The charming underwater world of Dave the Diver is about to get a visit from the vibrant cast of Like A Dragon, but this crossover comes with a significant caveat: a limited-time availability window.

Since its 2023 release, Dave the Diver has captivated players with its unique blend of relaxing fishing gameplay and vibrant pixel art.  What began as a seemingly cozy indie title quickly gained immense popularity, exceeding sales expectations and garnering awards nominations, including a controversial nod for Best Independent Game at The Game Awards 2023.  The game's success has even led to crossovers with other indie darlings like Balatro.

In a recent video announcement, Director Hwang confirmed the DLC's limited availability, stating it will only be accessible for six months following its April 10, 2025 release across all platforms.  This means players have until approximately October 10, 2025, to purchase the DLC.  While the content remains permanently playable after purchase, the limited window to acquire it has raised concerns.

Hwang acknowledged the potential disappointment for fans but stopped short of explaining the precise reasoning behind the time restriction. He characterized the DLC as a "special collaboration," hinting that the decision likely stems from Sega, the publisher and developer of the Like A Dragon series.  Sega’s control over the Like A Dragon IP, including protagonist Ichiban Kasuga and other characters, likely dictates the terms of the crossover, including its duration.

Time-limited content is not unheard of in the gaming industry, but it's typically associated with live-service games, making its appearance in a single-player title like Dave the Diver unusual. The announcement has been met with a mixture of disappointment and understanding on social media.  While some fans expressed frustration with the limited window and criticized Sega for potentially "leaving money on the table," many acknowledged the DLC’s substantial content and expressed their intention to purchase it before the deadline.  Comparisons have been drawn to the short-lived Streets of Kamurocho, a 2020 crossover between Streets of Rage and Like A Dragon, which was only available for a few days during Sega’s 60th Anniversary celebration.

Regardless of the rationale, players have a limited window to experience the Dave the Diver: Ichiban's Holiday DLC.  Newcomers to Dave the Diver might also want to consider diving in soon to enjoy the fullest possible experience while the crossover is available.