In video games, the ocean can be both one of the most stunning and most dangerous places in digital art. In some adventures, players are allowed to swim among coral reefs and observe marine creatures up close, while in others they must survive on alien planets or confront perilous deep-sea creatures. Styler editor Yulia Lyushneva has compiled a selection of PC titles that let you explore the underwater world and reveal the mysteries of the deep sea in different ways — ranging from harsh survival to contemplative documentary immersion.
Subnautica 2: Survival and Co-op in an Alien Ocean
The survival adventure game from Unknown Worlds Entertainment launched in early access in May 2026. Set on a new alien planet, players must adapt to an unfamiliar environment, explore a vast ocean, and gradually uncover the story of missing colonists. Throughout the expedition, the protagonist gathers resources, crafts gear, and builds bases, using a small Tadpole submarine to navigate the depths. Among unusual plants, mysterious ruins, and marine life, massive leviathans lurk. A major new addition compared to previous installments is the ability to play through the story in co-op with up to four players, allowing you to build a shared underwater base and venture into uncharted depths together.
Beyond Blue: The Ocean Through a Researcher's Eyes
The 2020 adventure game by E-Line Media transports players to the near future, where a team of scientists uses cutting-edge technology to study marine life and behavior. Taking on the role of marine researcher Mirai, players undertake eight dives to observe whales, dolphins, sharks, and other ocean inhabitants. Using research equipment, Mirai tracks animals, collects data, and strives to better understand their lives. Alongside the main story, the game features short documentary clips with real ocean footage and scientist commentary, while a photo mode lets you save picturesque moments from your expeditions. There are no monsters to fight or survival resources to frantically gather here — the focus is entirely on observation and discovery.
Under the Waves: Isolation and Personal Story
Developed by Parallel Studio and released in 2023, this narrative adventure game unfolds at the bottom of the North Sea in an alternate 1970s. The main character, professional diver Stan, embarks on a lengthy underwater mission while trying to cope with a heavy personal loss. Loneliness and strange events gradually force him to confront the memories he has tried to escape. Players pilot a small submarine, explore the depths, and can venture out into the open water wearing a specialized diving suit. Along the way, they encounter sunken ships, underwater caves, industrial structures, and diverse marine life, while collecting materials and items helps unravel the story. Muted lighting, distant ocean sounds, and vast empty spaces create an overwhelming sense of isolation where every new dive is a step toward understanding the protagonist.
ABZŮ: The Art of Swimming and a Forgotten Civilization
This picturesque 2016 adventure game from Giant Squid, featuring art direction by Journey's Matt Nava, focuses on visual beauty and the sensation of movement. The protagonist is a mysterious diver exploring a massive underwater world filled with vibrant marine creatures, ancient structures, and secrets of a forgotten civilization. Players swim among coral reefs, dense kelp forests, and enormous schools of fish, interacting with sea life, observing their behavior, and discovering enigmatic ruins. The core mechanic is swimming itself: the diver glides smoothly through the water, performs acrobatic movements, and descends deeper and deeper, gradually unlocking the secrets of the deep.
The Common Thread: The Contrast of Beauty and Danger
What ties these titles together is the contrast between the pristine beauty of the underwater world and the hidden threats lurking within it. You can peacefully explore colorful reefs one minute, only to find yourself next to a colossal unknown creature the next; you can focus on whale-watching or, conversely, struggle to survive in the harsh environment of an alien ocean. This selection demonstrates how varied the mechanics and moods of games can be when sharing a single core motif — diving into the depths, where beauty and danger are inseparable.
