Still Wakes the Deep

About Still Wakes the Deep

Still Wakes the Deep is a survival horror adventure developed by The Chinese Room and published by Secret Mode. Set in 1975 on a collapsing North Sea oil rig, it dropped June 18, 2024, for PC and next-gen consoles. You play a trapped worker battling a storm, freezing waters, and an eldritch horror that’s invaded the rig. The game leans heavy into tense atmosphere and environmental storytelling, with a focus on claustrophobic exploration. Think of it as a slow-burn thriller where every creak and flickering light feels like a threat. Best for players who enjoy methodical pacing and psychological unease over action.

Gameplay

You spend most of your time navigating the Beira D’s labyrinthine corridors, avoiding falling debris, flooded rooms, and the entity hunting you. Controls are tight but deliberate, you’ll often crawl through narrow spaces or climb rickety ladders to escape. Puzzle-solving involves restoring power, rerouting systems, and scavenging for oxygen tanks to survive underwater sections. Combat isn’t an option; you avoid or hide from the creature, relying on stealth and timing. Sessions often feel like a race against the clock as the rig disintegrates. The camera occasionally locks to environmental details, forcing you to parse cryptic logs and murals to piece together the horror’s origin.

What Players Think

Early reviews on IGDB average 77/100 (98 ratings), with praise for tension and visuals but some criticism of repetitive puzzles. Completion rates hover around 60%, suggesting a solid but not universally gripping experience. Average playtime clocks in at 8, 10 hours, with 20% of players finishing in under 6. Community moods lean “uneasy” and “intense,” matching the game’s vibe. One Reddit user called it “a masterclass in dread,” while others noted “too many backtracking sections.” Achievement data shows 35% of players unlocked the “Survivor” title for escaping the rig, but hidden collectibles remain a niche pursuit.

PlayPile's Take

Still Wakes the Deep works best as a atmospheric slow-burn, not a pulse-pounding horror fix. At its $39.99 price point, it’s a mid-tier indie with strong visuals and a haunting score, but its repetitive mechanics may wear thin. Achievement hunters will find 30+ unlocks, though none are particularly challenging. Recommended for fans of survival titles like Alan Wake or The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, but skip if you crave fast pacing or combat. It’s a decent $40 bet for a spooky evening, but don’t expect lasting replay value.

Storyline

You are an off-shore oil rig worker, fighting for your life through a vicious storm, perilous surroundings, and the dark, freezing North Sea waters. All lines of communication have been severed. All exits are gone. All that remains is to face the unknowable horror that’s come aboard.