In 2022, Powerwash Simulator, the relaxing sim game by FuturLab and published by Square Enix, took the world by storm. After playing the demo for Powerwash Simulator 2, they’re poised to do it again in 2025. But what can a fairly simple simulation game about powerwashing do to not only prove why it needed a sequel, but also show why it could do more than what came in a simple DLC package. Turns out, quite a lot. And if you’re also unsure, play the demo for yourself to see how Powerwash Simulator 2 is excellent and has improved an already fantastic game.
The first game was the epitome of a zero-stress experience—minimal management, with detailed levels that focused on cleaning. Plus, seeing a timelapse at the end of each level was satisfying. But the best part? The dings. Whenever you thoroughly cleaned an object, a small *ding* would play, which was great to hear every single time.
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The original game wasn’t faultless. Many of its levels were too big and took hours to complete. Additionally, some of its mechanics, like climbing and soaps, were tedious to use. That all changes in the sequel. Especially the soap.
The modular levels of Powerwash Simulator 2 are a game-changer.
In Powerwash Simulator 2, instead of a large spray area that only affects one type of material at a time, soap is now the most satisfying way to clean. Think of soap now as if you were using soap, but on steroids. You spray down an area with the stuff, particularly areas that have dug-in dirt and stains. When you spray it with water, the soaped areas are now completely clean.
Plus, it’s just really fun to spray down a whole wall with soap, particularly with how it’s visualized with a thick, soapy layer. The soap is a good balance to the new sprayers, which feel significantly weaker in terms of range and raw power. Maybe the sprayers will get stronger—as strong as the end-level powerwashes from the first game—but either way, the soap is a nice compromise that makes the gameplay loop even more satisfying.
The modular levels of Powerwash Simulator 2 are a game-changer. Evolving and growing the stage as you clean really breaks up how daunting some of the levels could be. In the demo’s level, you clean the “ground,” and after finishing it, the bathroom pops up from below. You then have to clean the outside before the inside opens up.
Previously, dividing and conquering a level, playing in pieces, helped reduce the amount of work required in many levels. The game does that for you, significantly changing the pace. Finishing a part of a level offers a nice, natural break to step away and do something else. It offers a great excuse to give your eyes a break before playing more.
Breaking up the gameplay with mini cleans back at the decoratable home base is also quite enjoyable.
Breaking up the gameplay with mini cleans back at the decoratable home base is also quite enjoyable. Now, you have a base that is customizable with purchasable furniture. Of course, in this dirty world, the furniture and accessories come dirty. They must be cleaned before they can be placed around. Trading fewer small, highly detailed levels as part of the campaign for grander levels, in addition to small, quick optional missions by purchasing furniture, is fine. That’s also a good trade-off for the health and longevity of the game, as it gives players more control over the pacing of their playthroughs.
While the demo features only one of the game’s new tools, the returning tools, such as the ladder, definitely feel more refined overall to use. The movement is smoother and more responsive overall than before. Once the full game launches later this month, based on how great the classic forms of movement feel, everything new still to come is going to be exciting.
Since its announcement, Powerwash Simulator 2 has quickly become a highly anticipated game of 2025. The demo proves that not only was a sequel the right call, but Futurlab has listened to all feedback from the original game.
Powerwash Simulator 2 is available on October 23rd on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
