PowerWash Simulator

Image:Powerwash simulator screenshot.png

PowerWash Simulator is a simulation game played in the first-person perspective. Set in the fictional town of Muckingham, players take control of a small power washing business and take jobs for a variety of clients in different locations in the form of levels.{{Cite web |last=Bonthuys |first=Darryn |date=21 April 2021 |title=PowerWash Simulator Looks Like A Cathartic Way To Fight Grime |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/powerwash-simulator-looks-like-a-cathartic-way-to-fight-grime/1100-6490419/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809194251/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/powerwash-simulator-looks-like-a-cathartic-way-to-fight-grime/1100-6490419/ |archive-date=9 August 2021 |access-date=2 September 2021 |website=GameSpot}} Players must remove dirt from various vehicles and locations, ranging from residential houses to a Mars rover, to complete each level.{{Cite web |last=Marshall |first=Cass |date=7 June 2021 |title=PowerWash Simulator is my new chill vibes game |url=https://www.polygon.com/reviews/22463516/powerwash-simulator-review-chill-game-mechanics |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809194255/https://www.polygon.com/reviews/22463516/powerwash-simulator-review-chill-game-mechanics |archive-date=9 August 2021 |access-date=2 September 2021 |website=Polygon}} The player can switch between four washer nozzles which vary in power and spray diameter; certain nozzles are more effective for cleaning different surface types. Cleaning solutions designed for specific surface types can also be applied. A progress bar indicates how much dirt remains on an object; the player can also press a button to highlight any dirt remaining on a surface. Successfully cleaning an object will grant the player money, which can then be used to purchase new cosmetic items and upgrade their power washing tools.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=William |date=16 July 2021 |title=I was worried, but then PowerWash Simulator washed my dumb, anxious brain clean |url=https://www.avclub.com/have-you-heard-the-good-news-about-powerwash-simulator-1847296497 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902194002/https://www.avclub.com/have-you-heard-the-good-news-about-powerwash-simulator-1847296497 |archive-date=2 September 2021 |access-date=2 September 2021 |website=The A.V. Club}} These upgrades allow the player to customise their washer to be more effective at certain ranges or in certain situations.{{Cite web |last=Devore |first=Jordan |date=20 April 2021 |title=PowerWash Simulator is somebody's dream game |url=https://www.destructoid.com/powerwash-simulator-is-somebodys-dream-game/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809194255/https://www.destructoid.com/powerwash-simulator-is-somebodys-dream-game/ |archive-date=9 August 2021 |access-date=2 September 2021 |website=Destructoid}} Some levels also grant players the use of a ladder or scaffolding, which can be placed to reach higher areas.

The game features cooperative multiplayer for up to six players online. Players can join sessions in progress or matchmake. All scenarios and environments are available in cooperative play. An additional single-player challenge mode tasks players with completing certain jobs with limited water or within a time limit, with players being ranked based on their performance.{{Cite web |last=Radulovic |first=Petrana |date=December 3, 2021 |title=PowerWash Simulator's new online co-op play adds positive peer pressure |url=https://www.polygon.com/22815735/powerwash-simulator-update-co-op-multiplayer |access-date=February 17, 2024 |website=Polygon}}

At the beginning of the game, the player character has just started their own power washing business in the town of Muckingham. They are gifted a van by their friend, archaeologist Harper Shaw, who helps them find their first few clients. During each job, the power washer character receives text messages from the client; these text messages often include information about the location or vehicle being cleaned, explanations on how it became so dirty, and their thoughts on things going on around Muckingham. As the power washer completes each job, their reputation around town grows and they are hired for more work by returning and new clients.

As time passes, the people of Muckingham begin noticing strange occurrences, such as unusual activity near the dormant Mount Rushless volcano and the disappearance of all of Muckingham's cats, including Mayor Jeff Jefferson XIII's cat Ulysses. Further messages reveal that Mayor Jefferson has been diverting the town's water to an illegal mining operation by corrupt tycoon Blake Thrust, leading the mayor to flee the town. Eventually, the power washer is hired to clean a flying saucer controlled by Ceruleon Skye, a time-travelling scientist from the year 2278. Skye explains he was investigating the impending eruption of Mount Rushless, which in his future triggered the eruption of every volcano on the Pacific Rim, blocking out the sky with ash for decades and causing near global extinction. However, Thrust shot down Skye's ship and stole some of his technology, upsetting the timeline and causing the volcano to become active ahead of schedule.

Several previous clients begin evacuating from Muckingham to escape the volcano. Shaw discovers two ancient statues unearthed by the recent seismic activity, one of which fires a beam towards Mount Rushless after being cleaned, and the other of which points to a temple emerging from the ocean, the fishy smell of which had attracted Muckingham's cats. With the help of some of their clients, the power washer reaches the temple, finding it filled with tributes to themself. When the power washer finishes cleaning the temple, a gem emerges that fires another beam at the volcano. Thrust's private jet flies towards the temple, but it is shot down by Skye's flying saucer. Skye notifies the power washer that the temple was built by the Pacifists, the Pacific counterparts of the Atlanteans, and that Thrust's search for their civilization and its rare ores punctured Mount Rushless's magma chamber, triggering its premature eruption. To prevent this, Skye travelled back to the Pacifists' time and told them the power washer's story, and they agreed to convert the temple into an offshore platform with a neutralizing beam that would stop Mount Rushless from erupting when cleaned by an experienced power washer. With the timeline now safe, the power washer returns to their business, finding Ulysses hiding in their van with his kittens.{{Cite web |last=Bell |first=Alice |date=December 29, 2023 |title=Why did no one tell me PowerWash Sim has actual lore |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/why-did-no-one-tell-me-powerwash-sim-has-actual-lore#comments |access-date=February 2, 2024 |website=Rock Paper Shotgun}}

The game was first released for Microsoft Windows on May 19, 2021 via Steam's early access feature.{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Alice |date=May 19, 2021 |title=PowerWash Simulator is exactly what it sounds like, in early access now |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/powerwash-simulator-is-exactly-what-it-sounds-like |access-date=February 17, 2024 |website=Rock, Paper, Shotgun}}

Several bonus jobs have been added to the game via a series of free updates and content packs since launch, the last of which was released on 29 May 2025.{{cite web | last=Romano | first=Sal | title=PowerWash Simulator ‘The Muckingham Files 6’ update now available | website=Gematsu | date=2025-05-29 | url=https://www.gematsu.com/2025/05/powerwash-simulator-the-muckingham-files-6-update-now-available | access-date=2025-05-30}} Multiple "Special Pack" expansions themed after other media franchises have also been released as downloadable content. These include the "Tomb Raider Special Pack" on 31 January 2023;{{Cite web |last=Shearon |first=Andrea |date=19 January 2023 |title=Tomb Raider Reemerges as PowerWash Simulator DLC That Lets You Clean Lara Croft's Mansion |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/tomb-raider-powerwash-simulator-dlc-launches-for-free |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829142917/https://www.ign.com/articles/tomb-raider-powerwash-simulator-dlc-launches-for-free |archive-date=29 August 2023 |access-date=1 September 2023 |website=IGN}} the Final Fantasy VII Remake-themed "Midgar Special Pack" on 2 March 2023;{{Cite web |last=Moyse |first=Chris |date=31 January 2023 |title=PowerWash Simulator is headed to Midgar for Final Fantasy VII DLC |url=https://www.destructoid.com/powerwash-simulator-final-fantasy-vii-dlc-midgar-anniversary/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329220941/https://www.destructoid.com/powerwash-simulator-final-fantasy-vii-dlc-midgar-anniversary/ |archive-date=29 March 2023 |access-date=1 September 2023 |website=Destructoid}} the "SpongeBob SquarePants Special Pack" on 29 June 2023;{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=18 May 2023 |title=PowerWash Simulator DLC 'SpongeBob SquarePants Special Pack' announced |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/05/powerwash-simulator-dlc-spongebob-squarepants-special-pack-announced |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609012410/https://www.gematsu.com/2023/05/powerwash-simulator-dlc-spongebob-squarepants-special-pack-announced |archive-date=9 June 2023 |access-date=1 September 2023 |website=Gematsu}} the "Back to the Future Special Pack" on 16 November 2023;{{Cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Victoria |date=1 September 2023 |title=Great Scott! There's a Back to the Future DLC coming to PowerWash Simulator |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/great-scott-theres-a-back-to-the-future-dlc-coming-to-powerwash-simulator |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902002510/https://www.eurogamer.net/great-scott-theres-a-back-to-the-future-dlc-coming-to-powerwash-simulator |archive-date=2 September 2023 |access-date=1 September 2023 |website=Eurogamer}} the "Warhammer 40,000 Special Pack" on 27 February 2024,{{Cite web |last=Marshall |first=Cass |date=25 May 2023 |title=PowerWash Simulator heads to the grimdark future of Warhammer 40K |url=https://www.polygon.com/23736240/warhammer-40k-powerwash-simulator-crossover |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525183354/https://www.polygon.com/23736240/warhammer-40k-powerwash-simulator-crossover |archive-date=25 May 2023 |access-date=25 May 2023 |website=Polygon}} the "Alice's Adventures Special Pack" on 2 July 2024,{{cite web | last=Romano | first=Sal | title=PowerWash Simulator DLC 'Alice's Adventures Special Pack' announced | website=Gematsu | date=June 7, 2024 | url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/06/powerwash-simulator-dlc-alices-adventures-special-pack-announced | access-date=June 8, 2024}} the "Shrek Special Pack" on 10 October 2024,{{Cite web |last=Wales |first=Matt |date=August 27, 2024 |title=PowerWash Simulator heading to Shrek's fairytale world this autumn |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/powerwash-simulator-heading-to-shreks-fairytale-world-this-autumn |access-date=August 27, 2024 |website=Eurogamer}} and the "Wallace & Gromit Special Pack" on 4 March 2025.{{cite web | last=Romano | first=Sal | title=PowerWash Simulator DLC ‘Wallace & Gromit Special Pack’ announced | website=Gematsu | date=January 9, 2025 | url=https://www.gematsu.com/2025/01/powerwash-simulator-dlc-wallace-gromit-special-pack-announced | access-date=January 9, 2025}}

A sequel, PowerWash Simulator 2, is currently scheduled for a 2025 release for Windows, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S without involvement from Square Enix Collective.

{{Video game reviews

| MC = PC: 73/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/powerwash-simulator/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=PowerWash Simulator for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=April 28, 2023 |archive-date=18 November 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231118050252/https://www.metacritic.com/game/powerwash-simulator/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |url-status=live }}
XSXS: 75/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/powerwash-simulator/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |title=PowerWash Simulator for Xbox Series X Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=August 23, 2022}}
NS: 84/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/powerwash-simulator/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=PowerWash Simulator for Switch Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=February 15, 2023}}
PS5: 75/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/powerwash-simulator/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |title=PowerWash Simulator for PlayStation 5 Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=February 15, 2023 |archive-date=18 November 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231118050307/https://www.metacritic.com/game/powerwash-simulator/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |url-status=live }}

| IGN = 7/10{{cite web |last=Cardy |first=Simon |date=July 19, 2022 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/powerwash-simulator-review |title=PowerWash Simulator Review |website=IGN |access-date=July 20, 2022 |archive-date=20 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720214529/https://www.ign.com/articles/powerwash-simulator-review |url-status=live }}

| rev1 = Pure Xbox

| rev1Score = {{Rating|8|10}}{{cite web |last=Gilbert |first=Fraser |date=July 13, 2022 |url=https://www.purexbox.com/reviews/xbox-series-x/powerwash-simulator |title=Review: PowerWash Simulator – A Great Way To Chill Out With Xbox Game Pass |website=Pure Xbox |access-date=July 16, 2022 |archive-date=16 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716113525/https://www.purexbox.com/reviews/xbox-series-x/powerwash-simulator |url-status=live }}

}}

Cass Marshall of Polygon praised the game for its casual gameplay, writing that it "[captures] the most relaxing bits of home care with none of the hassle." Jordan Devore of Destructoid also praised the game for its "robust" gameplay, but noted that slight issues were present in the game's demo, including walking on slopes and finishing the last portion of levels. Gabriel Zamora of PCMag similarly gave praise to the satisfying gameplay loop, relaxing game feel, variety of items to clean, and "terrific" graphical style and presentation but took issue with the "poorly implemented" soap system, "unnatural" water and dirt simulation, "bland" sound, and "sluggish" character movement.{{Cite web |last=Zamora |first=Gabriel |date=19 April 2022 |title=PowerWash Simulator (for PC) Review |url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/powerwash-simulator-for-pc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716113525/https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/powerwash-simulator-for-pc |archive-date=16 July 2022 |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=PC Magazine |language=en}}

PowerWash Simulator received "generally favorable" reviews according to review aggregator Metacritic, but received "mixed or average" reviews for the Windows version.

Ed Thorn of Rock Paper Shotgun praised the game's career mode, zen-like gameplay feel, variety of substantial modes, and addition of online co-op, but criticised the pacing of some jobs, concluding, "...issues with the game are small in comparison with the true satisfaction and serene spaces it provides...It's not overly complex, doesn't take itself too seriously, and still has plenty of depth for those who just want to hose down a bungalow."{{Cite news |last=Thorn |first=Ed |date=2022-07-12 |title=PowerWash Simulator review: a first-person soother built to relieve pressure |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/powerwash-simulator-review-a-first-person-soother-built-to-relieve-pressure |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716113525/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/powerwash-simulator-review-a-first-person-soother-built-to-relieve-pressure |archive-date=16 July 2022 |access-date=2022-07-16 |work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |language=en}} Fraser Gilbert of Pure Xbox appreciated its intuitive gameplay, leisurely pace, variety of modes, and inclusion of online co-op while noting its repetitive nature and lack of a proper soundtrack.

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Category:2022 video games

Category:Early access video games

Category:FuturLab games

Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games

Category:Nintendo Switch games

Category:PlayStation 4 games

Category:PlayStation 5 games

Category:Simulation video games

Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom

Category:Windows games

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Category:Xbox Series X and Series S games