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.

Publisher Daedalic Entertainment and developers FakeFish and Undertow Games announced that the sci-fi submarine sim Barotrauma is playable for free through Steam Early Access starting today at 10 am PST / 6 pm CET until Thursday, March 25th, same time.

The game will also be on sale at 55% off until Friday,  March 26th at 10 am PST / 6 pm CET. 

Barotrauma is currently in Steam Early Access and receives free updates and new content on a regular basis. The latest update, Uncharted Depths, was released in December 2020 and added new missions and enemies. Additionally, the game’s environments were completely overhauled, making the biomes of Europa more diverse, with distinct looking features and atmosphere. Level generation has also improved, with branching paths instead of linear progression.

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.