DYSMANTLE: Pets & Dungeons Review Summary

This DLC adds substantial new content, fun puzzles and dungeons, and enjoyable, versatile pets, but their poor AI, movement obstruction, and accessory-slot control annoy.

DLC adds substantial new content: The expansion introduces a large amount of new content, including new areas, recipes, equipment, dungeons, and quests. It is considered a great addition to the base game.

New puzzles and dungeons are fun: The added puzzle missions and dungeons are engaging and provide a good challenge. They are a highlight for many players.

Pets are enjoyable and versatile: Reviewers consistently praise the pet companions as fun, useful, and versatile. Playing and interacting with pets is highlighted as a great feature.

Pets provide helpful passive bonuses: Pets grant passive bonuses such as extra material drops, cold resistance, run speed, and other useful effects. These bonuses make gameplay more enjoyable and reduce grinding.

DLC complements base game well: The expansion integrates seamlessly with the base game, adding refinement and extra activities. It is a natural fit for those who enjoy the original.

Pets have problematic AI behavior: Pets constantly growl, bite everything including environment objects, get stuck, and stand idle. Without a trinket, they growl every few seconds, causing headaches.

Pets obstruct player movement: Pets frequently block the player in narrow corridors, knock them off ledges or cliffs, and push them into water, sometimes causing death. This is a common frustration, especially in bunkers and the jungle.

Pet control requires accessory slots: To make pets less annoying, players must use accessory slots or consumable slots for commands. This leaves fewer slots for other useful tools.

Pets are underpowered and useless: Many reviewers find pets to be weak and unhelpful in combat, with low damage and infrequent attacks. Even with buffs, they are often obtained too late to be useful.

DLC pet puzzles are tedious: Puzzle dungeons involving pets are criticized as irritating, dumb arenas with enemies, and overly repetitive. They are often seen as the worst part of the core game expanded.

Pets as Central Feature: The DLC introduces over 20 pet companions that provide passive bonuses, run with the player, and add significant gameplay value. Pets are a core addition, offering versatility and fun while refining the base game experience.

Puzzle Dungeons Added: The DLC includes numerous puzzle dungeons with varied mechanics, often tied to pets as rewards. These dungeons add substantial puzzle content, with some players noting more puzzle elements than in previous DLCs.

Pet Combat and Behavior: Pets can bite, deal damage, growl, gnaw on objects, and destroy items. They have two behavior modes—attacking everything or only what the player attacks—and can be controlled via inventory tools, a whistle, and treats.

New Areas and Exploration: The DLC adds a new island with three zones, additional areas to the playable map, and a link tower or radio tower mechanic to scan for treasure deposits. A teleport system to a hub with a chest enhances navigation.

Pet Accessories and Slot System: Pets can equip accessories and occupy item or trinket slots to modify their behavior, such as a collar trinket that prevents attacking everything. This adds a layer of customization but can consume valuable equipment slots.

Negative or skip recommendations: Some players advise skipping the DLC or not buying it, suggesting to research more before purchasing. Others lean negative due to unpleasant moments or simply do not recommend it.

Positive recommendations for DLC: Several players rate the DLC as very helpful and highly recommend it, especially for fans of the base game. They find it worth the price and a good addition for those who want more content.

Good fit for base game fans: The DLC is recommended for players who enjoyed the base game and want additional activities, upgrades, gadgets, and gear. It provides more things to do and is seen as a natural extension.

Wait for a sale: Several reviewers suggest holding off and getting the DLC on sale, as it may not be worth full price for everyone. Fans who buy it on sale are likely to be satisfied.

Co-op enhances enjoyment: Playing the DLC in co-op is described as fun and cooler, providing more pleasure. It suggests that multiplayer adds significant value to the experience.

Game completion: 6.0h.

Animal-Loving Pet Collector: Acquires pets early, uses material-boost pets to ease grinding, and judges the DLC by pet variety, charm, and usefulness. Motivation: Collecting and using new animal companions, especially pets that improve resource drops. Stance: buy.

Co-op Social Player: Plays in co-op groups, prioritizes fun and good company over solo efficiency, and values whether the DLC works well with buddies. Motivation: Enjoying the DLC as a shared, relaxed co-op experience with friends. Stance: buy.

Veteran Content Seeker: Plays after finishing or nearly finishing the main story, pursues extra progression and achievements, and treats the DLC as post-game content. Motivation: Extending a completed or late-game base-game run with more upgrades, gear, challenges, and achievements. Stance: buy.

DLC Offers Great Value: Many reviewers highlight that the DLC provides a substantial amount of content for its price, with some noting it is sold cheaply and delivers hours of gameplay. The price is considered fair, often half the cost of the base game.

New Map With Puzzles: The DLC includes a new world divided into six areas and features many puzzles and puzzle dungeons. Reviewers appreciate the puzzle elements compared to other DLCs.

Moderate Completion Time: Completion times vary, with some reporting around 6 hours when rushing and others citing 12+ hours. The DLC is optional if you have already played through the base game, but a new game is recommended.

Achievements Require DLC Content: Achievements and 100% completion now require completing all DLC instances and puzzle dungeons once the DLC is owned. The link towers mechanic to scan for treasure deposits is also needed for 100% achievements.

Over 20 Companions Added: The DLC introduces more than 20 companions that players can obtain based on their experience and resources. Reviewers suggest checking wikis to see pet appearances before purchasing.