It’s D-Day once again at Mintrocket studios as we send Dave the Diver’s biggest DLC yet into the wild with the launch of the In the Jungle expansion.

This isn’t our first Dave the Diver DLC, but we consider it so much more than a typical DLC, and it’s a much different experience than the previously released DLCs that our fans are used to. With today’s launch, I wanted to share a little about what In the Jungle is (and isn’t), highlight some of the experiences I’m most excited for players to discover, and, of course, offer a few behind-the-scenes stories about how this expansion came to life.

A Wild Caught Jungle Adventure

Firstly, while In the Jungle is a DLC in name, it is really a full-fledged expansion and a departure from the base game in many ways. Deciding to go this route instead of an official sequel was a strategic and creative choice; with a DLC, we could afford to be much bolder and take some risks, and I think that shines through with the final product. With up to 10 hours of playable content in the expansion, there’s no question that our team put a ton of effort and heart into this project, and we never looked at it as a simple DLC. From the start, we knew this was going to be big, bold, and a whole new experience for Dave.

While there’s plenty of familiarity, there’s a lot of new experiences for players, between new characters, fish and wildlife, ingredients, and even the Bancho Grill, which brings a completely new experience to the restaurant management aspects. With this adventure, Dave and the crew venture into a remote jungle region with Dr. Bacon, and even while completely out of their element, Dave always has a way with the locals, so he’s able to form relationships with the villagers, manages and serves at Bancho Grill, and still have plenty of time to explore and uncover amazing new ingredients.

As we designed this expansion, both narratively and from a mechanics-driven standpoint, we knew the Jungle biome offered enormous potential. Freshwater ecosystems are incredibly diverse, and outside of the deep sea, few environments can match the jungle’s abundance of wildlife, natural resources, and culinary inspiration.

That rich foundation allowed us to focus on the elements that make Dave the Diver special and elevate them in meaningful new ways.

What’s New In the Jungle

Longtime fans know that we don’t cut corners, and we rarely create ideas based on assumptions alone.

During development, our game design lead and I traveled throughout Southeast Asia to experience local cuisine firsthand. We participated in cooking classes, explored regional food culture, and immersed ourselves in the communities that inspired much of the expansion. I personally spent two weeks in Indonesia, discovering local ingredients and flavors.

It’s difficult to fully capture those experiences in words. Instead, I hope players can feel those inspirations throughout In the Jungle. Seeing those memories and experiences transformed into gameplay has been one of the most rewarding parts of bringing this expansion to life.

Of course, we also take creative liberties. Some of the dishes featured in Dave the Diver couldn’t exist anywhere in the real world, and that sense of imagination remains central to the game’s identity. In the Jungle continues that tradition by blending authentic inspiration with fantastical ingredients and culinary creations.

The expansion also introduces several new characters, including Muna and Marone, who bring fresh personalities and perspectives to Dave’s growing world. There are also a few crossover surprises waiting to be discovered. Some are subtle, while others are much harder to miss, but I hope they can bring in an extra bit of enjoyment as you adventure the new Jungle village.

Diving Back In

With an expansion of this scale, we know In the Jungle will attract both returning fans and players who are experiencing Dave the Diver for the very first time.

To all of our new players: welcome. We’re excited to have you join us, and we hope this adventure exceeds your expectations.

For both newcomers and longtime fans, it’s important to note that the In the Jungle expansion becomes available after completing the main story of Dave the Diver. In case there are players who are willing to dive straight into the DLC content, we’re offering an option to start In the Jungle right away without finishing the main game. That said, we still strongly recommend completing the main game before you start In the Jungle, as there’s important story continuity that we don’t want anyone to miss.

An Unexpected Perspective

Another fun surprise we’ve been working on behind the scenes is our partnership with The Asylum to create a live-action short film inspired by the In the Jungle expansion.

Several members of the team and I have been longtime fans of The Asylum’s unique brand of over-the-top creature features and mockbuster films — you may know them from titles like “Sharknado” and “Meth Gator.” Collaborating with them was a dream come true, and we’re excited to finally share the results with our players.

Be sure to check out the full short film here: [LINK TO YOUTUBE VERSION]

The Jungle Calls 

Our team pursued some ambitious ideas with In the Jungle, and without the passion and support of our community, we might never have had the confidence to bring them to life.

So, thank you.

We invite you to join Dave on his next great adventure and discover the secrets waiting to be uncovered in Utara. The jungle is filled with new mysteries, new friendships, and plenty of surprises.

And for players who have been waiting for the perfect moment to jump in, there has never been a better time to dive. Dave the Diver is currently available at its lowest price ever, with 50% off for a limited time.

Dave the Diver – In the Jungle is available now on XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX Cloud Gaming, and XBOX on PC, and is an XBOX Play Anywhere title.

DAVE THE DIVER – In the Jungle Content Pack

MINTROCKET

☆☆☆☆☆
1

★★★★★

$9.99

Dave’s adventure continues, this time in the heart of the jungle.

Leaving the Blue Hole behind, Dave and his crew travel to the jungle to investigate a mysterious phenomenon reported in the village of Utara. Beneath the jungle lake awaits a brand-new ecosystem to explore, along with new missions and discoveries. Featuring over 10 hours of new story and gameplay, DAVE THE DIVER – In the Jungle Content Pack introduces new systems, new locations, and thrilling new adventures beyond the ocean.

Freshwater Lake – Discover a whole new ecosystem
Prepare to encounter unfamiliar creatures, discover new ingredients, and face the hidden dangers lurking deep within an ancient underwater civilization.

Bancho Grill – New restaurant, new menu, same Bancho standards
Welcome to Bancho Grill, where bold jungle ingredients meet Bancho’s uncompromising culinary craft. Build relationships with the villagers and they might stop by as guests. See for yourself whether Bancho’s legendary cooking can win over the jungle too!

Utara Village – a warm welcome in the jungle
Lend a hand to the villagers and build meaningful relationships. Some may be wary of outsiders at first… but a thoughtful gift or a great meal can go a long way!

The jungle runs deeper
The jungle holds more than just villages and lakes. From mysterious ancient temples to eerie forests, Dave and his crew’s adventure continues deeper into the unknown!