Loading critic reviews...
Deals
Finding deals...
Live Streams
Finding live streams...
About Panik
Panik is a puzzle-strategy game from Dojo System where you direct quirky characters called "panikers" to safety. Released on September 29, 2025, it’s available on PC and Nintendo Switch. The single-player campaign spans 100+ levels across 8 worlds, each with distinct themes. The twist? Panikers are frozen with fear until you figure out how to calm them. Think of it as a mix of logic puzzles and character-driven challenges. You’ll encounter a king, a magician, a robot, and a ninja, each with special skills that complicate or simplify your path. The game’s charm lies in its absurdity and the satisfaction of untangling chaotic scenarios.
Gameplay
Each level forces you to manipulate panikers’ abilities to reach goals. For example, the ninja might bypass obstacles but panic near water, while the robot requires power sources to move. Controls are straightforward, drag characters, adjust objects, and trigger environmental cues, but solutions often demand lateral thinking. A typical session involves trial and error: tweak one element, test the outcome, then adapt. The difficulty ramps steadily; early levels teach basics, but later ones layer multiple paniker behaviors and environmental hazards. The Switch port benefits from tactile Joy-Con controls, making puzzle-solving feel more direct. The core loop is simple but addictive, with each solved puzzle offering a burst of clarity after confusion.
What Players Think
PlayPile users rate Panik 8.2/10, with 87% completing the base campaign. Average playtime is 7 hours, though completionists spend up to 15. Community moods lean "frustrated but satisfied", levels 45-60 are notorious for repetitive mechanics. Critics praise the creativity (e.g., "a masterclass in incremental difficulty") but note a 12% drop-off after level 70. The game’s 50+ achievements are split between core puzzles and hidden challenges, with 93% completion reported by top players. One review says, "It’s like training hyperactive toddlers, annoying, but you’ll feel accomplished when they stop crying." The Switch version outsells PC by 3:1, likely due to its portability and family-friendly vibe.
PlayPile's Take
Panik is worth a playthrough if you enjoy methodical puzzles with a dash of whimsy. It’s priced at $29.99, which feels fair for the content but stretches thin in the mid-game slog. The achievements add replay value, especially for completionists. Casual players will appreciate the colorful visuals and bite-sized levels, while hardcore puzzlers might find the latter third repetitive. It’s a solid entry in the indie puzzle genre, best approached with patience. If you’ve mastered games like The Witness or Baba Is You, Panik offers a fresh, if occasionally grating, twist on problem-solving.
Game Modes
Single player
Achievements
Loading achievements...
Similar Games
Finding similar games...
Buzzing on Bluesky
Checking Bluesky...