Dinkum
In short: Dinkum is a simulation game released in 2022 by James Bendon, available on PC. Our score: 8.5/10 (highly recommended).
Australian outback farming and exploration
{"title":"Dinkum","developer":"James Bendon","year":2022,"category":"simulation","description":"Dinkum throws you headfirst into the untamed beauty and challenging realities of the Australian Outback. As a fresh arrival, you're tasked with transforming a barren, procedurally generated landscape into a thriving settlement. This isn't just about planting crops; it's a holistic simulation that blends farming, exploration, crafting, and social interaction. You'll start with little more than a tent and a handful of tools, facing the immediate need to secure resources for survival. Chopping down trees for wood, mining rocks for ore, and foraging for edible plants are your first order of business. As you gather resources, you can begin crafting more advanced tools, building structures, and eventually, laying the foundations for your very own farm. The farming mechanics themselves are robust, requiring you to clear land, till soil, plant seeds, water crops, and protect them from pests and the harsh elements. However, Dinkum encourages a far broader approach than a typical farming sim. The exploration aspect is paramount. With a dynamic day-night cycle and changing weather patterns, the Outback is a living, breathing world. You'll venture into dense forests, vast plains, and mysterious caves, uncovering secrets, encountering unique wildlife (some friendly, some… less so), and discovering rare resources. These discoveries fuel your crafting ambitions, allowing you to create everything…
Game details
- Developer: James Bendon
- Publisher: James Bendon
- Release year: 2022
- Platforms: PC
- Category: simulation
Our review
Dinkum, a charming simulation game developed and published by James Bendon, whisks players away to a vibrant, pixelated rendition of the Australian outback. Released in 2022, this game elegantly blends farming, exploration, and town-building with a quirky, distinctly Aussie charm. From the moment you land on your new island home, you're greeted with a sense of freedom and endless possibilities, reminiscent of Animal Crossing but with a unique Down Under twist. The core gameplay loop involves establishing a farm, gathering resources, crafting tools, and attracting new residents to your burgeoning settlement. The early game is a delightful dance of discovery and resource management, as you learn the ropes of survival in the wilderness. As your town grows, so do the opportunities, with new shops, services, and activities unlocking along the way. Exploration is a key component of Dinkum. The island is vast and diverse, featuring different biomes each with their own unique flora, fauna, an…
Pros
- Charming Australian setting and aesthetic
- Deep crafting and building mechanics
- Open-ended gameplay with endless possibilities
- Relaxing and engaging exploration
- Strong value for money
Cons
- Lack of a strong overarching narrative
- Combat can be simplistic for some
- Early game resource gathering can feel grindy at times
FAQ
- How do I start farming in Dinkum?
- In Dinkum, you can farm various crops like wheat, corn, and potatoes. Each crop has different growing seasons and water needs. You’ll need to till the soil, plant seeds, water them regularly, and protect them from pests. As you progress, you can unlock fertilizers to improve crop yield and quality.
- Where can I get seeds?
- You can buy seeds from the General Store. Some rare seeds can be found through exploration or by trading with NPCs.
- What kind of wildlife and plants are in Dinkum?
- Dinkum features a diverse ecosystem with various flora and fauna. You can explore different biomes, gather resources, hunt animals, and even discover protected animal regions for conservation.
- Can I mine in Dinkum?
- Yes, Dinkum includes a mining system. You can find various ores like iron, copper, and gold by mining rocks and underground deposits. These ores are essential for crafting tools, structures, and upgrades.
- What is the main goal in Dinkum?
- Dinkum focuses on building and customizing your own town. You can place buildings, decorations, and infrastructure to create a unique settlement. The game also features dynamic events and NPC interactions that affect your town's development.
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Last updated: 01/04/2026