Indie role-playing game Kingdoms of the Dump has climbed into Steam’s “Popular New Releases” chart, gaining momentum weeks after its full launch with a retro turn-based formula and an unconventional setting built entirely from discarded junk.
The game, which exited early access and launched on Steam on Nov. 18, casts players as Dustin Binsley, also known as the Trash Can Knight, who travels through the Lands of Fill – a world where towns, enemies and kingdoms are constructed from trash. Players explore five and a half kingdoms while fighting the invading Toxic Grimelin Army in grid-based, turn-based battles.
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Combat is designed to evoke classic RPGs, featuring visible enemies instead of random encounters, timing-based attacks for bonus damage and an emphasis on positioning. Exploration mixes traditional RPG navigation with light platforming, with some players comparing the overworld to Mode-7-era Super Nintendo games. Characters also possess field skills, such as climbing or breaking obstacles, encouraging backtracking and puzzle-like progression.
The game is priced at $19.99 on Steam and launched with a limited-time discount of about 15%, bringing the price to $16.99. User reviews are currently rated “Very Positive,” with players praising its worldbuilding and nostalgic feel. One reviewer wrote that “the game is a little rough around the edges, but it more than makes up for it with a lot of heart, a great story and endearing characters.”
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Some players have reported technical issues and a lack of polish, citing frequent bugs, though the game’s distinctive theme has helped it stand out. Developers have said the project was built alongside their full-time jobs, an influence that is reflected in the game’s creative writing and designs as Kingdoms of the Dump continues to gain visibility on Steam.