SteamWorld Heist 2 Review (PC & Steam Deck)
Summary: SteamWorld Heist 2 doesn’t reinvent itself, but it doesn’t need to as it takes what worked in the original, refines it and adds just enough new elements to make it feel fresh.
4.5
Perfect sequelling!
SteamWorld Heist was one of those games that caught people by surprise—turn-based tactics mixed with side-scrolling gunplay shouldn’t have worked as well as it did. But it did and now SteamWorld Heist 2 is back, refining that formula in all the right ways. If you loved lining up satisfying trick shots and commanding a crew of scrappy robot pirates across the galaxy, this sequel delivers more of what made the first game great while introducing fresh twists.
In SteamWorld Heist 2, Captain Quincy Leeway, a Steambot pirate haunted by his mother’s legend,and his crew set sail on the fractured, water-covered Earth to uncover the source of a deadly water contamination (“Rust”) threatening all Steambots. Their quest takes them to the frozen north, where they encounter a bone-obsessed cult and a mysterious amnesiac, before discovering that a militant faction of deep-sea Atomics, the Reckoning, are behind the crisis and have unleashed the legendary Kraken. With the help of old allies, Leeway confronts the Reckoning and ultimately defeats the Kraken, saving the Steambots and paving the way for a new era of cooperation on the Shard.
Welcome to SteamWorld Hesist 2!
The heart of SteamWorld Heist 2 is still precision-based shooting, but the sequel adds new layers that make battles feel even better. You’ll command your team through ship raids and outpost invasions, carefully positioning them behind cover and taking aim at enemies. The best moments come from watching a well-placed shot bounce off the environment and land a critical hit—something the game encourages more than ever with destructible elements and clever level design.
Outside of combat, there’s plenty to tinker with such as recruiting new crew members, upgrading gear and managing your ship are all deeper than before, adding welcome strategy between missions. The galaxy feels more alive, with random encounters, side quests and factions that react to your actions. It’s got that perfect mix of structure and unpredictability—one mission might be a straightforward raid, while the next throws a surprise twist your way.
Graphics & Audio
Visually, it’s still that signature SteamWorld charm of hand-drawn characters with loads of personality, detailed backdrops that bring spacefaring life to the forefront and fluid animations that make every action pop. The steampunk-meets-space-pirate aesthetic has never looked better, thanks to richer colors and subtle lighting effects that give battles extra depth.
The soundtrack leans into adventure with folk and blues influences, setting the tone perfectly for your travels. Character chatter adds warmth, with robotic pirates cracking jokes and reacting to situations in ways that make the world feel lived-in. Weapons sound powerful, ricochets are satisfying and the overall audio design pulls you right into the action.
Final Thoughts?
SteamWorld Heist 2 doesn’t reinvent itself, but it doesn’t need to as it takes what worked in the original, refines it and adds just enough new elements to make it feel fresh. Combat is smart and rewarding, the world is full of surprises and there’s plenty to dig into whether you’re here for strategy or just want to experience a unique take on tactical gameplay. Bottom line? If you liked the first game, this one is a no-brainer.
About the Author
Adrian Gunning Adrian lives in Melbourne Australia and has a huge passion for gaming, technology and pop culture. He recently finished his a Bachelor of Journalism and is currently focusing on games journalism. When not writing and playing video games, Adrian can be found in Comics 'R' Us debating the pros of the DC Universe and cons of the Marvel Universe.
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