PowerWash simulator, as explained in the Steam reviews

Screenshot: Futurlab / Valve / Kotaku

PowerWash Simulator has long been available through Steam’s Early Access program, but last week it finally reached version 1.0 on PC and Xbox via Game Pass. If you’ve been living under a rock, well first, get out of there for a moment because soon someone will come with an electric washing machine to clean it. Second, PowerWash Simulator is the latest hit game to find astonishing success digitally recreating the daily grind of manual labor. This time, use a powerful pressure washer to remove dirt, grime, and other multi-level debris, alone or with friends.

It’s weird! The idea of this game seems the opposite of a good time. I mean, really, cleaning houses and sidewalks doesn’t sound satisfactory on paper. And yet, PowerWash Simulator has already amassed 20,000 reviews on Steam, the vast majority of which are brilliant. In fact, as I write this, the cleanup simulator has an “overwhelmingly positive” status on Steam, with 97% of its 20,746 positive reviews.

Sure, there are negative reviews, but they’re as rare as a little dirt when I finish the job. Many negative reviews complain about how cooperative progression works (or rather, doesn’t). In their current state, your co-op partner will not progress in their own campaign when they help you and they only earn a fraction of the money you make. They can’t buy new equipment either, they only have access to what the host has. It’s weird, of course, but after playing hours and hours of cooperation, I’m not sure it’s a big deal-breaking.

The other common complaint I see in negative reviews is that the game is boring or monotonous. And while I disagree, I can understand how some people can get into this game and just find boredom. I think much of the enjoyment comes from doing a great job with tools and patience. If this sounds like a drag to you, well, this is probably not your game.

If you are playing PowerWash Simulator, I recommend you read our tips to be the most efficient and successful pressure washer in the world. Oh, and if you play with friends on Xbox, try to avoid looking at the sun. At least until a patch makes it safe again.

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Screenshot: Valve / Kotaku

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