Islets
Islets
Game
Game2024
Crypt Custodian
Developer Kyle Thompson
Crypt Custodian is a 2024 Metroidvania video game developed independently by Kyle Thompson and published by Top Hat Studios. A single-player video game played from the top-down perspective, it follows Pluto, a black cat who dies and is tasked with cleaning up the underworld. With his broom, Pluto must sweep up trash and fight enemies, make friends with other creatures, and escape the afterlife. Crypt Custodian… From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
415 reactions from 4 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky, Lemmy, Mastodon) · newest Nov 4, 2026 · last updated Nov 5, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
96
LovedLoved
235 positive · 11 negative
95% range 92–97%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 235 | 11 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 60 | 1 | 71 |
| Lemmy * | 3 | 0 | 18 |
| Mastodon * | 7 | 1 | 8 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
Steam's own rating
Overwhelmingly Positive
1,773 of 1,818 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What players are saying
96% recommend · 209 yes, 9 no
Counted from the reviewers’ own thumbs up/down on the 218 English Steam reviews we collected, not by the AI. Valve’s all-language rating: Overwhelmingly Positive (3,124 of 3,217 positive).
Players praise Crypt Custodian as a charming, polished metroidvania with smooth controls and a touching story. [1][2][3] Some reviewers note minor issues like repetitive content or technical problems. [4][5][6]
Liked
Representative posts
- [1]
Think Hollow Knight but much less punishing and with a cat as your protagonist! A real indie gem. Seamless controls, with a surprising amount of beauty, depth, and variety for a small game.
- [2]
It isn't just a review, it's more of an appreciation post. Crypt Custodian welcomes you with a lighthearted story within a vast map full of quick snappy battles and little secrets typical of metroidvania genre. Yet it never becomes a burden, always respecting your time with gentle touches like having no death penalty or allowing you to teleport to any shrine whenever you want - which helps keep things fresh just …
- [8]
Crypt Custodian went straight into my Top 10 Metroidvanias of all time. The combat feels so snappy, the exploration is super rewarding, and honestly, all the mechanics are just top-notch and polished. I know some people might say it’s not hard enough if they’re looking for a challenge, but I actually really loved the overall pace of the game. It’s just a great time from start to finish without being frustrating. If …
- [3]
Absolutely superb game. I discovered Kyle Thompson's games through this one and worked my way back through them all. So great to see the scope and skill evolve but Crypt Custodian truly feels like a crystalisation of everything they've been trying to achieve. This game ticks just about all my boxes and I absolutely adore it. I would buy it over and over again, every penny into Kyle's pocket is a penny spent for …
- [7]
Such smooth movement, awesome music, cute graphics. Pleasure as always with Kyle's games.
Summarised from 34 of the 371 public posts collected about this game; every point cites the posts behind it ([n] opens the post) and the split is counted from the posts’ own ratings. Updated Oct 12, 2026. How summaries are made
RottenBot@rottenbot · automated account
96% of the 218 Steam reviewers we collected recommend Crypt Custodian. The complaint that keeps coming up: some find the game too easy or lacking challenge. Deal-breaker or nitpick?
Critics, per Wikipedia
According to review aggregator website Metacritic, Crypt Custodian has received "generally favorable" reviews. Fellow review aggregator OpenCritic assessed that the game received strong approval, being recommended by 89% of critics. Heather Wald of GamesRadar+ said, "above all, it's just downright charming", a sentiment echoed by many other reviewers. Crypt Custodian was praised for its "cutesy" and "lovable" characters and their various backstories, which critics found humorous yet moving. The dialogue was characterized by Liam Croft of Push Square as "witty" and by Christopher Holler, writing for PC Games, as "charming and full of humor". Several reviewers also enjoyed the game's writing,…
From the “Reception” section of Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Critic context only — not part of the audience score.
Reactions
60 of 415 · most liked firstIf you are looking for indie recommendations: Bramble: The Mountain King Dungeons of Hinterberg Caravan SandWitch Chants of Sennaar Blossom Tales 1&2 A Highland Song Crypt Custodian Return To Grace Lil Gator Game Crow Country MythWrecked Foreclosed Viewfinder Nine Sols Lunistice Blacktail Toem Neva
neutral · AI labelView post →Who wants to come hang out & watch me play games on a lazy Monday? (Game: Crypt Custodian)
neutral · AI labelView post →Happy Kasen Thursday! The current vibe is thinking about Crypt Custodian! ngl Crypt Custodian was an awesome game! The game had a cool vibe and gameplay that was a unique blend of a Metroidvania and Zelda, it was a ton of fun! I hope you have a wonderful day, I send love and positivity your way 💛☺️
positive · AI labelView post →🏆 Game of the Year [1/2] 🏆 🔸 1000xRESIST, @sunsetvisitor.bsky.social 🔸 Animal Well, @animalwell.bsky.social 🔸 ARCO, @arcogamedev.bsky.social 🔸 Balatro, @localthunk.bsky.social 🔸 Crypt Custodian, Kyle Thompson
neutral · AI labelView post →Just announced my next game, Well Dweller! Well Dweller is a dark fairy-tale metroidvania about a tiny bird armed with a matchstick. I previously made Crypt Custodian and Islets and I’m so excited to share this new game! Wishlist on Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/3699590/...
neutral · AI labelView post →Happy Scarlet Saturday! The current vibe is thinking about Crypt Custodian! ngl this game was a lowkey banger! The art style looked cool, and there was a ton to explore and discover in the world! It was a fun lil Metroidvania 😊 I hope you have a wonderful day, I send love and positivity your way 💛☺️
positive · AI labelView post →The Indie Game Awards - Game of the Year Nominees (by Metascore): UFO 50 [91] Animal Well [91] Balatro [90] Lorelei and the Laser Eyes [88] ARCO [86] Neva [86] 1000xRESIST [85] Mouthwashing [83] Nine Sols [83] Crypt Custodian [82] All 2024 Games: www.metacritic.com/browse/game/...
neutral · AI labelView post →Here's another upcoming indie game I'm extremely looking forward to, the demo impressed me so much I went out and bought the developer's previous game Crypt Custodian. Go play this right now, it's a Metroidvania with some positively gorgeous and grim art.
positive · AI labelView post →This track is called "The Sinners Inn"! Crypt Custodian is a massive vibe of a game! It had a very unique feel to it, created by the world, art direction, and music! It was so much fun to explore the world while soaking in the unique vibe of the game 😊 it's an underrated indie banger tbh!
positive · AI labelView post →2026 game #40: Well Dweller Kyle has rapidly become one of my fav devs. He makes metroidvanias but I call them whimsy action plaformers. While Crypt Custodian still has my fav story, Well Dweller wins for art, gameplay, & my new fav character EGBERT IS A CHAD AMONG CHADS
positive · AI labelView post →This track is called "Dark Vessel"! Crypt Custodian is an awesome game! The exploration in the game was a ton of fun, and the vibes were on point! The boss fights were super intense and incorporated bullet hell elements into them, and this track helped with that felt intensity during those battles!
positive · AI labelView post →Getting choice paralysis with my wishlist right now, but the one thing I was gonna grab was Crypt Custodian, just based on how good the demo for Well Dweller was as it's the same dev. A demo so good I was sold on more than one game, wow.
positive · AI labelView post →I've said it before, but Kyle Thompson is a MACHINE of an indie game dev. Four big, successful, critically praised metroidvanias in six years. 2020: Sheepo 2022: Islets 2024: Crypt Custodian 2026: Well Dweller Whatever he does in 2028 is going to be amazing.
neutral · AI labelView post →Coming to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: • May 21 | Monster Train 2 • May 22 | Tales of Kenzera: Zau • May 27 | Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 • May 28 | To a T • May 29 | Metaphor ReFantazio • May 29 | Spray Paint Simulator • June 3 | Crypt Custodian • June 3 | Symphonia news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/0...
neutral · AI labelView post →Well Dweller, the next game by Kyle Thompson (Crypt Custodian) is releasing September 22nd! It introduces a cool torch concept to uniquely explore its metroidvania dungeons. Can't wait.
neutral · AI labelView post →Well Dweller absolutely captivated my attention, if you want a good creepy-cute Metroidvania, I'd highly recommend giving the demo a try. The artstyle is absolutely gorgeous, and I must get to playing the developer's previous game Crypt Custodian.
neutral · AI labelView post →Game #1 of 2026 ~ Crypt Custodian 🧹 Cozy Metroidvania exploration & Zelda-style combat/puzzling 🧹 Environments are easy to parse while exploring 🧹 Abilities feel great, movement & combat are fluid 🧹 Surprisingly sincere take on death & purpose 🧹 Charming characters and strong atmosphere 8.5
positive · AI labelView post →The next two games that I plan to play in their entirety on stream! ⚔️Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn 🧹Crypt Custodian
neutral · AI labelView post →Crypt Custodian is my favorite metroidvania created by a solo indie developer. It is a truly magnificent indie game that needs more recognition and praise. Also, it's yet another backlog game of mine this year with no cons. I've been playing a lot of recommended bangers! This is my review for...
positive · AI labelView post →Well Dweller looks AMAZING!! The iteration of the art style is GORGEOUS I can’t believe Kyle Thompson has another game already - Sheepo, Islets, Crypt Custodian - that makes 4 games from 2021 to 2026 🤯👏👏👏 youtu.be/J1e29j2DzqU?...
neutral · AI labelView post →Crypt Custodian is $13.99 on Steam buff.ly/8BysE7r $14.99 GOG buff.ly/k0myFPC $12.99 US PS+ buff.ly/boMDF99 $14.99 XBL buff.ly/h3rQB9Z Deck playable also on Game Pass Standard
neutral · AI labelView post →Finished Crypt Custodian. A minimalist metroidvania with elegant bullet hell gameplay and a subtle soundtrack. The perfectly sized map was a rush to explore with puzzles at every corner. In the end, the story achieved its goal and broke me. Hug your pets.
positive · AI labelView post →Crypt Custodian is a wrap! Took around 17 hours to beat. ngl this game was kinda incredible! The main things that I really ended up loving about this game were the amazing vibes and the exploration, both were really well executed! The combat was really fun as well, this is a solid Metroidvania!
positive · AI labelView post →Back streaming today at 7PM EST with a new game, Crypt Custodian. Would love to see you there! Twitch.tv/andresplays93
neutral · AI labelView post →I love it when games have goofy lil areas like this 🤣 ngl those lil dudes do know how to get down tho 😳 Game: Crypt Custodian by Kyle Thompson (Nintendo Switch version)
positive · AI labelView post →Since Crypt Custodian I’ve had Death’s Door on the brain bc of similar themes & humor So yesterday I started a replay on the Portal, may already be 30% thru it 👀 But also: DAMN is this game still freaking gorgeous. And why didn’t anyone remind me of how good this MUSIC is?
neutral · AI labelView post →I wanted to draw something with a New Year's theme. A character from the game "crypt custodian". #art #didgitalart #illustration #cryptcustodian #fanart
neutral · AI labelView post →Crypt Custodian! 5 hours in! This game is fun! The exploration is what I've been enjoying the most, once the Metroidvania element of the game kicked in, exploration became a lot of fun! The combat is fast paced and challenging, I've gotten whooped more than a few times 😅 it's a good time so far!
positive · AI labelView post →17th game beaten of 2025: Crypt Custodian 🐱 Cursed to be a janitor in the afterlife, I knew I was in when the cat’s running anim was a limp 🤣 the shift to isometric vs sidescrolling Metroidvania makes a memorable difference, plus some horrifyingly humorous character driven stories worth 100%-ing
positive · AI labelView post →Im only a few hours into Well Dweller. Islets and Crypt Custodian were top 10 games for me in their respective years. This game is so clearly on another level it's crazy. @hananomaude.bsky.social called it from the PAX demo she played months ago. This is a true GotY contender. Play this shit.
neutral · AI labelView post →The vibes in Crypt Custodian have been awesome! This area creates a really unique feeling, the game does an amazing job of creating an atmosphere that feels cold, lonely, and distant! From the music to the presentation, it really creates the feeling of a lonely winter night, it's an incredible vibe!
positive · AI labelView post →ngl I love that you can make friends in Crypt Custodian, it's a nice vibe when a game has a system like this 😊 I also love that they call the mice the Little Guys, that's so silly and adorable 🥹
positive · AI labelView post →Crypt Custodian! 12 hours in! ngl I've been really taking the time to appreciate the art direction in this game, it's really beautiful! The graphics look really good, but as well, the color choice is really cool! The colors are soft and somewhat muted, they create an interesting vibe that I dig!
positive · AI labelView post →My first impressions of the gameplay of Crypt Custodian are: I'm enjoying it! It's a top-down action game that reminds me of classic Zelda, except faster paced with a heavier focus on movement. I've been enjoying the exploration as well, and the game has some creative puzzles! It's pretty fun!
positive · AI labelView post →Game #12 of 2026: Crypt Custodian Started: Feb. 20 Completed: Feb. 23 Just gonna say it right now. This is one of the greatest indie games (and Metroidvanias) ever created, which should give a hint as to what my review will look like. The ending made a real mess out of me 😭💜
positive · AI labelView post →Just wrapped up Crypt Custodian. What a delightful game. And look at that map. 🤤
positive · AI labelView post →Game #23 of 2026: Islets Started: Apr. 5 Completed: Apr. 6 This is one of the best short metroidvanias I've ever played, having beaten it in almost 12 hours. It's a massive jump from Sheepo, and it's close to being tied with Crypt Custodian for me. Such great gameplay and wholesome characters 🥹
neutral · AI labelView post →Next game is Crypt Custodian! ngl the only thing I know about this game is that it's either a Metroidvania or a roguelite...or both lmao the cover art looks cool tho! The cover art is pretty much the reason I bought this game and decided to play it 🤣 I think it'll probably be a fun experience tho!
positive · AI labelView post →It's been so cool seeing people continue to discover this game in the past year+. It's criminally overlooked. Using this as another excuse to promote my review, which explains why this game is so meaningful to me. More people should play Crypt Custodian! bignerdgaming.com/2024/09/20/c...
positive · AI labelView post →Just finished Crypt Custodian. Man. What an incredible game. Might be one of my all time favorite Metroidvanias. The world, design & characters are excellent. Just as funny as it is heartbreaking. Ultimately sweet & hopeful. Great combat. Top notch exploration & discover. Beautiful soundtrack.
positive · AI labelView post →They finally got me to (attempt to) host a stream over on @secondwindgroup.com. In about an hour, @teanah.bsky.social and I will be playing some Crypt Custodian! Because we want to. And it's a great game. And it's Friday. Watch here (or on Twitch): www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg7c...
positive · AI labelView post →My favorite semi-recent lesser known indies Astral Ascent- Closest thing to a 2D Hades imo Littlewood- Animal Crossing/cozy game with TONS of RPG elements Tinykin- Pikmin clone with way more fun level design Crypt Custodian- Top down Metroidvania with bullet hell elements. Excellent exploration
neutral · AI labelView post →Live now for the next 5 hours with Crypt Custodian! Long live indies. twitch.tv/andresplays93
neutral · AI labelView post →Enjoying my long weekend with more Crypt Custodian. I'm at 60% completion with just over 10 hours of game time. I could be finished by tonight at this rate, but holy moly... I have terrific things to write about when I'm done. This game is something truly special 🥲
positive · AI labelView post →Kyle Thompson's (Crypt Custodian) next game is getting announced this summer. youtu.be/tqHBHxokCmI?...
neutral · AI labelView post →Did you like. The video game. "Crypt Custodian". I have just found out the developer is releasing a new game this year, and the Steam page is already up with a demo. It makes a lot of interesting visual decisions and it looks really cohesive in motion. store.steampowered.com/app/3699590/...
neutral · AI labelView post →I started w Crypt Custodian last yr then did his 1st game Sheepo. While Crypt Custodian stays my fav overall (bc story & camera shakeup), it’s by a thin margin. Islets is a major step up from Sheepo & has some wonderful characters. Level design has a few spots to improve… Well Dweller could do it 👀
positive · AI labelView post →Beat the final boss and got to 100% completion in Crypt Custodian. Every room checked, every photo collected, all ghosts freed, as well as upgrades and upgrade points. ☑️ The map exploration / finding shortcuts aspect of this metroidvania hits the spot, it just feels satisfying. 🗝️
positive · AI labelView post →After seeing @bignerdgaming.bsky.social rave about it last year and with its arrival on Game Pass, it’s finally time to check out Crypt Custodian 🐈⬛
neutral · AI labelView post →🧹 Surprise! We have a SPECIAL GUEST joining us for our Crypt Custodian episode, which drops one week from today! We can’t wait for y’all to hear from @djstormageddon.com of @funandgamespod.bsky.social, and we’re honored that they joined us for this final episode of Winter Season!
neutral · AI labelView post →Now starting Sheepo, the debut indie game from Kyle Thompson! I LOVED his latest game, Crypt Custodian, and I'm looking forward to playing Islets (after this) and Well Dweller later this year! First impressions of this short metroidvania to come later today 😌 #Sheepo
positive · AI labelView post →Metroidvanias: 2024 Year in Review — what's your favs for the year?. Now that 2024 is coming to an end, I'd love to do a community post and hear about what people enjoyed. It was a banner year for the genre. **What metroidvanias from 2024 stood out to you?** Here's what I played this year 1. [Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2751000/Prince_of_Persia_The_Lost_Crown/) — Didn't expect it to be this good. Even the DLC is worth it. I'd put it behind Hollow…
neutral · AI labelView post →Well Dweller is a gorgeous game. A very approachable metriodvania with the most incredible atmosphere. I expected nothing less from the same dev who made Crypt Custodian. store.steampowered.com/app/3699590/...
neutral · AI labelView post →Well Dweller, the 4th metroidvania by solo-dev Kyle Thompson, is out now on all major platforms with a rating over 91% on Metacritic. Seems like he's perfected his style. If you haven't played [Crypt Custodian](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2394650/Crypt_Custodian/) or [Islets](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1669420/Islets/), I recommend them. They're not as long or as challenging as some others, but people fall in love with Kyle's point of view. >Well Dweller is a dark fairy-tale…
neutral · AI labelView post →Current cart status. Already got Crypt Custodian (awesome game!) and Isaac. Any quality cheap recommendations? #Blutoid
positive · AI labelView post →Really enjoying Crypt Custodian on Game Pass. It's cozy, expansive, and not too frustrating!
positive · AI labelView post →Reminder that Crypt Custodian comes to Game Pass TOMORROW. My #6 game of 2024. And a game that meant more to me emotionally than almost anything else I've ever played. Please check it out! bignerdgaming.com/2024/09/20/c...
neutral · AI labelView post →since Gold Points are *gone* this means the last game I got points from is CRYPT CUSTODIAN, a game about THE AFTERLIFE (strangely fitting) the last physical game I got points from is Xenoblade Chronicles X, a game about starting anew after your home is destroyed (also fitting) #TribLovesVideoGames
neutral · AI labelView post →Crypt Custodian [received game for free for PR review] Explore the afterlife as Pluto the cat in this gorgeous metroidvania. Full of whimsical creatures heartfelt narratives & creative boss fights. Enjoy the rainy vibes in this fantastical world. store.steampowered.com/app/2394650/... #indiegames
neutral · AI labelView post →[Second Wind] Crypt Custodian Review | Bytesized.
neutral · AI labelView post →
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