Top-rated Submarine survival RPG is free to play on Steam right now
Barotrauma is a 2D co-op submarine simulator that blends survival horror with role-playing elements. Developed by the Finnish studios FakeFish and Undertow Games, the game was published by Daedalic Entertainment and spent several years in Early Access before its full release in March 2023. Set in the distant future on Jupiter’s moon Europa, the story unfolds beneath a thick sheet of ice, where a dark, mysterious ocean hides countless dangers and unknown depths.
In Barotrauma, players take on the roles of submarine crew members navigating the perilous depths of Europa's ocean. Missions vary from exploring uncharted territory to transporting cargo and retrieving alien artifacts. To survive, players must manage intricate systems including power distribution, oxygen circulation, navigation and weaponry. The deep sea is filled with threats like hostile creatures, equipment malfunctions and sudden emergencies such as leaks or onboard fires that demand swift teamwork. Procedurally generated maps and robust modding support keep the experience fresh and highly replayable.
Barotrauma can be played solo or in co-op mode. In single-player, you command an AI crew, issuing orders to handle tasks like repairs, medical treatment or piloting the sub. Multiplayer, on the other hand, lets each player assume a specific role on the crew. Both modes feature the same missions and dangers but offer different gameplay experiences: solo play leans toward strategy and careful planning, while co-op is driven by dynamic teamwork, improvisation and the occasional burst of chaos.
Reviews: From co-op chaos to AI frustration - what players say about Barotrauma
Barotrauma has been warmly received by the Steam community, with players especially praising its tense, immersive atmosphere. The game’s eerie sound design and claustrophobic underwater setting work together to build a constant sense of unease. Co-op mode stands out for its unpredictable, often hilarious moments, while the gameplay offers impressive variety. Although the learning curve can be steep at first, many highlight the game’s depth and complexity – from its detailed medical system and intricate wiring mechanics to realistic pressure physics.
While Barotrauma has earned widespread praise, its single-player mode is often seen as a weaker point, largely due to underdeveloped AI that can lead to frustrating moments. Also, learning the game can be challenging, as tutorials don't cover all systems in depth and the interface is often described as confusing. Additionally, Public servers face issues with trolls, though this is more manageable on private or whitelisted servers. Despite these drawbacks, the game maintains a strong reputation among players. It holds a 94% positive rating from over 50,000 reviews on Steam. On Metacritic, the reception is slightly more reserved, with a Metascore of 81 and a user score of 7.9.
Free weekend
Barotrauma usually sells for around $35 on Steam, but from April 18 to 20, players can dive in and try it for free. If the game wins you over, you can grab it for half price, just $17.50, until April 26.
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.
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