DaRmaZat Recently, the four of us plunged into the icy depths of Darkwater, a new cooperative extraction horror game that launched in Early Access on April 22 via Steam. The game is developed by Targon Studios, with support from publisher Playstack.
In Darkwater, one to four players take on the roles of the crew aboard a submarine trapped beneath the frozen surface of an alien planet. As you fend off hostile vessels, infected divers, and all kinds of eerie creatures, you’re constantly scavenging for loot essential to your survival.
Survival through teamwork (and the occasional stroke of luck)
From the very first moments, it’s clear that this is a game that demands true teamwork—not just to operate the submarine, but to fend off internal and external threats, and to plan and execute each next step with precision. Darkwater is a classic online co-op experience where coordination is key, and success depends on smart task division and clear communication. Combat and ship operations both play major roles, but ultimately, everything hinges on the collective choices you make—and how well you carry them out. Whether in battle, looting Outposts, or even just picking your next ship upgrade in the shop-slash-board room, every decision matters. The submarine may feel tight and claustrophobic at first, but you can gradually expand it by adding new rooms and customizing its layout to your liking.
“Everything hinges on the collective choices you make—and how well you carry them out.”
Strategic decision-making is constant, though sometimes you simply need dumb luck to find useful items or dodge a disastrous event. Through the Communication computer, outside distress calls pour in that the crew must respond to together. Some are routine trade offers, others heavy moral dilemmas. Visually, it’s simple white text on a black terminal screen, but these are pivotal moments—ones that reminded me of old-school text adventure games like Zork. Do you help a stranded submarine by donating some of your fuel? Or do you distrust them and let them die, fearing a trap? Making decisions—accepting the risks and consequences—is a core part of the experience.
Another returning part of Darkwater‘s gameplay loop is Piloting. From another terminal, the crew chooses each next destination. Will you head to a potentially abandoned Outpost full of valuable loot, knowing your oxygen supply is limited? Stop at a shop first to stock up on upgrades or fuel? Or take a leap toward an unknown location, risking everything for a bigger payoff? Every move costs fuel, so keeping track of your reserves is vital. Shops don’t just sell supplies—they also let you revive fallen teammates, who (bizarrely) return as rats until fully restored.
New weapons, bigger submarines
As your team progresses, you’ll earn more in-game credits and loot, which you’ll need to craft upgrades that keep your crew alive. Think extra storage space, crafting benches, or new weapons like sea mines and harpoons. Even basic lighting maintenance becomes crucial, since lanterns are rare, and without enough light, you’re practically doomed when exploring pitch-black Outposts. Plus, carrying a lantern means you can’t use your hands for anything else. Yes, scarcity is more than just a theme in Darkwater—it’s a defining feature.
“Scarcity is more than just a theme in Darkwater—it’s a defining feature.”
Every underwater encounter leaves your sub damaged, forcing you to delegate urgent repairs while working with a crew of just four. One person has to reactivate oil lamps or bring out their lantern for visibility. Another might check for incoming torpedoes and boost the ship to avoid impact. Someone else has to patch leaks, repair the Torpedo Bay and Coal Engine, and reload ammo, while another pumps out water flooding the compartments. All the while, one crew member mans the Weapons terminal, strategically launching torpedoes and pilums to bring enemies down fast, allowing the team to continue its mission.
Outposts are no safer. Infected divers and mutant beasts attack on sight, so every expedition demands that you carry enough light, weapons, and food to survive, heal, and return with your loot and life intact.
Combat feels slightly predictable, but the potential is there
That said, the underwater combat does start to feel a bit predictable after a while—especially due to the repetitive repair actions where you’re mostly just holding the mouse button down. Once you’ve survived a few fights, you know the drill, and the game could definitely use a bit more unpredictability. Even a handful of surprise events could ramp up the tension without making things unnecessarily hard or chaotic.
There are a few other rough edges. It’s a bit too easy to lose track of your teammates in the dark, and certain bugs—like wrench tools going invisible in your inventory—can cause confusion. The fact that everyone needs to physically be present in the shop to use it also feels a bit restrictive. Still, despite the occasional bug, Darkwater runs surprisingly smoothly. During our session—hosted on US servers—no one experienced connection drops. And yes, the crew animations can look a bit glitchy at times, but the overall performance is solid.
Preliminary Thoughts
Darkwater offers a unique blend of tension, teamwork, and resource management. It’s perfect for fans of online co-op games where communication truly matters. Its slower pace makes it less ideal for multi-day marathon sessions, but it’s an excellent choice for a thrilling evening of adventure with friends. With some polish around combat variety and bug fixes, Darkwater could become an intriguing project worth keeping an eye on—one that rewards the occasional return. Meanwhile, new content and improvements are already in the works, with plans to keep Darkwater in Early Access for at least six months, followed by continued updates and growth.
Additional Information
Release Date: April 22, 2025 (Early Access)
Reviewed On: PC. Download code provided by the publisher and PR agency.
Developer: Targon Studios
Publisher: Playstack
Relevant links: Darkwater on STEAM
