Sludgineers launched with a small but useful set of public issue reports. The important distinction is reported now versus fixed now. This page does not turn every forum title into a confirmed universal bug.
Late-game performance and gas vents
The developers said in the Patch #1 notes that Patch #2 will focus on performance, specifically late game and gas vents. They also said players supplied system-spec information that is helping narrow the problem down.
If a gas-heavy late map is stuttering, that is currently a known investigation area. We do not recommend deleting saves or changing obscure system settings without evidence.
Steam Deck cursor / controls
A launch-week Steam discussion reports a missing cursor on Steam Deck. The developers’ Patch #1 roadmap explicitly lists Steam Deck cursor / control issues among the items planned for review and resolution in Patch #3.
That is stronger than a random workaround thread, but it is not the same as saying every Deck user is affected.
Sludge detector range
Players also reported a mismatch where the sludge detector range appears larger than the vacuum range. Patch #1’s “What’s Next” section specifically names the sludge detector range issue for Patch #3 review.
Until that update lands, use the highlight/detector as a hint for remaining pollution rather than assuming the displayed detection edge equals current suction reach.
Game stuck after level 1
A launch-week forum thread reports a game becoming stuck after the first level. This is a player report, not a confirmed global bug in the official notes.
Safe troubleshooting is the normal Steam path the developers themselves give for forcing an update: restart Steam and verify the integrity of installed game files. Back up important local data before taking any destructive save action.
Force the latest patch
Patch #1’s official instructions are:
- restart the Steam client;
- open the game’s Properties;
- choose Installed Files;
- use Verify integrity of game files.
Use that before assuming you are testing a bug on the newest build.
What we are watching next
- Patch #2: performance, especially late game and gas vents.
- Patch #3: Steam Deck controls/cursor, sludge detector range and other minor bugs.
This page should change as soon as those patches ship. Old launch reports will be moved into a resolved/history section rather than silently left as “current bugs.”

