In Barotrauma, up to 16 players manage intricate submarine systems to survive in sub-zero temperatures and explore an alien ocean. The co-op multiplayer simulation will go into Steam Early Access this spring.

Barotrauma is set in the near future where intrepid adventurers have fled Earth and settled on Jupiter's watery moon Europa. In this inhospitable environment, human life is only possible in the ocean deep below the moon’s frozen surface, and this is where you and your (hopefully) brave crew come in. But it’s not just humans who fight for survival in the depths…

As a member of a submarine crew, you are tasked with directing your vessel through dangerous surroundings, exploring alien ruins and completing difficult missions. Players must manage all kinds of on-board systems, such as the nuclear reactor, sonar, guns, machines and more. Thanks to a complex crafting system, the crew can create tools, medicines and weapons to aid their survival.

It is important to act quickly and strategically, especially when faced with unexpected catastrophes. Including the role of captain, there are five different classes, and up to 16 players can join the crew of one submarine. Procedurally generated levels and events make for almost endless adrenaline-filled fun – whether you dive into the depths with your friends or just watch other players’ struggle against the dangers lurking below.

Daedalic Entertainment and independent studios FakeFish and Undertow Games have released the second major update for the unique sci-fi submarine simulator Barotrauma, suitably titled "The Beasts Within."

"The Beasts Within" is a free update for the hit early access survival game delivering a raft of new content and features:

• New Kastrull Submarine: The Kastrull is a dependable attack sub that brings plenty of firepower to any fight. Sporting an experimental open ballast tank, low tolerance to flooding, and numerous crew stations, a large, experienced crew will get the most out of this vessel.
• New Traitor Missions: The ability for players to secretly work against their teammates to manufacture their underwater demise is one of the most popular ways to play Barotrauma online. This update adds five bonus traitor missions, with more varied objectives than before.
• New Character Customization Options: 30 new character sprites, including new hair, beard and accessory options to give fans more ways to make their crew feel visually unique.
• New Hammerhead Monster Species: This new alien creature will pose a challenge even for Barotrauma veterans. The tiny Spawn variants aren’t a danger on their own, but in numbers they can easily overwhelm even a well prepared crew. Their Matriarch, on the other hand, is strong, angry and, in true sci-fi tradition, can punch a hole in your hull just for funsies.

This new content is accompanied by an improved server browser, radically overhauled bot AI logic to make it easier to tackle missions on your own in single-player, and over 100 quality-of-life improvements and bug fixes.

Barotrauma is now available on Steam Early Access for PC/Mac/Linux at $29.99/£21.49 GBP/€24.99.

Key Features

• Manage intricate submarine systems to survive in the depths below Europa, one of Jupiter’s frozen moons.
• Five classes: submarine captain, engineer, mechanic, medic, and assistant.
• Explore a vast ocean filled with alien life, ruins and other secrets daring to be explored.
• Work together in adrenaline-filled 2D co-op multiplayer with up to 16 players. Or betray your crew and bury them in the depths...
• Complex management and crafting systems.
• Procedurally created levels and events ensure no two games are the same.
• Distinct animation style and ragdoll physics.
• Monster Maker: Transform the game via Steam workshop and create your own sprites, submarines, levels – or alien monsters – for other players to download.