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!
Players can work together with up to 16 others aboard a submarine, each taking on one of six specialized crew roles. The Captain charts the course, the Engineer monitors the reactor, the Mechanic repairs leaks and malfunctions, the Medic treats injured crewmates, the Security Officer defends against threats, and the Assistant provides support. Effective communication and collaboration between these roles are crucial to the crew's survival.
Maintaining the submarine's complex systems is a core aspect of the gameplay. Players must interact with an in-depth wiring and control scheme to power, monitor, and repair critical components like the engines, sonar, weapons, and water pumps. Carefully managing resources and quickly responding to system failures or leaks requires a deep understanding of the submarine's inner workings.
Players must navigate the dangerous underwater world of Europa, completing procedurally-generated missions for various factions. Threats like sea monsters, malfunctions, and environmental hazards constantly endanger the crew, creating a tense survival-horror atmosphere. Careful resource management, decision-making, and adaptability are essential to overcoming the challenges that lurk in the depths.
The talent system allows players to unlock and customize their crew members' abilities, tailoring their playstyles. The comprehensive crafting system enables the creation of a wide array of equipment, weapons, and tools to aid in the crew's endeavors. Players can also design and build their own unique submarines, as well as create new monsters, expanding the gameplay possibilities.
The game's ragdoll physics, complex systems, and potential for crew betrayal contribute to a highly dynamic and replayable experience. Unexpected events and player interactions can lead to chaotic and unpredictable situations, ensuring that no two runs are exactly the same.