Info about The Planet Crafter - Planet Humble:

Official game description:
Experience **a fresh start** as a _Planet Crafter_ **on the brand new world of Planet Humble**!
Alone or with friends, scout this unknown land, discover its story, novelties and secrets and accomplish once again the task to terraform an entire world!
**Only one copy of the DLC is required** to play multiplayer co-op and enjoy this new content with friends.
Embark on an adventure taking place in **a new world half the size of the base game planet** and discover many new biomes.
Why is this planet unoccupied? Set foot on this new world and grasp new chunks of lore surrounding space colonization and megacorps.
Make yourself at home and settle your dream exploration-base!
To play the Humble DLC, you can either create a new save (and select the planet "_HUMBLE_") or travel to Humble via the game's interplanetary system once you've terraformed planet Prime.

Release date: Oct 9, 2024

Categories: Base Building, Survival, Terraforming, Resource Management, Open-World Exploration, Cooperative Multiplayer, Crafting, Automation

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 10; verdict: Fair / Traditional DLC, No MTX Evidence; summary: The reviews discuss Planet Crafter's paid planet DLC as a traditional one-time expansion, with praise for value, co-op sharing, and entertainment hours, alongside complaints about DLC installation, map bugs, and whether the DLC is worth its price. There is no evidence of real-money gacha, loot boxes, battle passes, in-game currency, paid power, convenience items, or a cash shop. The audit therefore finds no predatory monetization; the paid DLC is a normal expansion and the score remains in the fair range.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $20.00 - $30.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews consistently describe the base game as the main, substantial experience with 100+ hours of playtime, while treating the DLC as a smaller optional addition for fans who already enjoy the base game. The community sentiment is strongly positive about value for money and does not express base-game price backlash. Because the base game is the primary content package and the add-on is framed as secondary, the fair base-game range should be above a small add-on but remain within standard indie/premium pricing, around $20-$30 USD.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 3.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 0.5h
  - Endgame: 1.3h
  - Reasoning: The Czech reviewer completed the DLC in a few hours, so gameCompletion is estimated around 3 hours for a fast, import-assisted run. The Portuguese reviewer describes playing in 20-30 minute sessions, giving a sessionLength of about 0.5 hours. The English review states that 3-4 wrecks at 20 minutes each are enough to buy almost everything, which places the point where the endgame economy becomes trivial at roughly 1.0-1.33 hours; I used 1.33 hours. No review provides a concrete hour count for finishing the story, so storyCompletion is null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Planet Humble most often starts tense and resource-scarce, then becomes fun in the mid game once terraforming unlocks new areas and early food and automation pressure eases; some players report immediate fun from the head start, while others find the late game or repeated progression boring.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Reaching the mid game after terraforming unlocks new areas.
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Scarce and oddly located early resources, including ice; Early race to unlock the food grower before food rations run out; Start area is unfriendly for base building and lacks wide-open space; Waiting on progression unlocks with little to do; Early-game shipwrecks removed, reducing a highlight of the base map; Slow progression hindered by rocks
  - Unlock drivers: Ore breakers reduce time spent mining individual ores and bridge the early automation gap; Terraforming unlocks new areas and creates a strong sense of progression; Newly unlocked areas make mid-game pacing feel good and reduce tedium; Unlocking the food grower or Food Planter resolves the early food race; Mid-game tools make traversal around the map quicker; Smaller map makes early resource gathering slightly less painful
  - Conditions: Playing solo rather than co-op affects bug exposure; Playing immediately after finishing the main game makes the DLC feel repetitive; Tolerance for more of the same progression system; Interest in late-game terraforming or preference for a shorter DLC; Knowledge of resource production chains such as O2 and H2O helps early targeting; Multiplayer bug state may warrant waiting for an update; Co-op play lets only the host own the DLC; Personal goals and drone goals affect late-game enjoyment
- Player Archetypes:
  - Base-Game Loyalist (buy)
    - Motivation: To keep re-experiencing the terraforming gameplay loop they already love, now on a new map.
    - Playstyle: Methodical terraforming and base building, happy to repeat the familiar progression with fresh scenery.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: big fan of planet crafter
    - Reference games: The Planet Crafter
  - Co-op Adventurer (sale)
    - Motivation: To terraform and explore the new planet together with friends in shared sessions.
    - Playstyle: Cooperative multiplayer runs, sharing resources and progress, often from a fresh save.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: coop
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Fresh-Save Newcomer (buy)
    - Motivation: To experience the full journey of unlocking and watching the world transform from the beginning.
    - Playstyle: Starting a brand-new save and progressing through unlocks and terraforming stages step by step.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: new player
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Veteran Challenge-Seeker (sale)
    - Motivation: To find genuine novelty, difficulty, and unique content rather than a repeat of the base map.
    - Playstyle: Opting into hard-start modes and hunting for new mechanics, features, and exploration-worthy content.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: veterans
    - Reference games: Toxicity; The Planet Crafter


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Beautiful new planet (weight 0.32): The new planet is frequently described as pretty, gorgeous, and aesthetically pleasing. Its unique and visually interesting design enhances exploration.
- Excellent DLC overall (weight 0.27): Reviewers widely praise the DLC as great, fun, and well-made, with some calling it wonderful. It is highly recommended and worth buying.
- Dynamic terraforming transformations (weight 0.22): Terraforming noticeably changes the world, with mountains moving and scenery regenerating. The process is more dramatic and pleasant than in the base game.
- New ores and mechanics (weight 0.22): New ores and ore crushers add fresh twists and gameplay depth. Ore breakers help bridge automation and become more efficient with upgrades.
- Diverse biomes and caves (weight 0.19): The planet features many different biomes and large caves that appear dynamically, offering varied exploration. New areas and secrets await discovery.
- Great for base game fans (weight 0.15): The DLC is recommended for those who enjoyed the base game, offering a similar but expanded experience. Some find it almost or even better than the base game.
- Fun with friends (weight 0.11): Playing with friends is very enjoyable, and both the reviewer and their friend liked it. Co-op enhances the experience.
- Fun exploration (weight 0.11): Exploring the new environment is fun at first and remains enjoyable. The new planet offers engaging exploration.
- Cool lore and story (weight 0.1): The lore is interesting and could lead to more content. The story is alright and mildly interesting.
- Co-op only host needs DLC (weight 0.09): In co-op, only the host needs to own the DLC for everyone to play. This makes it easy to enjoy with friends.
- Base game is great (weight 0.08): The base game itself is highly regarded and sets a strong foundation. Its quality contributes to the DLC's appeal.
- Map size is suitable (weight 0.08): The map is not too big and is well-designed, though some find it surprisingly large. It offers a good balance for exploration.
- Bigger than expected (weight 0.06): The DLC is much bigger than anticipated and is described as wonderful. It offers substantial content.
- Great map for base building (weight 0.06): The map looks great and provides many excellent spots for building bases. It is fun and well-designed for base construction.
- More pleasant than Prime (weight 0.06): Terraforming is more pleasant and the planet looks more beautiful than the original when fully terraformed. It is a visual improvement.
- Devs trying new things (weight 0.06): The developers are experimenting with new features to improve gameplay. This effort is noticed and appreciated.

Common complaints:
- Lacks new content (weight 0.3): Players feel the DLC adds little to the base game, with minimal new content or innovations. It is often described as feeling like a demo or early access rather than a full expansion.
- Map smaller and less interesting (weight 0.24): The map is criticized for being smaller and less diverse than in the base game, with some describing it as weird or messy. It lacks the scale and intrigue of previous planets.
- No proper ending (weight 0.22): Multiple reviewers note that the DLC has no ending, which makes the experience feel incomplete. This absence is frequently highlighted as a major flaw.
- Story weak and unengaging (weight 0.22): The story is commonly described as thin, short, and not deeply drawing. It lacks the engaging narrative and lore of the base game.
- Feels unfinished and rushed (weight 0.19): Many players perceive the DLC as unfinished, glitchy, and rushed out, lacking the polish of the base game. It often feels empty and without purpose.
- Lore almost absent (weight 0.15): The DLC provides very little lore, which is disappointing for players expecting deeper world-building. Some mention a lack of secret areas or endings.
- Gameplay largely unchanged (weight 0.11): Reviewers note that gameplay is basically the same as the main game, with few new mechanics that are shallow and don't significantly alter the experience.
- Little variety and repetition (weight 0.06): The DLC offers little variety and feels like a less interesting repeat of the original game. It lacks the freshness and novelty of the base game.
- Map lacks plot (weight 0.06): The map is criticized for lacking any sort of plot or story line, making it feel disconnected. This contributes to the overall sense of emptiness.
- Terraforming less satisfying (weight 0.06): The terraforming process and results lack appeal compared to the base game, making it feel less rewarding. This is a specific complaint among some players.

Gameplay feedback:
- Terraforming changes planet visually (weight 0.51): Players frequently note that terraforming drastically alters the planet's appearance, with landscapes changing over time and through stages. This core mechanic is a standout feature of the game.
- DLC adds new planet Humble (weight 0.35): The DLC introduces a full new world called Humble, with its own story, items, and biomes. Players can travel there via interplanetary rocket after clearing the main game.
- Map has multiple biomes (weight 0.3): The planet features various biomes to explore, including large caves and underground areas. Exploration is a core mechanic.
- Ore crushing mechanic added (weight 0.23): A new ore crusher system processes resources, and some ores require crushing to access. This is a notable new mechanic in the DLC.
- DLC introduces new machines and mechanics (weight 0.2): New machines and mechanics are added in the DLC, including ore crushers and other equipment. These additions expand gameplay options.
- Co-op multiplayer supported (weight 0.13): The game supports two-player co-op, allowing friends to play together. This feature is often mentioned as a positive aspect.
- Vehicle as mobile storage (weight 0.12): A vehicle provides additional storage space and can be used as a mobile base or inventory holder. This is considered necessary by some players.
- Base building core gameplay (weight 0.11): Base building is a core mechanic, with extractors, drones, and auto-crafters used to automate resource gathering. Players build bases to progress.
- DLC offers new biomes and visuals (weight 0.11): The DLC includes different biomes and visual changes, with a size roughly equivalent to one biome of the base game. It also introduces vehicles.
- Drones automate resource gathering (weight 0.11): Drones can be set up and used for automation, including resource gathering and transport. They are a key part of base building.
- New resources introduced (weight 0.11): The DLC adds new resources, some of which require crushing. These resources are used in new recipes and machines.
- Smaller map size (weight 0.11): The DLC map is smaller than the main game's map, about half the size. Some players find it very small.
- Large map with secrets (weight 0.09): The map is large, contains secrets, and requires patience to explore. It offers significant exploration opportunities.
- Map feels empty and soulless (weight 0.06): Some players find the map smaller, lacking buildings and exploration content, and feeling empty or soulless. This is a common criticism.
- Harder map traversal (weight 0.06): The new map is large and harder to traverse, especially on hardcore mode. This increases difficulty.
- New plants added (weight 0.06): The DLC adds new plants that can be used on other planets. This expands farming and terraforming options.
- Vertical planet layout (weight 0.06): The planet has a more vertical layout, which affects traversal and base placement. This is a distinctive feature.
- Can start directly on DLC map (weight 0.06): Players have the option to start the game directly on the DLC map without playing the base game first. This provides flexibility.
- Interplanetary import available (weight 0.06): Interplanetary delivery allows resource transfer between planets. This helps with resource management across worlds.
- New recipes to unlock (weight 0.06): There are new recipes to unlock by traveling moderately far. This adds progression goals.

Performance notes:
- Terrain and graphical glitches (weight 0.11): The game suffers from numerous visual issues including floating rocks, broken meshes, collider mismatches, unfinished textures, and exaggerated background pop-ups. These glitches are widespread and detract from the experience.
- Runs well without issues (weight 0.1): Some players report no crashes, no FPS issues, and zero bugs on Steam Deck. The game does not require a high-end PC to run.
- Terraforming causes performance issues (weight 0.09): As terraforming progresses, performance becomes heavy and can result in severe FPS drops on some systems. This is a common complaint among players.
- Falling through textures (weight 0.07): Players frequently fall through textures and land under the map in many places. This bug significantly disrupts gameplay.
- Texture bugs everywhere (weight 0.07): Texture bugs are prevalent throughout the game, with many display bugs reported. This affects overall visual quality.
- Crashes and save killers (weight 0.07): Some players experience crashes, with three crashes in 10 hours reported. Additionally, a progress boom can lead to potential save killers, risking save file corruption.
- Frame drops and glitchy performance (weight 0.06): Frame drops and general glitchiness are reported, affecting gameplay smoothness. This is a common performance concern.
- Clipping and LOD pop-in (weight 0.04): Clipping and LOD pop-in issues are described as horrendous, causing visual disruptions. This impacts immersion and polish.
- Lag during sandstorm (weight 0.04): Lag occurs during sandstorm events, causing performance slowdowns. This is a specific but notable issue.
- Terrain is glitchy (weight 0.04): The terrain itself is glitchy, leading to visual and gameplay problems. This adds to the overall instability.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for Planet Crafter fans (weight 0.33): Most reviewers recommend the DLC for players who enjoyed Planet Crafter and want more of the same experience. It is described as scratching the itch for more Planet Crafter on a bigger, harder map.
- Worth the price (weight 0.19): Many reviewers consider the DLC absolutely worth it, well worth the price, and worth the experience. They strongly recommend it as a perfect example of a DLC.
- DLC adds little new content (weight 0.13): Several reviewers do not recommend the DLC because it offers too little new content and has issues. It is seen as not very recommendable, especially with DLC2 available.
- More of same on new planet (weight 0.11): The DLC offers the original Planet Crafter experience in a different area. It is highly recommended if you want a pretext to replay the game, but skip it if you are not interested in more of the same.
- Good continuation after base game (weight 0.11): Reviewers recommend the DLC as a good continuation for those who finished the base game and want something new. It is ideal for a second playthrough after beating the main game.
- Not worth the price (weight 0.11): Some reviewers do not recommend the DLC due to it not being worth the price and not worth the trouble. They advise against buying it under any circumstances.
- Highly recommended (weight 0.11): Multiple reviewers give the DLC a 10/10 and highly recommend it. It is praised as an amazing DLC that is 100% recommended for players who finished terraforming the main planet.
- Okay for small DLC (weight 0.11): The DLC is considered worth it for a small DLC that adds new content, but it is just okay for the price and not a must-buy. Some suggest picking it up on sale if you really love the base game.
- Recommended if liked original (weight 0.07): The DLC is recommended for anyone who enjoyed the terraformation aspects of the main game. If you liked the original, you will likely be satisfied with this DLC.
- Play base game first (weight 0.06): Reviewers advise playing through the base game once before buying the DLC. Some suggest playing the DLC after a long break from the main game, and holding off if you haven't played the main game yet.
- Wait before buying (weight 0.06): Reviewers recommend waiting until the DLC is legit finished before buying it. They suggest holding off on purchase for now.
- Not recommended currently (weight 0.06): Some reviewers cannot recommend the DLC at the moment due to various issues. They do not recommend it for themselves.

Other player notes:
- DLC status and base game relation (weight 0.28): This cluster confirms the content is a paid DLC for The Planet Crafter, intended for players who completed the main game and want more playtime. It is sold separately and adds a new planet.
- Cheap and fairly priced (weight 0.23): Multiple clusters note the DLC is inexpensive, with prices around $7-10 or simply described as cheap and affordable. It is considered great value for the cost.
- Smaller map and less content (weight 0.23): The DLC map is smaller than the base game's Planet Prime and offers less to explore and a shorter story. Many feel there is little new content compared to the main game.
- New planet with extra content (weight 0.15): The DLC is a new planet that can be started fresh or accessed from an existing save, adding new blueprints and unique resources. It also reworks some mechanics and provides a new map to terraform.
- Scale and story compared to Prime (weight 0.11): The DLC planet is smaller than Planet Prime but still offers plenty of content. The story echoes the choice to pick a side but feels more limited yet overall more satisfying.
- Resource availability and balance (weight 0.11): Compared to Planet Prime, resources are less available or require more effort to gather. The balance compared to the base game is a common point of comparison.
- Size versus free moons (weight 0.1): The planet is larger than the free moons but smaller than the original planet. Developers claim it is half the size of the first planet.
- Multiplayer requires only one owner (weight 0.08): In co-op, only the host needs to own the DLC for everyone to play, though some claim this is false. This affects how groups can access the content together.
- Adds 30+ hours gameplay (weight 0.06): The DLC extends playtime by another 30 or more hours for Planet Crafter. This provides significant additional engagement for players.
- More of the same sequel (weight 0.06): Compared to Planet Crafter, the DLC is a direct continuation that offers more of the same experience. It does not drastically change the formula.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.23): Players consistently cite the DLC's lack of new content, calling it a rushed, smaller, and grindy repeat of the base game with a thin story and unfinished, buggy terrain. Many also point to the absence of meaningful exploration, rewards, and an ending, which made the experience feel empty and underwhelming.
- Frustration (weight 0.18): Frustration stems from numerous bugs and glitches, such as falling through terrain, clipping resources, and installation problems, which often lead to lost progress. Additionally, tedious resource management, difficult navigation, and poorly balanced survival mechanics in the early game contribute to a highly irritating experience.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.12): Satisfaction arises from the joy of terraforming a new planet, with many players praising the visual transformation and the addition of new biomes, resources, and mechanics. The DLC is often seen as a challenging yet rewarding expansion that offers good value and extends the core gameplay loop.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.09): Players enjoy exploring the unique biomes and dynamic changes on the new planet, as well as the fresh mechanics like ore crushers and verticality. The cooperative multiplayer and the sense of discovery through terraforming also contribute to a fun and engaging experience.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): Excitement is driven by the prospect of exploring a new planet and experiencing the dramatic terraforming changes that make previously visited areas unrecognizable. The DLC's new equipment, resource loops, and the thrill of re-experiencing the initial discovery also generate high anticipation.
- Boredom (weight 0.03): Boredom sets in during the late game when goals become unclear and drones lose purpose, as well as from the repetitive story and lack of new content compared to the original. The small map and absence of lore also make the experience feel monotonous after the initial exploration.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Enthusiasm is fueled by the DLC's substantial additions, including new ores, constructables, and the concept of ore breakers that enhance early gameplay. Many appreciate the developers' effort and the opportunity to terraform an entire solar system, which reignites their passion for the game.
- Joy (weight 0.02): Joy comes from the beautiful transformation of the planet, with flowers, butterflies, and lively biomes that create a delightful atmosphere. Playing with friends and witnessing the drastic changes from icy wastelands to lush green areas also brings immense happiness.
- Annoyance (weight 0.02): Annoyance is caused by inconvenient mechanics like rocket launches sending meteors into no-go zones, the slow and easily stuck rover, and performance issues such as frame drops. The forced use of new buildings to crack rocks and the hassle of exploring ships also add to the irritation.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger arises from repeated early-game deaths due to missing resources like cobalt and oxygen, as well as misleading claims about DLC ownership for co-op. The perception that the Humble DLC is a cash grab and frequent clipping issues further provoke strong negative reactions.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope is expressed for future updates such as the Toxicity release and potential expansions to the new planet, with players anticipating that bugs will be fixed and the world enriched. There is also optimism about the DLC's potential for interesting biomes and mechanics.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise stems from the DLC exceeding expectations by providing a full new planet with its own story and items, as well as the drastic map changes during terraforming. Some are also surprised by the volume of negative reviews or the need to start from scratch.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion is reported regarding the negative reception of the DLC, the role of drones, and the game labeling the start as the difficult option. Players are puzzled by these aspects and seek clarification.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Appreciation is felt for the beautiful volcano and winter biomes, the developers' support for the base game, and the effort put into making the map rich and gorgeous. Players value the continued work on the game.
- Love (weight 0.01): Love is expressed for the DLC's planet design, abundance of high-tier loot, and new environments that enhance the vanilla experience. The dynamic map changes during terraforming also inspire deep affection for the game.
- Amazement (weight 0.01): Amazement is inspired by the fantastical impression of the new planet, its beautiful moon, and the improved textures and biomes. The map becomes increasingly interesting as the ice melts, leaving players in awe.
- Fun (weight 0.01): Fun is derived from playing through the early and mid-game up to the fish level, as well as returning to the DLC after a break. The experience is described as enjoyable and engaging.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Admiration is directed at the DLC for offering a full new world with interesting story elements and a gorgeous new planet. Players appreciate the scope and beauty of the addition.
- Interest (weight 0.01): Interest is sparked by the unique map, biomes, and landmarks, as well as the plot delivered through messages found around the planet. Players are intrigued by the exploration and storytelling.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Regret is reported by players who feel that using terraforming accelerators may have led to a lower rating, and by those who spent money on the DLC but missed an Easter egg like the one on the main planet. These choices are seen as mistakes.}