Another Crab's Treasure

A Sideways Glance at Another Crab's Treasure

Another Crab's Treasure is a whimsical souls-like action-adventure game where you play as a hermit crab fighting through a polluted ocean, wielding everyday trash as weapons and armor. Developed by indie studio Aggro Crab, it launched on PC via the Microsoft Store for those who prefer a lighter, more comedic take on the genre. Key highlights include a unique “shell” system that lets you equip and swap found objects like cans, cups, and bottle caps; a semi-open ocean world packed with secrets; a quirky, voice-acted story that pokes fun at corporate greed; and a flexible difficulty system that lets you tone down the challenge. The game is aimed at players who enjoy the rhythm of souls-like combat but crave something less punishing, as well as anyone with a soft spot for marine life and environmental satire.

From Backyard to Deep Sea: Living the Hermit Life

You know that feeling when you're lying on the beach and spot a crab scurrying into a soda can? That absurd image is the heart of Another Crab's Treasure. The game kicks off with Kril, a hermit crab whose beloved shell is repossessed by a shady loan shark (a lobster in a suit, naturally). Now he must journey through kelp forests, shipping graveyards, and slimy pipelines to get his home back. The setup is delightfully ridiculous, and the writing stays playful throughout—think Pixar meets Monty Python under the sea.

The Shell Game: Trash as Treasure

The most inventive mechanic is the shell system. Kril can pick up almost any small, hollow object and wear it as a temporary home: a plastic cup absorbs impact, a champagne cork gives a counter-attack ability, a rusty pipe acts like a spiky shield. Each shell has its own durability, weight, and special move—some let you slam the ground, others emit a stun wave or a smoke screen. You'll find yourself hoarding bottle caps and coffee cups, experimenting with different loadouts for different enemies. This system not only adds strategic depth but also ties directly into the game's environmental theme: the trash you fight through isn't just set dressing, it's your only lifeline. It's a clever way to turn a grim reality (ocean pollution) into a playful gameplay hook.

An Ocean of Things to Do

The world of Another Crab's Treasure is surprisingly large for an indie title. You can swim, climb on coral reefs, and even use your shell to slide down slopes like a makeshift sled. The map is divided into distinct biomes—each with its own color palette, enemy types, and hidden shortcuts. Combat follows the usual souls-like formula of stamina management, dodging, and punishing enemy openings, but the shell system makes encounters more tactical. Instead of just rolling, you may choose to curl into your shell to absorb a big hit, then counter with a shell ability. Boss fights are creative too: one involves a giant shrimp that shoots lasers, another is a cargo ship-turned-monster. The difficulty feels balanced toward the easier end of the spectrum—you can also activate “relaxed mode” from the options menu to reduce enemy aggression and damage, making it accessible for players who normally stay away from souls-likes.

Smooth Sailing or Rocky Shore? User Experience

The interface is clean and minimal: health, stamina, and shell durability are displayed in transparent bars around Kril, and the inventory screen is a simple grid that's easy to navigate on controller. Performance on Windows was smooth in my testing—stable 60fps at 1080p on a mid-range gaming laptop with no noticeable stutter. The learning curve is gentle: the first few areas introduce basic combat and shell swapping, and a friendly sea snail gives you hints along the way. The only friction I noticed is that aiming shell abilities with a keyboard+mouse feels a bit floaty; the game clearly was designed with a controller in mind. If you're on PC, I'd recommend plugging in a gamepad for the best experience.

What Sets It Apart from the Souls-likes

Where games like Dark Souls or Salt and Sanctuary are bleak and punishing, Another Crab's Treasure swaps gothic dread for tropical absurdity. Its unique advantage lies in two things: the shell system and the environmental messaging. The shell system is not just a gimmick—it genuinely changes how you approach combat and exploration, giving you a reason to seek out trash and treat it like treasure. And the theme of ocean pollution isn't just a backdrop; it's baked into the story, the jokes, and the core gameplay loop. The game also doesn't take itself too seriously—there's a taunt button that makes Kril wave his little claw sarcastically, and the NPCs crack one-liners about capitalism and plastic waste. This lighthearted tone makes the souls-like formula feel fresh, especially for players who might be turned off by the typical “you died” gloom.

Should You Dive In?

Another Crab's Treasure is a solid recommendation for anyone curious about souls-likes but intimidated by their reputation. It's also a perfect palette cleanser for veterans who want something shorter and sillier. The game runs around 15–20 hours for a first playthrough, and there's enough optional content to justify a second run. That said, hardcore souls fans may find the combat too forgiving and the shell durability system a bit repetitive after a while. If you're looking for a tight, punishing challenge, this isn't it. But if you want to laugh while dodging a beer can attack from a boss crab, this is your game. I'd give it a strong 4 out of 5 stars. Just remember to bring a controller—and maybe a snorkel.

FAQ

How do I start playing Another Crab's Treasure and what are the basic controls?

Launch the game from your console or PC. Use the left joystick to move Kril, right joystick to control the camera, and the A button to interact. You'll find your first shell shortly after the tutorial.

How can I equip and use different shells I find?

Approach a shell on the seafloor and press the interact button to equip it. Each shell offers unique defense and abilities. You can switch shells anytime from the inventory menu (Pause > Shells).

What assist options are available for beginners?

Go to Settings > Accessibility to enable options like reduced enemy aggression, infinite stamina, or auto-parry. These make the game easier without removing challenge entirely.

How do I learn Umami Techniques?

Defeat special sea creatures found throughout the ocean. Each boss or mini-boss teaches a unique Umami Technique. Open the Techniques menu (Pause > Techniques) to view and equip learned abilities.

What is the Gunk infection and how does it affect gameplay?

The Gunk is a mysterious pollution that infects enemies and environments. It can weaken your shells over time. Use clean shells or special items to cleanse the Gunk. Check your shell durability on the HUD.

Can I explore the deep-sea trenches and what dangers await?

Yes, you can access deep-sea trenches after progressing the story. These areas feature pitch-black darkness, powerful enemies, and unique treasures. Equip a light-emitting shell or use Umami Techniques to illuminate your path.