Dive into an Ocean of Emotions: The Best Games About Sea Adventures

The endless deep sea… throughout all times, it has attracted people, and with the advent of computer games, everyone can satisfy their craving for sea adventures. Freedom, exploration, and battling the dangerous yet beautiful element with a touch of survival — the perfect sea cocktail that we will discuss today.

In this article, I have gathered 10 amazing games about sea adventures, in which I have spent countless hours and am ready to share them with you. Prepare the oars, hoist the sails, and put on your diving gear — we are heading to distant shores!

RAFT

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Let’s start with a unique game where you begin your adventure on a tiny raft in the middle of the ocean. Your goal is to survive by exploring the vast waters, collecting resources from floating debris on the surface, and upgrading your raft. Gradually, you can turn it into a real floating home or even a whole mini-town! Seriously, by the end of the game, your small wooden square will become a true floating island with all the amenities, but you’ll have to work hard.

By the way, there is also a storyline here. Yes, it’s a bit confusing, but as you travel the world, you will meet other characters and understand why you are floating through endless waters among tons of garbage.

One of the main features of the game is the struggle against hunger, thirst, and aggressive sharks that won’t let you relax. Along the way, you will encounter mysterious islands, abandoned stations, and even mini-towns. The icing on the cake is the cooperative mode, which can drastically change the gameplay, but even single-player runs will captivate you.

Subnautica

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Perhaps this game is the one that most closely associates with sea adventures. Subnautica has already become a legendary project, one of the most ideal survival games, and one of my favorite titles.

So, after a crash on the mysterious planet 4546B, you find yourself in the depths of an ocean full of unknown creatures and secrets. Here, the player faces loneliness and numerous dangers, and sometimes this sandbox turns into a real horror! You’ll understand me when you first encounter the Reaper Leviathan. A creepy creature… Overall, the unique ecosystem of the game includes amazing marine inhabitants: from friendly creatures to predatory monsters.

Of course, to survive, you will need to build a base and not just one, which is one of the main mechanics. Additionally, you can build a huge ship on which you can fully live and travel. There is also a storyline here. Believe me, it’s very interesting and engrossing throughout the game. It’s a pity there is no cooperative mode.

Subnautica: Below Zero

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For those who found the first game in the series not enough, I recommend diving into the icy waters of the Arctic zone on planet 4546B. Yes, we are all still there, but now you play as a different character. Here, you will have to survive in more extreme conditions, as cold adds to the sea dangers.

Conceptually, there aren’t many differences, but there is nothing wrong with that. The main difference is the "on-land" content, as you will have to travel a lot across the Arctic ice.

This time, the focus is on the storyline, which continues the theme of the previous game. The story becomes richer and deeper, although the gameplay remains almost unchanged. We eagerly await the third game of the franchise, which is already in development.

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

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At one time, Assassin's Creed: Black Flag gave me exactly what I saw in "Pirates of the Caribbean". Instead of a silent assassin, you become the pirate Edward Kenway — captain of the legendary ship "Jackdaw". The game transports you to the golden age of piracy, offering exploration of the Caribbean Sea, fighting enemies on land and at sea, and building a career as a true corsair.

Mechanics of sea battles, realistic ship voyages, and an intriguing storyline make this game one of the best in the sea adventure genre. The gameplay became so captivating that among fans of the franchise, Black Flag became one of the most beloved games! Ubisoft was inspired to create a separate online game, but the attempt failed.

Sea of Thieves

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If you still want to feel like a pirate in an online project, then Sea of Thieves is your choice. Players are awaited by sea battles, treasure hunts, and the ability to team up with friends for cooperative play, but there’s a catch. The thing is, playing alone here is almost impossible.

To manage a ship, you need a full-fledged crew, which means you’ll have to team up with friends anyway. Everyone here is responsible for their post: helmsman, gunner, captain, and the one patching the leaks in your vessel.

Otherwise, the world here is very similar to the "Pirates of the Caribbean" universe, and even Jack Sparrow is here! The game is very fun and diverse, so if you have a team — go ahead and try it.

Barotrauma

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Barotrauma… An amazing project that can fray your nerves and truly scare you. You are faced with a cooperative submarine simulator, but the action takes place not on Earth, but on Europa’s moon. Players will explore the dark depths, fight sea monsters, and deal with internal threats.

Players? Yes, the main emphasis here is on cooperative play, because like in the previous project, each person has their own role. It’s unlikely the boat will sail far without a helmsman, and the crew certainly won’t survive without a medic. Although, you can hire bots and the artificial intelligence is quite good.

In Barotrauma, every mission requires coordinated crew work, as every dive is a real test of endurance. The moon’s waters are incredibly dangerous, and sometimes you can encounter a monster that will swallow your boat without even noticing! The game's atmosphere is filled with tension, as every mistake can lead to disaster.

ABZU

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Let’s take a break from endless dangers and look at a real underwater masterpiece, created for lovers of ocean beauty. In ABZU, you play as a diver exploring the bright and picturesque world of the underwater kingdom, filled with amazing creatures and ancient ruins.

Again, the game is not about survival, but about relaxation and immersion into a unique atmosphere. The soundtrack and visual aesthetics create an unforgettable experience that stays with you for a long time. It’s like watching a very beautiful animated film.

Besides, you can learn a lot about the underwater world and its inhabitants, so I highly recommend trying this project to all enthusiasts.

Beyond Blue

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After ABZU, you want to dive even deeper into ocean exploration, so it's time to talk about Beyond Blue — a scientific-educational game where you take on the role of marine biologist Miranda. Your goal is to explore the ocean, study its inhabitants, and preserve ecosystems.

The game combines a colorful visual style with educational content inspired by real ocean research. It’s perfect for those who want to learn more about underwater life and just relax. The project truly captivates, so you won’t remain indifferent.

eSail Sailing Simulator

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Since we have come to more realistic sea voyages, it's time to talk about a true simulator. Such projects exist in almost every field, and here one of the best has become eSail Sailing Simulator. Ready to feel the realities of managing a real sailing yacht? The game offers realistic physics, training, and the opportunity to participate in regattas.

Here, you’ll have to catch the wind direction, account for heel, wave direction, and much more. Believe me, soon you’ll know what a gaff rig and a backstay are. It won’t be boring, as it’s also a sports simulator, so you can showcase all your skills in practice without leaving your comfortable chair.

DREDGE

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After such a variety of projects, you want to relax, drop everything, and go fishing. The sound of waves, seagulls, peace, and monsters… monsters? Yes! How about the idea of fishing in a world similar to the works of H.P. Lovecraft? You are the captain of a fishing vessel that encounters mysterious phenomena in dark waters. The fish here will make you want to run ashore and never go back to the sea, but the project hooks you deeply.

The gloomy atmosphere and unusual storyline set the game apart from others. DREDGE is a unique game where you’ll have to not only fish and escape from monsters, but also solve puzzles and even unravel the plot. The game is quite short, so I recommend trying it to everyone.

I tried to gather here the most diverse games that can offer you a unique experience. Choose what you like and embark on a journey through oceans of emotions!

Main image: Ensigame.com via DALL-E