Few indie games in recent memory have carved out such a distinct identity as Pepper Grinder. Developed by Ahr Ech and published by Devolver Digital, this 2D action-platformer blends high-octane gameplay with an aesthetic and control scheme that instantly sets it apart from the crowded indie scene. Originally launched in March 2024 for Nintendo Switch and PC, the game has continued to expand its reach and improve its experience — and it’s more than deserving of your attention in 2025.
A Drill-Powered Platformer With Serious Style
At its core, Pepper Grinder is a love letter to movement-based platformers like Celeste and Ori, but with a wildly unique twist: drilling. You play as Pepper, a redheaded pirate whose tool of choice isn’t a sword, but a massive drill named Grinder. This mechanical beast lets you dive through dirt and burst out with momentum that feels like a mix between Ecco the Dolphin and Dig Dug, creating a sense of flow that’s as satisfying as it is fast.
What sets the game apart is how seamlessly the drill integrates into both traversal and combat. You can chain together jumps, drilling dives, aerial assaults, and puzzle-solving in fluid succession, rewarding both precision and creativity.
2024 Launch and Growing Momentum
The game launched on March 28, 2024, with critical acclaim and an overwhelmingly positive response on Steam (with over 85% positive reviews). Reviewers praised its “buttery smooth movement,” inventive level design, and speedrunner-friendly mechanics. The game’s short runtime — clocking in around 3 to 5 hours for a standard playthrough — was the only common critique, but the replayability and tight pacing have kept players engaged long after the credits rolled.
And now in 2025, Pepper Grinder is seeing a second wind thanks to expanded platform support and key updates.
New Platforms, New Players
One of the biggest developments this year is the console expansion. As of August 6, 2025, Pepper Grinder is officially available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, in addition to its original Switch and PC versions. This move opens the game up to millions of new players — and early feedback from console gamers has been just as enthusiastic.
The console ports also bring fully optimized gamepad support, with the UI dynamically adjusting to display correct button prompts for each platform. Performance across all systems is rock-solid, even on base PS4 and Xbox One hardware.
April 2024 Update: Speedrun Tools & Fixes
Devolver Digital and Ahr Ech also rolled out the game’s first major update in April 2024, which addressed a number of community requests:
- Speedrun Timer – A toggleable in-game timer ideal for runners tracking their PBs.
- Scene Skipping Options – Players can now skip certain cutscenes, boss intros, and even the credits.
- Gatling Bit Checkpoint Fix – No more losing this key weapon in late-game stages.
- Improved Controller Support – UI button mapping now reflects PS5 and Switch buttons accurately on PC.
These changes were a direct response to feedback from the growing player base and significantly improved the game’s quality-of-life experience — especially for speedrunners and completionists.
Merch, Collectibles, and Fan Love
In tandem with the growing popularity of Pepper Grinder, official merchandise launched in 2025, including T-shirts, plush toys, and art prints featuring Pepper and her trusty drill. Stickers and in-game collectibles also remain a strong part of the game’s completionist appeal, encouraging players to replay levels and uncover hidden gems.
There’s also a growing speedrunning community emerging around the game, with times already dipping below 30 minutes in any% categories, driven by the game’s emphasis on momentum and mechanical mastery.
Final Thoughts (But Not Really)
Pepper Grinder may have flown under your radar last year, but in 2025, it’s a must-play for fans of indie platformers, tight gameplay loops, and stylish action. With new platforms, expanded features, and a vibrant community backing it, there’s never been a better time to pick up that drill and start digging.
Key Takeaways
- Pepper Grinder’s latest update adds controller support for PlayStation and Switch, a speedrun timer, and various bug fixes.
- The game will launch on PlayStation and Xbox platforms on August 6, offering its unique drilling mechanic to more players.
- New Pepper Grinder merchandise is now available for pre-order for fans who want to celebrate the game’s distinctive art style.
Gameplay Mechanics and Features
Pepper Grinder stands out in the platformer genre with its innovative drilling mechanic that forms the core of its gameplay. Players navigate through varied environments using this unique movement system while collecting treasures and upgrading abilities.
Unique Drilling Experience
The heart of Pepper Grinder’s gameplay is its drill mechanic. Players control Pepper, who uses her drill to burrow through different terrain types with fluid precision. This drilling action isn’t just for breaking barriers—it creates a momentum-based movement system that feels smooth and responsive.
When drilling, Pepper can dive in and out of drillable surfaces, maintaining speed and creating a satisfying flow of movement. The mechanics allow for both precise platforming and exhilarating high-speed sections.
Different environments offer varying drilling experiences. Some materials provide more resistance, while others allow Pepper to zoom through with increased velocity. This variation keeps the drilling mechanic fresh throughout the game.
Progression and Levels
Pepper Grinder follows a traditional 2D platformer format where players progress from point A to point B across diverse levels. What makes it stand out is how the game constantly introduces new elements to keep gameplay evolving.
Each level brings new challenges through:
- Unique terrain compositions
- Environmental hazards
- Enemy patterns
- Specialized drilling sections
The difficulty curve increases gradually, with later levels requiring mastery of the drilling mechanics. Checkpoints are strategically placed to reduce frustration during particularly challenging sequences.
Boss fights serve as skill tests that combine platforming prowess with drilling expertise. These encounters often require players to use the environment strategically rather than relying on direct attacks.
Collectibles and Power-Ups
The game features a robust collection system centered around treasures and upgrades. As a treasure hunter, Pepper collects various riches throughout levels:
Main Collectibles:
- Coins and jewels (currency)
- Hidden treasures (completion rewards)
- Collectible stickers for the stickerbook
Power-ups enhance Pepper’s drilling capabilities, allowing for new movement options and combat possibilities. These upgrades might increase drilling speed, add combat abilities, or provide special movement techniques.
The collectible stickers serve both as achievements and as a way to track progress through the game. Completionists will enjoy hunting down these optional collectibles hidden in hard-to-reach areas of each level.
Special tools for the drill unlock throughout the game, adding new dimensions to both exploration and combat scenarios.
Release and Platform Availability
Pepper Grinder has expanded its availability across all major gaming platforms in 2024. The drilling adventure game initially launched on Nintendo Switch and Steam before making its way to PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
Launch Details and Pre-Order Information
Pepper Grinder officially arrived on PlayStation and Xbox platforms on August 6, 2024, as confirmed by recent promotional materials. This release followed the earlier launch on Nintendo Switch and Steam, giving more players a chance to experience this unique action-platformer.
Pre-orders for the console versions were available before the August launch, with Devolver Digital handling publishing duties across all platforms. Some retailers offered early access bonuses for pre-order customers.
The game’s marketing emphasized its distinctive drilling mechanics that allow players to “dive in and out of the earth like a dolphin swims through water,” creating excitement ahead of release.
Compatibility and Game Editions
Pepper Grinder runs on multiple PlayStation and Xbox systems. The game supports PS5 and PS4 consoles, while Xbox players can enjoy it on Xbox Series X|S.
The Nintendo Switch version takes advantage of the console’s portability, making it ideal for on-the-go gaming sessions. PC gamers can find the title on Steam with system requirements that make it accessible on various computer setups.
All versions feature the core gameplay experience where players control Pepper and use her drilling abilities to navigate levels and collect treasures. In-game shops allow players to:
- Power up Pepper’s abilities
- Unlock new paths on the world map
- Collect stickers for a stickerbook
The standard edition contains the full game experience, though special editions with exclusive content may be available through select retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pepper Grinder has received several updates since its release, adding new features and improvements based on player feedback. These updates have enhanced gameplay and expanded platform support while maintaining the game’s unique dig-based platforming mechanics.
What are the latest updates from Devolver Digital regarding Pepper Grinder game?
The most recent update for Pepper Grinder was released on April 19, 2024. This update added full support for PlayStation and Switch gamepads, making the game more accessible across different platforms.
The update also introduced a new speedrun timer feature, which has been well-received by the game’s speedrunning community. This allows players to track their completion times more accurately.
Additionally, the update included numerous quality-of-life improvements to enhance the overall gaming experience.
Has Pepper Grinder been announced for a physical release?
Currently, there has been no official announcement regarding a physical release for Pepper Grinder. The game remains primarily a digital release across its supported platforms.
Devolver Digital, the publisher, typically announces physical editions several months after initial digital releases for their more successful titles, but no such announcement has been made for Pepper Grinder as of March 2025.
What platforms is Pepper Grinder available on following the recent updates?
Pepper Grinder is available on Nintendo Switch and PC. The April 2024 update improved controller support specifically for PlayStation and Switch gamepads.
While the game offers PlayStation controller support, this refers to using PlayStation controllers on PC rather than a native PlayStation platform release. The game has not been announced for PlayStation or Xbox consoles.
How have recent updates impacted Pepper Grinder’s ratings on Metacritic?
The recent updates to Pepper Grinder have maintained its positive reception among players and critics. The quality-of-life improvements and additional features have been well-received.
However, specific updated Metacritic scores have not been widely reported following the latest patches. The game continues to be praised for its unique drilling mechanics and visual style.
Are there any new worlds introduced in the latest Pepper Grinder update?
The April 2024 update did not introduce new worlds to Pepper Grinder. The game’s core content remained the same with the original set of levels and environments.
The updates have focused more on technical improvements, control refinements, and quality-of-life features rather than adding new areas to explore.
What are the latest feature additions to Pepper Grinder as per the latest news?
The speedrun timer is the most significant new feature addition in the latest update. This tool helps players track their completion times precisely, catering to the speedrunning community.
The update also improved puzzle guidance and clarified unlock conditions for Stickers and Sticker Pages. These improvements help players understand how to complete objectives and collect all items.
Updated icons based on the source material were also implemented, enhancing the visual consistency of the game. These changes were made in response to player feedback.
