“A wonderful sequel that meets expectations in nearly every way,” but with “needless, under-tuned repetitive tasks”: “Graveyard Keeper 2” review roundup

"Graveyard Keeper 2" is one of the most intriguing titles in this genre.In addition to its highly unique setting and a story brimming with dark humor, it offers gameplay familiar to fans of the genre—complete with helpful improvements. If you enjoy laid-back life simulations, you’re sure to love this “laid-back death simulation” and the gentle sense of transgression it offers.

*Graveyard Keeper 2* is a wonderful sequel that lives up to expectations in nearly every way. While it has evolved significantly from its predecessor, the story—told from start to finish—is nothing short of brilliant. Although the old-school design makes some aspects a bit confusing, the game remains thoroughly charming. If you want to immerse yourself for hours in a dark yet cozy game, this is the perfect choice.

With its complex, multi-layered crafting system, *Graveyard Keeper 2* can feel overwhelming at times. Still, with such a beautiful and captivating world, you’ll likely find yourself easily forgiving those shortcomings. It’s a slightly gory world, but before you know it, you’ll be completely immersed in this bizarre medieval adventure.

It’s clear from *Graveyard Keeper 2* that the development team has listened to fan feedback. Thanks to improved movement speed, fast travel, and the addition of voice acting, life as a gravedigger has become much more comfortable. The humor and absurd storyline are still very much intact, and I had a great time playing it.I plan to happily keep playing even after finishing this review. However, the grind remains at the heart of the game. If you enjoy experimenting, taking detours, and laughing at the absurd twists and turns, you’ll definitely love it.

What stood out most about *Graveyard Keeper 2* is that it feels intentionally cumbersome. No matter what you do, you have to go through a strangely convoluted series of steps.Even basic tasks—the kind you’d expect to be available right from the start in a farming simulation, for example—require you to progress through one or two skill tree-like menus to unlock them. Or, to obtain something as simple as a wooden plank, you must build and operate multiple pieces of equipment that work in tandem.

Everything is incredibly complex, and that is likely the biggest feature that sets this game apart from others in its genre. However, that complexity doesn’t stimulate intellectual curiosity. Every time you try to do a single task, there’s a mountain of other work you need to take care of first.This game will likely appeal to those unconventional people who look at *Harvest Moon* and think, “That’s for kids,” and who want to experience within the game a burden similar to the physical strain of real-world manual labor—the kind that leaves your bones and muscles aching. There are certainly people like that out there.

*Graveyard Keeper 2* is a sequel that successfully builds upon the foundation of its predecessor. However, some of its unique quirks still remain.The ambitious tower defense elements and automation features are welcome additions; they further highlight the game’s unique personality while retaining its inherent charm and dark humor. Although the micromanagement can be exhausting at times and there are a few bugs, it’s an engaging life simulation that will captivate anyone who enjoys watching a system click into place.

“Graveyard Keeper 2” has several excellent elements that make it worth picking up. With the undead now posing a real threat, proper burials have taken on greater significance within the story. I also like the overall narrative progression. The voice acting is quite entertaining, and the visuals are stunning. I have to give credit to the game’s fundamental design.

*Graveyard Keeper 2* is labor-intensive and filled with repetitive, unnecessary, and poorly balanced tasks. It inherits all the problems of its predecessor and amplifies them. While there are moments when it seems to find the satisfying rhythm essential to this kind of simulation, it consistently pulls the player out of the experience.