Get Ready to Dive Into the Dump This November
In a world of massive AAA releases, a different kind of game is getting ready to steal the spotlight. Kingdoms of the Dump, a heartfelt love letter to 16-bit JRPGs, is officially launching on November 18, 2025. What makes this game so special? It was dreamed up and brought to life by two full-time janitors. After a successful Kickstarter campaign and years of passionate development, their garbage-themed adventure is finally ready for the world.
Set in the wonderfully weird “Lands of Fill,” the game follows the disgraced trashcan knight, Dustin Binsley. After the king is “trashpicked,” Dustin is blamed and must embark on an epic quest across the five-and-a-half kingdoms to clear his name, rescue the king, and stop a toxic army from plunging the dump into war. It’s a classic RPG setup with a wonderfully bizarre and charming twist.
A Nostalgic Trip with Modern Sensibilities
Kingdoms of the Dump wears its inspirations on its sleeve, taking cues from beloved SNES classics like EarthBound, Chrono Trigger, and Final Fantasy VI. However, the developers at Roach Games have added their own modern spin to the formula. Here’s what you can expect:
- Strategic Turn-Based Combat: Battles take place on a 3×3 grid where positioning your party is key to success. It also features a timed-hit system inspired by Super Mario RPG, adding a layer of active skill to the combat.
- Exploration and Platforming: This isn’t just a menu-driven RPG. The world is built with verticality in mind, encouraging you to jump and explore every corner of its detailed pixel-art environments.
- Unique Character Abilities: You’ll control a party of six distinct characters, including Dustin’s best friend Ratavia and a laundromancer named Cerulean. Each character has a unique ability that can be used on the field to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles.
- A Grand Adventure: The game features a large, Mode 7-style overworld to explore, complete with a classic airship to unlock.
A True Labor of Love
The story behind the game is as compelling as the game itself. Development began back in 2016, with the two creators funding the project out of their own pockets while working full-time as custodians. Their profession directly inspired the game’s unique garbage-themed world. A successful Kickstarter campaign in 2019 gave them the boost they needed to bring their vision to life. The soundtrack even features a guest track from legendary composer Hiroki Kikuta (Secret of Mana), a testament to the project’s quality and heart.
Kingdoms of the Dump will be available on PC, macOS, and Linux via Steam. The developers have also committed to offering a DRM-free version, showing a deep respect for their players.
FAQs
What is Kingdoms of the Dump?
It is an indie role-playing game inspired by 16-bit SNES classics, set in a fantasy world themed around garbage and developed by two full-time janitors.
When is the release date?
The game is scheduled to launch on November 18, 2025.
What platforms will it be on?
It will be released on PC, macOS, and Linux via Steam.
What games are it similar to?
The game takes heavy inspiration from classics like EarthBound, Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI, and Super Mario RPG.
What are the main gameplay features?
The game features turn-based combat on a grid, timed hits, on-field character swapping with unique abilities for puzzle-solving, and a large Mode 7-style world map to explore.
How was the game funded?
It was initially self-funded by the two developers and later received additional funding through a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2019.
Conclusion
Kingdoms of the Dump is more than just a game; it’s a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. It’s a story of creativity flourishing in the most unexpected of places. For fans of classic JRPGs and anyone who loves a good underdog story, this is a title that should be at the very top of your wishlist. In a world of polished, corporate-made blockbusters, there’s something incredibly special about a game made with love by the people who sweep your floors. Garbage day can’t come soon enough.