Beneath stands out as a survival FPS infused with Lovecraftian horror, delivering a tense single-player experience set in the chilling depths of the ocean. Developed by the small team at Camel 101, founded by two brothers passionate about horror and shooters, this game released in October 2025 and draws inspiration from classic titles while blending action with psychological dread. Players step into the boots of deep-sea diver Noah Quinn, navigating a narrative of conspiracy and ancient evils that threaten his family and the world above.
Gameplay
In Beneath, the core loop revolves around careful resource management and strategic combat in confined, destructible environments. Ammo is scarce, forcing players to scavenge supplies and make every shot count against aggressive enemies. You upgrade your arsenal as you progress, choosing from a variety of weapons suited for close-quarters encounters. Environmental hazards play a key role, letting you turn the surroundings to your advantage, like triggering explosions or collapses to dispatch foes.
A standout mechanic is the sanity system, where prolonged exposure to horrors causes your character's mental state to deteriorate. This leads to hallucinations and vulnerability to eldritch abominations that assault both physically and psychologically. Exploration ties into puzzle-solving elements, as you sift through emails, PDAs, and survivor logs in abandoned research stations to piece together the story and find clues for survival.
Game Modes
The primary mode is the story-driven single-player campaign, spanning over 10 hours of gameplay focused on Noah's desperate journey. It emphasizes narrative progression through a series of interconnected research stations in the arctic ocean, battling soldiers from the Omnium Corporation and grotesque Lovecraftian creatures.
A free update in December 2025 introduced Retro Mode, which applies a 1990s visual style with pixelated graphics and CRT effects to the entire campaign. This mode keeps the original mechanics intact but enhances the nostalgic feel without altering combat or exploration. Future updates planned for 2026 include New Game Plus for replayability with added challenges and Horde Modes for intense combat scenarios.
Story and Setting
The narrative centers on Noah Quinn, trapped in oceanic depths after a routine dive goes wrong. An ancient evil awakens, tied to the shady dealings of the Omnium Corporation, and Noah must race to save his daughter from a mysterious affliction. The arctic ocean setting builds isolation and dread, with research stations serving as hubs for uncovering a conspiracy involving mutations and otherworldly threats.
Enemies range from human soldiers enforcing corporate agendas to nightmarish monstrosities that embody Lovecraftian terror. This mix creates varied encounters, from tactical shootouts to horror-infused survival moments.
Is It Worth Playing?
Beneath appeals to fans of old-school FPS games with a horror twist, especially those who enjoy challenging resource management and atmospheric storytelling over fast-paced action. Player reception on release earned it a Mostly Positive rating on Steam, with 71% positive reviews from 199 users, praising its tension and heartfelt design despite some rough edges.
With ongoing support through updates like Retro Mode and planned additions in 2026, the game remains active and evolving. If you seek a solo adventure that tests your wits against scarcity and sanity-draining horrors, Beneath offers solid value, particularly for horror enthusiasts looking for something beyond mainstream titles.
