PowerWash Simulator 2 is a pretty straightforward sequel. It sticks to the core of what made the first game such a cult hit, but builds on it just enough with a few smart revisions and new features.
Broadly, this is more of the same, but so strong is the satisfying clean-'em-up gameplay that we don't mind one bit. Each level presents you with a filthy vehicle or building, and your job is to wash it all away with a variety of tools, purchasing better gear as you progress.
It sounds like a chore, but erasing away the dirt and getting that gratifying "Ding!" when a part is fully clean never gets old. The sequel certainly hasn't lost that magic, and it only adds to the experience.
A central hub acts as a stopgap between jobs, and you can customise it with objects earned while cleaning. There are several new tools, like a specialised surface cleaner for floors, improved scaffolds, and abseiling equipment for some of the larger jobs.
Even soap has had an overhaul; it was an undercooked mechanic in PowerWash 1, but here it has much better utility.
The structure of the game is improved thanks to the hub, though we still feel like it's an oddly fragmented experience. You have a van but you don't drive it; the hub is fun but seemingly optional. Everything you need is accessed through a menu, and it just gives the game a slightly distanced, disconnected feel.
Still, the game knows what it does best, and that's providing a long list of varied and interesting things to clean. Whether it's an art deco house or a car that looks like a dog, there's a vast amount to do. Once you've finished a level in career mode, you can play it whenever you want in free play, too.
Again, PowerWash Simulator 2 isn't reinventing the wheel; it's an overhaul of the original that improves just about every aspect. It won't win over any sceptics, but if you loved the serene, zen-like satisfaction of hosing down houses, this is a no-brainer.





Comments 26
Could it be, could it be squeaky clean???
Does the game have gyro support? I don't know if the first did or not as I played it briefly. Enjoyed it tho.
@John_Deacon so if this is the 2nd one you could say its a squeequel
Reads like a 10/10 to me!
So how was performance? I know that sounds like a silly question for this game but they switched from Unity to UE5.
I'm also hoping it still has haptics and adaptive triggers.
GOTY 2025, can't wait to play tomorrow.
Also, if this is bigger and better, should it not be an 8 at least?
"bigger, better" != 7/10.
@themightyant To be fair I don't know how you are meant to review a game like Powerwash Simulator. I've put almost 100 hours into the first one but is it actually a 'good' game? Is it really a game at all? It's satisfying and addictive but would I actually recommend it to most gamers? Probably not. So 7/10 sounds right to me. I love it, but I can't really justify it.
Such a shame they refuse to give us a PSVR2 port.
Very very much looking forward to another 100+ hours in this one.
@Ooccoo_Jr I was slightly joking with my comment.
But I sort of agree it can be hard to review a game like this I suppose it comes down to things like: Did you have fun? Were you engaged and not thinking about other things?
I tried it on a whim, almost as a joke as it was on Game Pass and put about 30-50 hours into PWS1 so I get it. It sucks you in.
@Kidfunkadelic83 a squeaky clean squeeequel!
I enjoy playing the first one here and there so I'll pick up the sequel sometime.
I’d have already preordered this bad boy if they’d have let me.. PWS 1 was my go-to game for when I get off the car assembly line.. cannot wait to mellow out and chill after a long day with updated and new everything.. I’m hyped and my PS Wallet is ready and waiting! 😎
Loved the first one but hated the time trials. Ill buy it after Ive finished SH2 and AW2. Just bought the dlc for AW2 because its that good.
@naruball It's just way too obvious. It's like looking for your lost eye glasses that's on your head.
Day 1 for me! At first i thought this wasnt a game for me, until i tried it because we got it with PS Plus. Very relaxing to just clean stuff while listening to some music. Also hope they give the DLC pack for 1st game a nice discount, since i still want to play those but find them a bit expensive for what it is.
GOTY coming up!!
@Ooccoo_Jr it's weird init 🤣 played 1st abit on gamepass still gotta finish it but was actually enjoying 😭 was actually thinking to myself what am I doing 🤣🤣
@Ooccoo_Jr you make a fair point but a counterpoint: if a game has a niche appeal, how well does it cater to that niche? I think if you look at it in that context rather than comparing it with experiences which are wildly different it's more fair. Not that I'm saying this review doesn't do that necessarily, just talking in general.
Lack of crossplay is a game breaker for me. Hope in the future that changes but looks fun like the first
I want this on psvr2!
I played the first one while moving houses, and it really clicked, played 40h, almost finished the campaign (at the metro station rn). Don't know if this sequel interests me, I'll watch some gameplay vids
The real question is will this one get a PSVR version as its the perfect game for VR.
@John_Deacon and smash any hope for democracy...
Looks like gyro controls aren’t enabled at the moment, hopefully they patch it in soon. It could do with some deadzone config too
I want it in PSVR2 also but I played this last night and some of the levels take 20mins plus, VR might so sound like fun but im pretty sure it will be horrible after 15mins unless you got arms like a machine
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