What are the pros of Barotrauma?

Exceptional emergent storytelling and chaotic multiplayer interactions create memorable gameplay moments.. Deep and complex gameplay mechanics involving physics, submarine systems, and survival.. Highly rewarding for players who enjoy the 'losing is fun' philosophy of hardcore survival games.. Robust submarine editor that allows for extensive customization and creative engineering.. Strong replayability and longevity when played with a dedicated group of friends..

What are the cons of Barotrauma?

Clunky 2D controls and a steep learning curve can make the initial experience frustrating.. Single-player mode is often described as boring and lacks the dynamic appeal of multiplayer.. Significant community criticism regarding the use of undisclosed AI-generated art assets.. AI crew members can be unreliable or make specific player roles feel redundant and mundane.. Difficulty in experiencing full campaign progression when limited to public servers..

Barotrauma

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!

94%

Very Positive

DevelopersFakeFish, Undertow Games

PublisherDaedalic Entertainment

Release DateMar 13, 2023

-50%

$39.99$19.99

Peak Players19.5K

Metacritic81

PlatformsWindows · macOS · Linux

AI Review Summary

Barotrauma is a hardcore 2D cooperative submarine simulator set in the depths of Europa, celebrated for its emergent storytelling and chaotic multiplayer moments. While it offers a deep gameplay loop and satisfying mechanics for groups, it suffers from clunky controls, a lackluster single-player experience, and community backlash regarding the use of AI-generated assets.

Pros

Exceptional emergent storytelling and chaotic multiplayer interactions create memorable gameplay moments.95%
Deep and complex gameplay mechanics involving physics, submarine systems, and survival.85%
Highly rewarding for players who enjoy the 'losing is fun' philosophy of hardcore survival games.80%
Robust submarine editor that allows for extensive customization and creative engineering.75%
Strong replayability and longevity when played with a dedicated group of friends.90%

Cons

Clunky 2D controls and a steep learning curve can make the initial experience frustrating.80%
Single-player mode is often described as boring and lacks the dynamic appeal of multiplayer.85%
Significant community criticism regarding the use of undisclosed AI-generated art assets.75%
AI crew members can be unreliable or make specific player roles feel redundant and mundane.70%
Difficulty in experiencing full campaign progression when limited to public servers.65%

Notable Mentions

Reviewers frequently compare the high-stakes, unforgiving nature of the game to Dwarf Fortress and Project Zomboid.
The submarine editor is a significant highlight, with some players spending hundreds of hours solely on ship design.
The game is highly recommended for players with a specific interest in underwater exploration and horror themes.

Confidence: 60%

Based on the 188 most relevant reviewsGenerated on Jul 26, 2026

Game Vitals

Live snapshot

Player Activity

Current peak

3.1K

Peak · last 90 days

8.3K

All-time peak

19.5K

Price

Current price

$39.99$19.99-50%

Lowest tracked

$17.49since Dec 19, 2025

Review Sentiment

Launch week

—

Last 30 days

95%

All-time positive

94%

Review Statistics

Total Reviews89.4K

Positive: 84.1K (94%)Negative: 5.3K (6%)

Reviews from Steam Deck

Dev Response Rate

118h

Avg Playtime at Review

84%

Credible Reviews