Stranded Deep is an open-world survival game developed by Australian-based independent game development studio Beam Team Games. It was first released on January 23, 2015 as an early access title for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS, and later for other platforms.
The game revolves around an unnamed marooned survivor that becomes stranded somewhere in the Pacific Ocean following a plane crash, and their attempts to survive on their own using whatever they can find while trying to find a way back to civilization.
Plot[]
In the aftermath of a mysterious plane crash, you are stranded in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Alone, without any means to call for help, you must do what you can to survive.
Gameplay[]
Throughout their journeys, the player will encounter many exotic views, many hazards and many of the ocean's fauna - lush coral reefs, vast sights, an abundance of fish and other marine life, as well as more significant features such as sharks and even whales. Though these sights may capture the awe and attention of the player, they must steer clear of many things; some may poison, some may cause illness, while others will outright kill the player.
Survival on the islands will determine whether or not the player has the necessary skills needed to thrive on such a vast but empty environment. The player will need to keep themselves satiated on food and water in order to prevent any illnesses or diseases from being contracted. Crafting also becomes a key skill when surviving, as different tools are needed for different purposes - axes and hammers can be hand-made for building, while knives and spears can be made for more practical usage. Shelters can be erected to keep the player safe from environmental hazards, and crude vehicles can be crafted to aid the player in travel.
Along with using the available resources found on land, the player may also choose to dive deep in search of supplies left behind by past explorations. The leftover remnants of ancient ships and crashed planes can be discovered strewn about the ocean's floor, and within them, their cargo. Players are able to make use of these supplies to aid them in their survival, and may also possibly increase their chances of a rescue. However, exploring the depths comes with a risk, as deadly marine life can be found dwelling the waters around them, putting the player in danger.
Following the fateful crash, the player must explore the islands to find a way out, besting the environment and straining their survival skills until they find that which may take them away from Pacifica, and back to civilization once again.
Playstyles[]
There are two general playstyles the player assumes when playing Stranded Deep. Note that playstyles are not directly chosen by the player, but are emulated by the player.
Hermit[]
The Hermit playstyle is the safer playstyle of the two that new players generally choose, fearing what they do not know. This consists of voyages for resources, and staying in a known, sheltered area, hence the name "hermit".
Nomad[]
The Nomad playstyle allows for greater and more freely conducted exploration of the world. Much like nomads in real life, players using a nomad playstyle do not have a designated home island and thus do not have to worry about getting lost, because they cannot. This playstyle does not guarantee as much stability as the Hermit playstyle, and the player runs a greater risk of dying from poison or injury for lack of immediate medical resources. Items like the bandage are very useful if kept in a nomads's backpack.
Release History[]
Stranded Deep has been released on multiple platforms since its initial early access release for Windows and Mac OS in 2015. In chronological order:
| Date | Platform(s) | Format | Store(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 23, 2015 | Windows, Mac OS | Digital | Steam |
| July 17, 2018 | Linux | Digital | Steam |
| April 21, 2020 | Xbox One & Series X|S, Playstation 4 & 5 | Digital | Xbox, Playstation |
| December 28, 2020 | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | Digital | Epic Games |
| August 31, 2021 | Nintendo Switch | Digital | My Nintendo Store |
| March 25, 2022 | Nintendo Switch | Physical |
For a list of updates, not releases, see Version History.