by answering a question I didn’t know I needed asking: what if your open-world adventure starred a gigantic crab you could customise, shoot from and drive across a desert?
That idea alone is enough to spark curiosity, but thankfully, DuneCrawl is more than just a clever hook. It’s a sandbox adventure that leans hard into creativity and player freedom. It’s also a game that isn’t afraid to be a little rough around the edges if it means trying something bold. Those edges are noticeable, but they don’t overshadow just how much fun there is to be had here.
Take Back the Desert
DuneCrawl opens with a simple but effective setup. Your people, the Polloi pilgrims, are under attack from an invading force known as the Vassals. Their jar-headed armies roll in and begin taking over settlements, leaving you to fight back using one of the most unusual vehicles in gaming: a massive, walking Crab Crawler.
The story is deliberately kept light. You’ll find bits of lore through notes, NPC conversations, and scattered details across the world, but this is not a heavily scripted experience. Instead, the narrative exists to give meaning to your actions rather than dictate them. That works in the game’s favour, especially given how much time you’ll spend simply exploring, switching gear, and poking into places that look interesting.
What impressed me most is how distinctive the world feels. Deserts are notoriously tricky settings, often ending up flat and repetitive. DuneCrawl avoids that by filling its sandy seas with oasis islands, ruined towns, enemy fortresses, and strange wildlife. It feels like a place with its own identity rather than a backdrop borrowed from somewhere else.
On Foot
Gameplay in DuneCrawl is split between on-foot action and operating your enormous crab companion. On foot, combat is serviceable but a little clunky. You’ll start with simple melee weapons, but before long you’ll unlock guns, grenades, talismans, masks, and armour that add buffs and variety. You can also use the environment itself, picking up objects and flinging them at enemies with surprising effectiveness.
Aiming can feel imprecise at times, even with lock-on enabled, and combat doesn’t always feel as smooth as it could. That said, the sheer number of tools available helps soften those rough moments. Potions, gadgets, and creative problem-solving make encounters flexible rather than frustrating.
You’ll also find mounts, bug-like creatures that help you move faster or deal damage. These sections add a fun sense of discovery and variety, and they reinforce the game’s willingness to surprise you when you least expect it.
On Crab
Let’s be honest: the Crab Crawler is the main attraction, and it’s awesome. Driving this towering crustacean across the desert feels weighty and deliberate. Movement is slow and a bit awkward, but that fits the creature you’re controlling. This isn’t a sports car; it’s a walking fortress.
Your crawler is equipped with cannons, shields, healing systems, and visual customisations. All of which can be tweaked as time goes on. You can even name it, which is a small touch but one I appreciated. This also acts as your lobby name if you play online. In combat, you’ll juggle steering, firing weapons, repairing damage, and managing shields. In solo play, an AI ghost companion helps out, though it’s most reliable when assigned simple tasks like firing cannons or handling repairs. He ain’t so hot navigating. My favourite thing to do with the Crawler was jump in a cannon and shoot myself onto an enemy crab and take it by foot. A risky by brilliant option available to players who want to live dangerously.
Where the crawler truly shines is in co-op. With friends, everyone can take on a role, communicating and coordinating actions in real time. Cannons firing while someone else steers and another patches up damaged legs creates moments that feel genuinely exciting. Playing with random players can be hit or miss, but with friends, it’s easy to imagine long, laughter-filled sessions.
Exploration, Dungeons, and Loot
Exploration is strongly encouraged, and the world rewards curiosity. Dungeons feature light puzzles that provide a change of pace, while towns and islands hide vendors and secrets. Loot is plentiful, and tinkering with your loadout is half the fun. Whether you’re upgrading your character or decking out your crawler with new weapons and paint jobs, there’s always something to work towards.
The difficulty curve can be uneven, with sudden spikes or unexpectedly easy sections, but it never stopped me from wanting to keep going. If anything, it made success feel more earned when things clicked.
Presentation and Performance
Visually, DuneCrawl uses a soft, stylised look that works well on both PC and Steam Deck. The desert is full of small details, from foliage being crushed under crab legs to the varied designs of enemies and structures. It runs well on Steam Deck, which is a big plus, and I had no major performance issues during my time with it.
Sound design is solid, if not standout, but it supports the atmosphere nicely. The lack of voice acting is offset by amusing character noises that add personality without overstaying their welcome.
Conclusion- Crab-Tastic
DuneCrawl is a unique, creative start to 2026. It’s not flawless, and some players may find the controls and difficulty inconsistencies a bit fiddly. But what it offers is a sandbox adventure that feels fresh, inventive, and willing to take risks. Driving a giant crab across a hostile desert while upgrading your gear and reclaiming territory is as enjoyable as it sounds.
For players looking for something different, especially with friends, DuneCrawl is well worth your time. It’s a game I can easily see myself returning to, just to wander the sands and see what trouble my crab can get into next.
Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot
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