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Barotrauma

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2023

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Quick resume

Barotrauma is a 2D co-op submarine simulator – in space, with survival horror and RPG elements. Steer your submarine, complete missions, fight monsters, fix leaks, operate machinery, man the guns and craft items, and stay alert: danger in Barotrauma doesn’t announce itself!

Global score

94/100

Genres

Action, Indie, Simulator, Strategy, Adventure

Pros

  • Deep cooperative multiplayer experience
  • High replayability with mods and customization
  • Immersive atmosphere and sound design
  • Complex and rewarding gameplay mechanics
  • Strong community and social bonding

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for new players
  • Some griefing and trolling in multiplayer
  • Singleplayer ai limitations
  • Performance issues on some systems
  • Campaign pacing can feel slow

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have significant freedom to choose roles, make decisions, and customize submarines and gameplay parameters."

  • Competence
    4

    "The game rewards skillful teamwork, technical knowledge, and mastery of complex mechanics."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is primarily on cooperative play and survival rather than direct competition or ranked modes."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Players report long sessions, habitual play, and high replayability with campaigns and mods."

  • Cooperation
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around teamwork, communication, and coordinated roles within a submarine crew."

  • Creativity
    5

    "Strong emphasis on building, modding, customizing submarines, characters, and gameplay mechanics."

  • Domination
    -4

    "Interactions emphasize shared decision-making and teamwork; griefing and trolling exist but are discouraged."

  • Escapism
    5

    "Players use the game as a deep immersive escape into a tense sci-fi underwater world."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and enjoyment, not obligation."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Encouraged to try new roles, strategies, and mod content; game supports exploration of mechanics."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Exploration of unknown underwater biomes, discovery of secrets, and dynamic events."

  • Expression
    4

    "Customization of characters, submarines, and environments allows personal expression."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Set in a sci-fi underwater world with monsters and fictional elements, supporting imaginative play."

  • Fellowship
    5

    "Strong sense of community and bonding through multiplayer cooperation and shared experiences."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players learn complex systems, improve teamwork skills, and develop strategies over time."

  • Health
    -4

    "Primarily sedentary gameplay with no physical activity; some references to drug use in roleplay."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires continuous attention and coordination during gameplay; not suited for passive play."

  • Intimacy
    3

    "Players form close bonds and friendships through shared multiplayer experiences."

  • Leadership
    4

    "Roles like captain require managing crew and making strategic decisions."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players accumulate upgrades, skills, and items through campaign and gameplay."

  • Relaxation
    -2

    "Gameplay is often tense and stressful, with moments of relief after overcoming challenges."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Atmospheric audio and visuals provide immersive sensory experiences."

  • Status
    -2

    "Social recognition is limited; focus is on team success rather than individual status."

  • Story
    3

    "Campaign and lore provide narrative immersion, though gameplay can be emergent and player-driven."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Requires planning, problem solving, and tactical decision-making in managing the submarine and crew."

  • Thrill
    4

    "High suspense and tension from environmental threats and unpredictable events."

  • Value
    4

    "Players perceive strong value for time and money due to extensive content and replayability."

  • Violence
    3

    "Combat and destruction are present but balanced with constructive and cooperative gameplay."

  • Survival
    5

    "Core gameplay centers on avoiding failure, managing resources, and surviving hostile threats."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026