The Gunk

Rani and her partner Beck are space haulers searching an unfamiliar planet for resources. They find it covered by a toxic substance called the gunk, and Rani’s exploration draws the pair into the world’s history and the fate of its ecosystem.

Explore the planet in third person, scan its flora and fauna, gather resources, and use Rani’s mechanical glove to vacuum up the gunk. Clearing an area restores its vegetation and can reveal new routes through the environment.

Traversal includes platforming and environmental puzzles, with occasional encounters against creatures. Resources and scans contribute to glove upgrades, while revived plant life and gathered objects help Rani reach places beyond the cleared paths.

Players who enjoy The Gunk often praise the satisfying cleanup mechanic, especially the visible shift from corrupted terrain to colorful, living landscapes. Reviews also frequently appreciate its relaxing pace, attractive environments, and gentle exploration. Some players find the simple loop repetitive or the adventure too short, and opinions differ on the story and character dialogue.