Kingdoms of the Dump launched in November 2025 to enthusiastic reception among JRPG fans and retro gaming enthusiasts. Created by two janitor-developers from indie studio Roach Games, this SNES-era-inspired JRPG takes players on a journey through the whimsical and grime-covered Five and a Half Kingdoms. Its protagonist, Dustin Binsley—aka Trash Can Knight—is tasked with rescuing the trashpicked King and saving the land from the menacing Toxic Grimelin Army.
The game embraces its garbage theme wholeheartedly, with detailed pixel art that includes fluttering wrappers, bubbling swamps of refuse, and creatively grimy towns like Tin Alley and Hardington Hall. Far from feeling simply dirty, this setting stands out as one of the most charming and original in recent memory, combining humor, heart, and classic JRPG aesthetics.
Gameplay and Combat
Kingdoms of the Dump eschews random encounters in favor of visible enemies on a Mode 7-style overworld map, giving players control over when and where to fight. Combat occurs on a 3×3 tile grid and incorporates a unique twist where tiles—not characters—can become affected by statuses like poison, adding a fresh strategic layer.
The battle system draws inspiration from classic SNES RPGs like Super Mario RPG with timed hits and blocks, while introducing modern innovations such as Boiling Point limit-break mechanics. These allow Dustin to unleash spectacular moves like summoning a giant scrap sword from the sky or creating lava tiles, adding excitement and spectacle to fights.
Players gain Six playable characters across their quest, each bringing distinct abilities that encourage experimentation and strategic positioning. Exploration involves platforming elements including jumping and climbing, adding variety to the pacing.
Writing and Humor
The writing is both witty and heartfelt, filled with puns and playful references that land well without ever feeling forced. Dustin’s dialogues are packed with trash-themed jokes yet balanced by a surprisingly warm narrative exploring friendship and redemption. The game manages to build a world that feels lived-in and lovingly crafted, never slipping into mere parody.
From comedic banter to uplifting story moments, Kingdoms of the Dump uses its theme to tell a unique story that remains accessible without sacrificing depth. The charming pixel art is a key ingredient, with expressive character portraits and vibrant environments that recall the magic of 90s JRPGs but with a fresh coat of grime.
Performance and Presentation
Technically, Kingdoms of the Dump runs smoothly on PC with modest system requirements. Loading times are quick and there are no major reports of crashes or bugs. The retro visual style is pixel perfect, benefiting from modern display technologies with crisp sprites and detailed animations.
Sound design and music complement the visual style beautifully, parodying and paying homage to classic RPG tropes while supporting the unique atmosphere. The soundtrack ranges from upbeat town themes to moody dungeon music, often accented with trash-inspired sound effects that enhance immersion.
Audience and Appeal
Kingdoms of the Dump is a game made for RPG fans who love SNES classics like Chrono Trigger, EarthBound, and Super Mario RPG. Its content is niche by design, filled with genre-specific mechanics, longer playtimes (over 80 hours to completion), and an emphasis on exploration and character building that will appeal more to genre enthusiasts than casual players.
Certain players mention the difficulty and grind as potential barriers, but many see these as part of the charm and challenge that JRPGs are known for. The detailed, lovingly crafted world and unique theme offer a refreshing change from typical fantasy settings, making it a standout indie title in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kingdoms of the Dump about?
Join Dustin Binsley, the Trash Can Knight, as he travels through a whimsical world of garbage-themed kingdoms to rescue the captured King and stop the Toxic Grimelin Army. The game features turn-based combat on a 3×3 tile grid and exploration with platforming elements.
What style of game is it?
It’s an SNES-inspired JRPG with pixel art graphics, Mode 7 overworld, and turn-based battles incorporating timed hits, block mechanics, and tile-based status effects.
How many characters can you play?
There are six playable characters, each with distinct abilities used to solve puzzles and fight enemies.
What platforms is it available on?
The game is available on PC (Steam), Mac, and Linux, with future console versions planned.
Is Kingdoms of the Dump a hard game?
The game offers a moderate but fair challenge, with players controlling encounters by choosing when to engage and strategic use of positioning and abilities. Some grinding is involved to level up and optimize builds.
How long is Kingdoms of the Dump?
Completing the game with side quests and exploration can take over 80 hours according to developer and player estimates.
Is Kingdoms of the Dump Worth Playing?
If you love old-school JRPGs with modern polish, creative turn-based combat, and a quirky sense of humor, Kingdoms of the Dump delivers an experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Its heartfelt story, inventive gameplay, and stunning pixel art make it one of the most charming indie RPGs of 2025. While it has a niche appeal, fans of the genre should definitely add it to their list.