Dave the Diver is a free-to-play mobile title launching September 17, 2026, with DLC included, while the In the Jungle expansion is out and a prequel spin-off, Bancho the Chef, is in development for PlayStation 5.
Dave the Diver has moved from a 2023 ocean adventure into a multiplatform franchise with a mobile release, a major DLC, and a prequel spin-off. The mobile version, announced August 13, 2026, launches September 17 on iOS and Android as a free-to-start title with an in-app purchase to unlock the full game. It includes the In the Jungle DLC and the Dredge content pack from day one, plus mobile-specific features like tilt controls for pouring tea, a three-level draw distance option, and fast travel in Sea People Village. Purchasers of the full version get the Dave the Diver Digital Extra bonus.
The In the Jungle DLC, released June 18, 2026, expands the game's loop from two cycles to three, adding a village life phase in the jungle village of Utara. Players explore a polluted lake, run a grill restaurant, and befriend locals through requests and gifts. The DLC introduces a multi-form Jungle Gun, a filter for hydrogen sulfide, and turn-based RPG combat in ruins. It costs 1,200 yen and is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2. A 12-minute live-action short film produced by The Asylum accompanied the release.
At CGDC 2026, MINTROCKET CEO Jaeho Hwang revealed cumulative sales of 9 million units across mobile, console, and PC, and discussed the design of protagonist Dave as a plain, relatable hero. The franchise also crossed into the idle game Fish to Dish: Idle Sushi in a first anniversary update, where Dave dives for fish. A prequel spin-off, Bancho the Chef, was announced at State of Play on June 3, 2026, following a young Bancho across Asia to become a top sushi chef, in development for PlayStation 5 with no release date.
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4Gamer's weekly last-minute sale roundup highlights Steam deals for Dave the Diver at 1,200 yen (50% off, ends August 31) and Darkest Dungeon at 435 yen (85% off, ends September 2). The column also lists 12 additional PC and Switch titles with sale prices and end dates across Steam and My Nintendo stores.
Nexon will release the Android and iOS versions of DAVE THE DIVER on September 17. The ocean adventure, developed by its independent studio MINTROCKET, will be free with in-app purchases. The game mixes deep-sea fishing by day with sushi restaurant management at night. The mobile version is optimized for play on phones, and DLC packs including DREDGE and In the Jungle are available as well.
Nexon and MINTROCKET announced on August 13, 2026 that the mobile version of Dave the Diver will launch for iOS and Android on September 17, 2026. The smartphone port is optimized for mobile play and includes the In the Jungle DLC, released in June 2026, and the Dredge content pack from day one. The mobile version is free-to-start, with an in-app purchase to unlock the full game. Mobile-specific features include tilt controls for pouring tea at Bancho Sushi using the device's gyro sensor, a three-level draw distance option for graphics quality, and a fast travel function to NPCs in Sea People Village. Purchasers of the full version receive the Dave the Diver Digital Extra bonus. Pre-registration is available on the iOS App Store and Google Play. The game, which launched in 2023, has sold over 4 million copies and won the Best Game Design award at the BAFTA Games Awards.
At CGDC 2026, MINTROCKET CEO Jaeho Hwang reviewed the three years since Dave the Diver's release, revealing cumulative sales of 9 million units across mobile, console, and PC. He explained the design philosophy behind protagonist Dave, addressed a common misconception about the game being based on a true story, and detailed how supporting characters were built to complement Dave's personality.
The idle fishing game Fish to Dish: Idle Sushi has received a major update for its first anniversary, adding a collaboration with Dave the Diver. Players who upgrade their sushi restaurant to level 15 can encounter Dave, who will dive for fish and return with his catch. The update also includes character skins, a yacht, and new decorations.
Nexon and MINTROCKET released the new DLC 'In the Jungle' for Dave the Diver on June 18, 2026. The expansion moves protagonist Dave away from the Blue Hole and Bancho Sushi to the jungle village of Utara, where he explores a polluted lake, runs a grill restaurant, and befriends locals. The DLC introduces a third gameplay cycle: a slow-life village phase where players complete requests and give gifts to raise friendship with villagers, unlocking new items and shops. Underwater exploration now requires a filter to resist hydrogen sulfide, and a new multi-form Jungle Gun can switch between assault rifle, shotgun, sniper, and net gun modes. On land, players can gather resources, catch insects, and explore ruins with turn-based RPG-style combat. The DLC costs 1,200 yen and is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2. A 12-minute live-action short film produced by The Asylum was also released. The DLC requires the base game to be cleared, though a direct start option is available.
MINTROCKET showed a new trailer for the Dave the Diver DLC 'In The Jungle' during the PC Gaming Show 2026. The trailer includes live-action scenes of Dave and Bancho, plus giant creatures and dancing animals. The DLC launches June 18 on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch platforms.
MINTROCKET announced "Bancho the Chef," a prequel spin-off to "Dave the Diver," during Sony Interactive Entertainment's State of Play broadcast on June 3, 2026. The simulation game follows a young Bancho as he travels across Asia to become a top sushi chef. The reveal trailer showed Bancho cooking and washing dishes at the Japanese eatery Obata Shokudo, as well as exterminating bugs. The game is in development for PlayStation 5. No release date was given, but a wishlist option is available. The announcement was part of the June 2, 2026 State of Play livestream.