Barotrauma

🔥 What is Barotrauma?

Barotrauma is a 2D co-op submarine simulation game with survival horror and sci-fi elements, developed by FakeFish and Undertow Games and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Set in the deep, dark oceans of Jupiter’s moon, Europa, the game challenges players to manage a crewed submarine under extreme pressure, both literally and figuratively. Released in early access in 2019 and officially launching in 2023, Barotrauma combines intense team-based mechanics with unpredictable threats, all wrapped in a retro-futuristic, grim atmosphere.

Unlike typical survival games, Barotrauma leans heavily into procedural generation, crew collaboration, and chaos management. It’s a game of multitasking, trust, and sometimes betrayal. Whether you’re welding hull breaches, battling alien sea monsters, or fending off internal sabotage, Barotrauma ensures no two missions feel the same.

👉 Features of Barotrauma

Multiplayer Co-Op at Its Core

At its heart, Barotrauma is a cooperative multiplayer experience for up to 16 players. Each participant takes on a role captain, engineer, mechanic, medic, or security officer with specific responsibilities vital to mission success. The game thrives on teamwork, and poor coordination can quickly lead to disaster.

Procedurally Generated Missions

Every mission in Barotrauma is dynamically generated, meaning the terrain, threats, and challenges vary every time. Whether transporting cargo, navigating ice caverns, or exterminating hostile fauna, adaptability is essential.

Advanced Submarine Systems

Submarines are complex machines with numerous interconnected systems: electrical grids, oxygen supplies, reactors, navigation consoles, weapons, and more. Understanding and maintaining these systems is crucial. Players must fix, upgrade, and customize their subs using the game’s detailed editing tools.

Role-Based Gameplay

Each crew role brings unique gameplay mechanics. Engineers manage power and electronics, medics treat injuries and infections, while security officers protect the crew from internal and external threats. The game also includes a traitor mode, where one or more players secretly sabotage missions, adding paranoia and depth.

Mod Support and Customization

Barotrauma has extensive modding tools, allowing players to customize nearly every aspect of gameplay. The Steam Workshop integration provides easy access to user-created submarines, monsters, missions, and more.

Gameplay

Deep Simulation and Chaos Management

Gameplay in Barotrauma is complex and layered. As you dive deeper into Europa’s oceans, you must constantly monitor the submarine’s condition, crew health, and looming threats. The game doesn’t pull punches fires, floods, alien incursions, power failures, and more can spiral into catastrophic failure if not handled swiftly.

Combat and Survival

Combat comes in many forms: harpoon-wielding alien monsters, infected crewmates, traitorous saboteurs, and hostile factions. Players must balance aggression with caution, as resources like ammunition and medical supplies are limited. Combat can be tactical, especially in confined submarine corridors.

Strategic Resource Management

Supplies are scarce and must be managed wisely. Whether it’s fuel rods for the reactor, bandages for wounded crewmembers, or ammunition for defense turrets, good logistics can be the difference between survival and failure. Looting wrecks and completing missions provide crucial materials.

Traitor Mode

An optional feature in multiplayer, Traitor Mode designates one or more players as covert saboteurs with secret objectives ranging from assassination to ship destruction. This feature introduces a psychological layer to gameplay, turning allies into potential enemies.

Campaign and Mission Variety

The campaign mode links missions into a larger story of survival, exploration, and faction interaction. Players travel between outposts, upgrading submarines and managing crew dynamics. The persistent progression system adds stakes and continuity to each decision.

Graphics of Barotrauma

Minimalist Yet Atmospheric Style

Barotrauma uses a side-scrolling, pixel-art aesthetic that balances simplicity with detailed animation and effects. Despite the 2D perspective, the game feels immersive, with flickering lights, pressurized explosions, and claustrophobic corridors amplifying tension.

Effective Use of Visual Feedback

Visuals play a critical role in communicating vital information. Warning lights indicate system failures, oxygen meters show air levels, and visible wounds reflect injury severity. The HUD is clean and functional, supporting strategic gameplay.

Monster and Environment Design

Creature designs are nightmarish, from the massive Hammerhead to the terrifying Moloch. Environments range from dim underwater caves to eerie abandoned outposts. Every visual element reinforces the game’s themes of isolation and danger.

Pros and Cons

✔️ Pros

• Unique Multiplayer Experience: Deeply collaborative gameplay with emergent chaos and memorable moments.
• High Replayability: Procedural generation and mod support ensure endless variety.
• Complex Simulation: Intricate submarine systems and role mechanics encourage mastery and teamwork.
• Traitor Mode Adds Suspense: Creates thrilling scenarios of deception and trust.
• Active Modding Community: Enhances content longevity and creativity.

❌ Cons

• Steep Learning Curve: New players may feel overwhelmed by the depth and responsibility of roles.
• UI Can Be Dense: Managing multiple systems through menus and interfaces takes time to master.
• Occasional Bugs: As with many complex simulations, glitches and desyncs can occur, especially in multiplayer.
• Requires Team Coordination: Solo play or disorganized teams may lead to frustrating experiences.