Cold Waters similar games & best alternatives
Cold Waters
2017
Related articles
Quick resume
Spiritual Successor to the Microprose Classic “Red Storm Rising”.
Global score
87/100
Genres
Indie, Simulator, Strategy, Real Time Strategy (RTS)
Similar games
Pros
- Realistic and immersive submarine warfare
- Challenging and rewarding gameplay
- Active and supportive modding community
- Good value especially on sale
- Steep learning curve with growth opportunities
Cons
- No multiplayer or cooperative play
- Limited base game content without mods
- Some ai detection inconsistencies
- Graphics and models somewhat dated
- Campaign missions can feel repetitive
Analysis
Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Leadership, Survival, Violence, Strategy. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Fantasy, Expression, Cooperation.
How to use the graph
Similar games map
Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.
- Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
- Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
- Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
- Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.
Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.
Motivations
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Autonomy4
"Players have significant control over submarine maneuvers, tactics, and strategic decisions in campaigns and missions."
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Competence5
"High skill ceiling with complex sonar use, torpedo evasion, and tactical planning; steep learning curve noted by many players."
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Competition-4
"Focus is on solo play against AI with no multiplayer; players compete against game challenges rather than other players."
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Continuation4
"Many players report long play sessions, repeated attempts to master missions, and hundreds of hours played."
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Cooperation-5
"Gameplay is primarily single-player with no cooperative multiplayer; players operate independently."
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Creativity2
"Modding community adds new subs, campaigns, and missions, allowing some creative expansion beyond base game."
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Domination-5
"No evidence of player dominance over others; interactions are against AI with balanced engagements."
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Escapism3
"Players use the game for immersion in submarine warfare and distraction, enjoying tense and atmospheric gameplay."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily out of interest and intrinsic motivation, not obligation or external pressure."
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Experimenting3
"Players experiment with different subs, tactics, and mods; learning and adapting strategies is key."
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Exploration1
"Some exploration of different campaigns and missions, but mostly within known naval combat scenarios."
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Expression-3
"Limited customization; players mainly use predefined subs and missions, though mods add some variety."
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Fantasy-4
"Strong focus on realistic Cold War era submarine warfare and historical accuracy rather than imaginative fiction."
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Fellowship-4
"Minimal social interaction; community exists mainly around modding and discussion rather than in-game social play."
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Growth5
"Steep learning curve with skill acquisition in sonar, tactics, and multi-tasking; players develop expertise over time."
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Health-5
"Sedentary gameplay typical of PC strategy/simulation games; no physical activity involved."
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Idle-3
"Requires sustained attention during missions; slow pacing but active engagement needed."
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Intimacy-5
"No close social or emotional relationships formed in-game; interactions are minimal and surface-level."
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Leadership3
"Players act as submarine captain making command decisions, managing resources and crew actions."
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Progression3
"Campaigns and missions involve completing objectives and unlocking new subs and scenarios, with mod content expanding options."
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Relaxation2
"Some players find the slow, methodical gameplay relaxing, though tense moments occur during combat."
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Sensation2
"Sound design and atmosphere provide immersive sensory experience, though graphics are modest."
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Status-4
"No social status or recognition systems; achievements are personal and not publicly displayed."
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Story1
"Campaigns have some narrative context and mission consequences, but story is minimal and functional."
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Strategy5
"Heavy emphasis on tactical and strategic thinking, planning, and problem solving in combat and campaign."
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Thrill4
"Tense moments of evading torpedoes and engaging enemies create suspense and excitement."
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Value3
"Players generally feel the game offers good value, especially with mods and on sale; some consider full price steep."
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Violence4
"Combat involves sinking enemy ships and submarines with torpedoes and missiles; destruction is central gameplay."
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Survival5
"Core gameplay revolves around avoiding detection, evading torpedoes, and surviving engagements."
Last update: 29/04/2026