The most interesting aquatic worlds in video games

yesterday, by Enzo

From eerie depths to sun-drenched reefs, the underwater world has fascinated video game devs for decades. Thanks to all the technological advances, virtual oceans have become true realms of exploration, capable of evoking wonder, solitude, and tension all at once. Some games focus on survival in the depths of the sea, others on contemplation or cooperative adventure, but all share this unique ability to transform water into a living, mysterious space. Here is an initial selection of the best aquatic worlds in video games, where every dive tells a different story.

A must-play when it comes to underwater exploration games, Subnautica plunges the player into an alien ocean planet where survival depends on exploring the depths. Its marine world impresses with the diversity of its biomes, the richness of its wildlife, and the oppressive atmosphere that reigns in the abyss. The game masterfully blends contemplation and fear with rare skill. Recently released, Subnautica 2 offers an even vaster alien ocean, with even more creatures and biomes. This sequel also allows players to explore these vast expanses in co-op mode.

Now let’s head into less alien waters with ManEater, where players take on the role of an evolving shark wreaking havoc in open waters inspired by the American coastline. The game transforms rivers, harbors, swamps, and the ocean into a hunting ground filled with underwater caves, shipwrecks, and dynamic ecosystems. These same creatures give players no peace in Depth, which pits divers against sharks in particularly tense asymmetrical underwater confrontations. The darkness of the depths, limited visibility, and constant threat create a unique atmosphere. The game perfectly taps into the instinctive fear associated with the oceans.

Now, let's go for a bit of horror with SOMA, where the ocean depths become the setting for a philosophical and horrifying nightmare. Sunken scientific facilities and abyssal landscapes reinforce the feeling of permanent isolation. In Narcosis, the player is trapped in a diving suit in the middle of the abyss, forced to cope with stress, darkness, and hallucinations in an ocean with an oppressive atmosphere. While these two titles take a rather dark approach, they nonetheless offer a certain beauty in their design and the way they bring the world to life.

The following two games aren’t set entirely underwater, but their aquatic sections are nonetheless highly enjoyable. Horizon Forbidden West features some of the most beautiful underwater sequences in modern video games. The ocean floor is teeming with sunken ruins, lush vegetation, and impressive underwater machinery. The underwater world of Astro Bot focuses on creativity and presentation rather than realism. The underwater levels are bursting with animations, colors, and interactions that make full use of the DualSense’s immersive capabilities.

Sea of Thieves is, of course, a must-play title. Players navigate through storms, shipwrecks, and sea creatures in a vast shared world, complemented by meticulous art direction. Finally, we’d also like to mention another interesting experience, ABZÛ, in which the player swims through schools of gigantic fish and mysterious ruins in an almost meditative, even poetic atmosphere.

Be it soothing, hostile, or utterly fantastical, aquatic worlds hold a special place in video games. The ocean becomes a setting for unique emotions, capable of evoking both wonder and fear of the unknown. And with the upcoming release of titles like Life Below and World in the Abyss, virtual oceans clearly haven’t finished making us dream… or shiver. Check out our complete first selection, featuring a whole list of interesting trailers!