PowerWash Simulator 2 Review
Clean grime and dirt to save your town in the addictively relaxing PowerWash Simulator 2.
PowerWash Simulator 2. Credit: FuturLab
FuturLab returns with a sequel that delivers exactly what you’d expect: more powerwashing, more tools, and more zen-like satisfaction. PowerWash Simulator 2 takes everything that worked in the original and expands it without breaking the meditative formula that made cleaning virtual dirt weirdly compelling.
Following the events of the first game, you’ve set up a shop, and a new mystery unfolds involving stolen gems, mysterious beams in the sky, and the scummy County Mayor's “Town of the Year” initiative. The story continues through environmental storytelling and text messages from clients, but it's barely there. There’s a clear attempt to create some stakes, and I appreciate the silliness of the whole thing, but none of it feels meaningful. Characters remain faceless names who blend together, lacking any memorable personality. The narrative feels perfunctory; perhaps voice acting could've helped, but honestly, the game doesn't need a story at all.
PowerWash Simulator 2. Credit: FuturLab
What it does need is satisfying cleaning, and here PowerWash Simulator 2 excels. The extensive campaign throws increasingly complex jobs your way, from simple vehicles to massive structures with impressive verticality. You must use the powerful water spray to clean all the dirt, grime, and rust from everything in each level, after which you’re awarded currency to buy new gear. There are nine power washers in all, each with several nozzles. Some new additions: the surface cleaner makes quick work of floors, soap lets you pre-treat stubborn grime, and the adaptable nozzle changes spray width on the fly.
Aside from some attachments that add range to your water spray, the game provides ladders, scissor lifts, and scaffolding to reach high places. The Pro-Rise AE 300 abseiling system feels particularly great, letting you glide smoothly along vertical surfaces to clean efficiently.
PowerWash Simulator 2. Credit: FuturLab
The core loop remains hypnotic. Watching dirt disappear under your spray still triggers that primal satisfaction, especially when bright colors emerge from beneath the grime, which sometimes makes cleaning feel like painting. Multi-stage jobs add welcome surprises, opening new areas mid-level just when you think you're done. The new dirt finder helps eliminate late-job frustration by highlighting remaining spots.
Local split-screen co-op was my preferred way to play, turning solitary meditation into shared accomplishment. Some audio bugs were minor annoyances—sound cutting out or playing through the wrong controller. I also experienced some framerate drops in split-screen.
PowerWash Simulator 2. Credit: FuturLab
The graphics look great. Water flows realistically down surfaces; the look of wet surfaces in general adds a lot to the immersion. Environments are detailed. I just wish the lighting was a little more interesting. Furniture for your home base and cosmetics add a little bit to chase, but don’t do much for visual variety.
PowerWash Simulator 2 knows exactly what it is: digital meditation disguised as a cleaning game. The story might be forgettable, but when you're methodically erasing grime from a massive structure while chatting with a friend, none of that matters. I’m eager to check out the upcoming content and planned DLCs.
PowerWash Simulator 2 is available now on Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2.
Overall Score: 9/10
Played on: PS5
