Dinkum is a charming open-world life simulation game set in the rugged beauty of the Australian outback. Developed by solo creator James Bendon, this indie gem blends elements of farming, town-building, exploration, crafting, and survival into one immersive package. Whether you’re taming the land, fishing by the river, or building a bustling town, Dinkum offers players a rich and rewarding gameplay experience with endless possibilities.
In Dinkum, players escape city life to build a new community on a remote island inspired by the Australian wilderness. You’ll start with just the basics: a tent, a few tools, and a vast landscape to explore. As you gather resources, craft items, and interact with the environment, your settlement begins to grow eventually becoming a thriving town full of life.
Set against the backdrop of the untamed Australian wilderness, Dinkum is a life simulation game that invites players to slow down, explore, and build their own version of paradise from the ground up. It’s a game that captures the essence of starting over leaving the noise of the big city behind and carving out a new life on a sun-soaked island full of potential, adventure, and charm.
At its core, Dinkum is about freedom. You’re not locked into one role or one path. Want to be a master farmer, raising crops and livestock under the southern sun? Go for it. Prefer to delve deep into caves, mining rare gems and metals? You can. Feel like building a cozy town with shops, decorations, and a friendly community of NPCs? Absolutely. Or maybe you just want to spend the day fishing in quiet waters or catching butterflies in the forest. There’s no right or wrong way to play just your way.
A Deep Dive into Dinkum’s Open World
Inspired by the natural landscapes and wildlife of Australia, the game world in Dinkum is lush, diverse, and alive. You’ll explore dense bushlands, dusty deserts, billabongs, and rainforests each biome filled with native animals, hidden secrets, and valuable resources. The environment isn’t just a backdrop it’s a living, breathing part of the gameplay. From heatwaves to thunderstorms, the weather and seasonal cycles shape how you live, work, and explore.
But Dinkum isn’t just about surviving in the wilderness it’s about creating something lasting. As your island evolves, you’ll attract visitors who may decide to stay, opening shops, offering new tools, and helping your town thrive. Relationships are central to your progress, and the people you meet bring stories, personality, and life to your island.
Dinkum Features:
Here’s what makes Dinkum stand out in the life sim genre:
Farming & Animal Husbandry:
- Plant and harvest crops like wheat, sugarcane, and watermelons.
- Raise native Aussie animals such as chickens, wombats, and more.
- Maintain your farm with sprinklers, fences, and feed systems.
Crafting & Building:
- Use gathered materials to craft tools, furniture, and machines.
- Build homes, shops, bridges, paths, and custom decorations.
- Shape your island with terraforming tools and landscaping options.
Exploration & Mining:
- Venture into deep mines filled with rare resources and dangerous creatures.
- Collect valuable ores like tin, copper, and iron.
- Equip better gear and unlock vehicles to explore faster.
Fishing, Bug Catching & Foraging:
- Catch a wide variety of fish and bugs native to Australia.
- Forage for fruits, nuts, and mushrooms in different biomes.
- Sell or donate your finds to expand your museum or earn money.
Town Development & Relationships:
- Invite visitors to your island by completing favors and quests.
- Build relationships with NPCs to unlock new services and shops.
- Customize your town’s layout with a variety of structures and facilities.
Customization & Personal Style:
- Customize your character’s appearance and outfits.
- Decorate your home with furniture, wallpapers, and themes.
- Design your island freely with a top-down building system.
Multiplayer Co-op:
- Invite friends to your island and work together on projects.
- Share resources, trade items, and enjoy group events.
- Ideal for casual, creative, and cooperative play.
Seasonal Events & Weather System:
- Enjoy real-time seasonal changes with dynamic weather.
- Participate in events and festivals that bring your town to life.
- Adapt your strategy based on climate and seasonal resource availability.
