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 X and July 17, 2018, on Linux.The game revolves around a marooned survivor that becomes stranded somewhere in the Pacific Ocean following a Plane Wreck, and his attempts to survive on his own using whatever he can find while trying to find a way back to civilization.
Plot
Following a severe plane crash caused by unknown circumstances en-route to Japan for a business conference, the player wakes up to find that they are the lone survivor of the ordeal. With nothing but your skills and what you can find in the environment you must survive in the islands of the Pacific.
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 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 used for building.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; 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.
Currently, there is no way to "beat the game", the current objective being to simply survive as long as possible. Following the fateful crash, the player will never see human civilization 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.
Pirate
The Pirate playstyle allows for greater and more freely conducted exploration of the world. Pirates 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 Pirate's backpack.Pirates also tend to spoil food more.