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Darkwater

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2025

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Quick resume

Darkwater is a cooperative extraction horror game for 1-4 players. Command a submarine trapped under the ice of an alien planet. Battle enemy vessels and deep sea abominations as you hunt for resources. Do what it takes to survive.

Global score

80/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Casual, Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Early Access

Pros

  • Engaging cooperative multiplayer with distinct roles
  • Submarine customization and strategic combat
  • Immersive underwater atmosphere and tension
  • Good value for price with promising development
  • Active developer communication and updates

Cons

  • Repetitive exploration and limited enemy variety
  • Melee combat feels unpolished and simplistic
  • Technical bugs and occasional performance issues
  • Lack of advanced social features and voice chat problems
  • Short game length and limited content in early access

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players can customize submarine layout and choose roles freely during combat and exploration, allowing personal control over actions and decisions."

  • Competence
    3

    "Combat and submarine management require skill and coordination, though some melee combat is described as simplistic and buggy."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is on cooperative play and personal/team progression rather than direct competition or leaderboards."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Players report replayability through submarine customization and multiplayer sessions, though some find content limited and repetitive."

  • Cooperation
    5

    "Strong emphasis on teamwork with distinct player roles managing submarine systems and combat, requiring coordination."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Submarine customization and room rearrangement allow creative expression in ship design and strategy."

  • Domination
    -4

    "Interactions emphasize shared teamwork and mutual survival rather than exerting control or superiority over others."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Immersive dark underwater setting and tense gameplay provide a strong escape from real life stress."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment rather than obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players experiment with submarine builds, strategies, and roles, though some aspects like combat are repetitive."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Exploration of procedurally generated outposts and map navigation is a core gameplay element, though some find it repetitive."

  • Expression
    3

    "Customization of submarine interiors and layouts supports player self-expression."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Game features imaginative underwater horror and sci-fi elements, blending fiction with submarine combat."

  • Fellowship
    4

    "Community and cooperative multiplayer experiences foster a sense of belonging and shared goals."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop skills in combat, resource management, and teamwork, with meta progression unlocking new ships."

  • Health
    -5

    "Game is sedentary with no physical activity or health-related mechanics."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Gameplay requires active attention and coordination; downtime is minimal during combat and exploration."

  • Intimacy
    2

    "Some social interaction and communication among players, but limited evidence of deep emotional connections."

  • Leadership
    2

    "Players may take on guiding roles in coordinating submarine tasks, but leadership is shared and collaborative."

  • Progression
    4

    "Unlocking new submarines, upgrading rooms and weapons, and collecting loot drive player progression."

  • Relaxation
    -2

    "Gameplay is tense and challenging with moments of anxiety, not primarily focused on relaxation."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Atmospheric audio-visuals and intense moments provide sensory stimulation and emotional engagement."

  • Status
    -3

    "No prominent social status or ranking systems; focus is on cooperative play rather than recognition."

  • Story
    2

    "There is narrative context and logs, but emergent storytelling and gameplay are the main focus."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Submarine combat and resource management require planning, coordination, and tactical decision-making."

  • Thrill
    4

    "Tense combat, resource scarcity, and exploration of dark environments create suspense and excitement."

  • Value
    4

    "Players feel the game offers good value for its price, especially given its current content and replayability."

  • Violence
    3

    "Combat involves attacking enemies and enemy submarines, with melee and ranged weapons used."

  • Survival
    4

    "Core gameplay revolves around managing submarine integrity, resources, and avoiding death."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026