Dave the Diver

There’s a certain magic when a game surprises you. Not through big plot twists or difficulty spikes, but by constantly offering something new every time you (pun intended) dive in. Dave the Diver is exactly that kind of surprise.

On paper it sounds absurd. Deep-sea diving by day, sushi restaurant management by night. Then you realize it also has mini-games, side quests, photography, farming, combat, and even a bit of mystery. It shouldn’t work, yet somehow it all clicks.

Some might categorise it as a cozy RPG-simulation, though I’d disagree with the “cozy” part. It’s not a difficult game, but it rarely lets you relax. There’s always something to do, something new to chase, someone calling you with another task. But that constant bustle is part of what keeps Dave the Diver fresh and addictive.

What keeps it all (pun intended again) afloat for me is its charm. The humour lands. Dry, absurd, occasionally ridiculous, but always warm. The characters, from the stoic sushi chef Bancho to the shady money man Cobra, are instantly memorable and full of personality.

Visually it’s beautiful. Maybe it’s because I have a soft spot for good pixel art, but the art style builds a world that feels alive whether you’re gliding through corals or frantically plating sushi for a full house. There’s heart in every frame.

That said, it isn’t flawless. After enough hours, the repetition can set in. The loop of dive, catch, cook starts to feel repetitive. But just when you think you’ve seen it all, the game throws something unexpected your way: a new questline, a strange boss, or a completely random mini-game. Dave the Diver stays unpredictable enough that the grind never fully, yes, another pun, sinks it.

It’s one of those games that feels impossible to categorise. Part management sim, part adventure, part comedy, part vibe. Maybe that’s why I recommend it. Because Dave the Diver isn’t just fun to play, it’s fun to exist in.

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Tips & Tricks for Beginners

Summary of the tips shared in the video linked above for easier reference:

1. UPGRADE EARLY

Invest your gold in diving gear — focus on carrying weight and oxygen tank first to stay underwater longer and bring back more fish efficiently.

2. EXPLORE WIDE FIRST

Stick to areas above 50m early on. The Blue Hole is deeper than it is wide, so move across the map to discover new fish before diving deeper (it’s easier to get more out of your dives this way).

3. PICK UP EVERYTHING

Collect materials like scrap metal, glass, and rope. They’re light and can be sold, crafted into weapons, or used for EcoWatcher tasks. Also look for chests (items or weapon blueprints) and boiling pots (special cooking ingredients)

4. BEWARE OF AGGRESSIVE FISH

Fish with red diamonds will attack. Avoid getting hit, as each hit depletes your oxygen, cutting dives short.

5. KEEP DISHES IN MIND

Target specific fish and ingredients in your dives. Catching multiples of one species helps you upgrade dish quality for higher profits.Fish quality (and meat yield) depends on how you catch them — non-lethal methods like nets or hush darts give 3-star results and more ingredients per fish.

6. FOCUS ON TASTE OVER PRICE

At Bancho Sushi, focus on Taste more than Price early to boost your Cooksta rating, unlocking new recipes, menu slots, and staff capacity.

7. ENHANCE BASIC DISHES

Upgrade simple dishes using extra fish or special ingredients. They sell for more and improve customer satisfaction.

8. FILL OUT YOUR MENU

Set a balanced menu focused on taste and price, and keep it stocked through the night. If dishes run out, you can pause to swap them, keeping service smooth and uninterrupted.

(Extra tip: Enable Auto Supply to restock dishes automatically, but note that Bancho always keeps one in stock, so one dish may go to waste. It’s best to disable it for rare or special dishes.)

9. HIRE SMART

Hire staff early and balance kitchen vs. dining roles. Watch their Cooking, Serving, Procure, and Appeal stats to maximize speed, efficiency, and tips.