Dredge is a deceptively cunning horror game disguised as a fishing simulator. So, to battle the dangers of the sea, here’s our guide on Dredge best boat build!
While Dredg may look like an innocent fishing game on the surface, beneath the murky waves lies unfathomable Lovecraftian horrors. As the Fisherman, you will take charge of a small fishing boat, scouring the sea for rare fish to catch, treasures to uncover, and of course, mysteries to solve. To do so, you will need to rely on the capabilities of your trusty boat, so it is important that you upgrade it properly. Hence, we’ve prepared a guide on Dredge best boat build to survive the dangers lurking in the dark waters.
Dredge: Best Boat Build You Can Get
After being shipwrecked in the mysterious isles of The Marrows, the player will then need to work towards upgrading their ship so that they can venture further out into sea. The initial boat given at the beginning of the game is good enough to complete some basic tasks, but will require substantial investment before being able to go for the rarest catches! So, here’s everything you need to make the best vessel for yourself.
1. Engine
The engine is the heart of your boat and it determines how fast you can travel through the water. Hence, you should focus on upgrading it first. The game works on a fast-paced day-and-night cycle, meaning every minute counts. That is why movement speed is such a key component of Dredge as it will help you make the most of a single day before nightfall. A good starting upgrade would be to go for the Improved Outboard Engine which can be obtained from the Shipwright for $180.
And as you progress through the game, your goal should be to use your Research Points to unlock and buy the Engine Stack. It takes up 6 slots in your Cargo and can be further improved with Jet Drive Engines. Additionally, you can also go for the Twin Jet Drive Engine if you want to best utilize additional Jet Drive Engines. Overall, you have plenty of options to min/max your build in the Engine department.
2. Fishing Rod
You will need a good fishing rod to start your journey as the Fisherman. Our go-to suggestion for the beginning of the game is the Weighted Line from the Shipwright. It will allow you to catch valuable fish from Coastal and Shallow regions, which is where you will spend the majority of the early game. Then, after investing some Research Points into the Fishing Rod, you will be able to unlock and equip the Versatile Rod.
It is one of the best rods in the game as it will let you catch fish in Coastal, Shallow, Mangrove, and Volcanic areas very efficiently. Do note that you may require different rods to catch different types of fish. For instance, if you want to catch the ultra-rare Oarfish, then you will need a rod that can catch Abyssal fish.
3. Winch
Similar to Fishing Rods, you will also need an appropriate Winch to catch different varieties of fish. Luckily, you don’t need to worry too much about this in the early game as the best Winch – the Fathomless Winch – is unlocked much later in the game when you max it out with your Research Points. The Fathomless Winch will let you catch Abyssal, Hadal, and Oceanic fishes. Combine that with the Versatile Rod and you will be able to catch almost every type of fish in Dredge.
4. Lights
There are two ideal options for lights when going up against the darkness of the night sky – the Tungsten Floodlight and the Flame of the Sky. The Tungsten Floodlight can be acquired after upgrading your Hull to Tier 2 or after an additional lighting slot has been purchased. This should give you enough visibility in the early game to navigate the dark sea during the night. However, you should try to complete the Stone Tablets Pursuit as soon as it becomes available as it will reward you with the Flame of the Sky boat light for free.
It is arguably the best light in the entire game and can be paired up with two Cloudy Lenses to give you maximum brightness. But there is a drawback to the Flame of the Sky – it has a range of only 25 meters. So, if you want a longer range of visibility, then you will need the Incandescent Array as it has a range of 40 meters.
5. Trawling Net
Trawling Nets let you catch smaller fish when you are moving around the water. When deployed, it will automatically scoop up any fish that comes across your path. This sets you up for a good source of passive income from just sailing the sea. Your best option would be to go for the Heavy-duty Trawl Net as it can catch both Coastal and Oceanic fish. But for our money, we would suggest that you get the Radiant Trawl Net as it can trap Coastal, Oceanic, Shallow, and Ice fishes. This Trawl Net is, however, locked behind The Pale Reach DLC which you have to purchase separately.
6. Crab Pot
The best Crab Pot you can get in Dredge is the Mouth of the Deep. To obtain it, you have to complete the Rock Slab quest in location P3. This Crab Pot provides the best Aberration bonus in the game. Carry this along with 3 Reinforced Crab Pots and you will be swimming in money in no time. Alternatively, you can also purchase the Efficient Crab Pot from the Fishmonger for $135. It can net large crustaceans that can be turned in for more money. Ensure to place the Crab Pots in areas marked with “plenty” as that will increase the likelihood of you capturing some marine life.
7. Hull
Last but definitely not the least, let’s talk about the Hull of your boat. Upgrading the Hull is essential in Dredge as it will boost your total inventory capacity. You should gradually improve your Hull until you reach Tier 4, the highest possible level. This will allow you to store all kinds of fish, materials, engines, rods, lights, etc. Additionally, the tier of your Hull will also determine the durability of your boat, thus, improving your survivability when facing the predators of the sea.
The final tier of the Hull costs $1500 and needs 4x Wood, 3x Metal Scraps, 4x Cloth, and 3x Research Parts, so plan accordingly in the late game. Furthermore, you will also need to obtain everything from the Tier 3 Hull as it is a prerequisite to unlock Tier 4.
Final Thoughts
That about wraps it up! With this guide you should have a solid idea about how to start the game and which components you should be looking to get by the end of it. And if you are looking for more guides and features on Dredge, then be sure to check out ESTNN!