Barotrauma (v1.13.4.0 & ALL DLC)

Europa’s black ocean turns every submarine shift into a desperate fight against pressure, panic, and whatever moves beyond the hull. Barotrauma is a 2D co-op survival simulator with horror elements, set beneath the ice of Jupiter’s moon where isolated outposts rely on crews willing to haul cargo, hunt resources, and survive lethal transit routes. Its tone swings brilliantly between tense sci-fi disaster drama and the absurd comedy of watching a colleague accidentally flood the reactor room. Whether played alone or with a full crew, every voyage feels like a fragile operation one bad decision away from catastrophe.

Players choose specialized jobs such as captain, engineer, mechanic, medic, security officer, or clown, then work together to keep a submarine functioning while travelling between settlements. Navigation involves sonar, guns, ballast control, and avoiding monsters, while the crew repairs electrical systems, rewires circuits, treats injuries, fights intruders, manages fires, and seals flooding compartments. Campaign progression lets crews buy supplies, accept missions, upgrade or replace their vessel, gain skills, and gradually push deeper through Europa’s hostile regions. Solo play uses AI companions, but the game is built around multiplayer communication, where clear orders and role knowledge matter as much as shooting skill.

What makes Barotrauma special is how many interlocking systems can fail at once: a damaged reactor can cause a meltdown, water can short out vital equipment, alien infections can spread through the crew, and traitor missions can turn paranoia into another threat. Procedurally generated maps, missions, ruins, caves, and events keep runs unpredictable, while submarine editing and extensive mod support give committed players enormous room to customize the experience. The side-on presentation is simple but striking, using darkness, limited visibility, and alarming sound design to make the sea feel oppressive. Fans of FTL, Space Station 13, and co-op chaos games such as Lethal Company should find plenty to love, though newcomers should expect a demanding learning curve and veterans will get the most from a reliable group of friends.