Aphotic Descent

First-person underwater horror with predator chases and blacklight puzzles

Broiled Squid Studios · Released May 4, 2023

Reviews: Mixed; 61% of 84
Recent reviews: Not enough recent
Players: 0; daily peak, Oct 28, 2026
Steam Deck: Untested
Last update on Steam: 5 months ago; May 16, 2026
Minimum PC: GeForce GTX 1650; 2 GB RAM · 6 GB disk; Full requirements

What is Aphotic Descent?

This free, single-player first-person horror adventure follows a diver stranded after a rescue submarine investigating an ocean research facility is struck. You explore different ocean depth zones, read documents, reveal clues and solve puzzles with a blacklight, and use a flashlight and diving knife during creature encounters.

For you if...

+you like horror set in dark underwater environments
+you enjoy piecing together stories from scattered documents

Not for you if...

−you want forgiving encounters with little trial and error
−you prefer exploration without enemies chasing you

What players say

61% of 84 reviews are positive

Players praise the underwater atmosphere, backstory, and puzzle design. Common complaints concern clunky controls and combat, unclear encounters, and enemies that can kill in a single hit.

Screenshots and trailer

Aphotic Descent system requirements

Minimum: GeForce GTX 1650, 2 GB RAM, 6 GB of disk space.

As published by the developer.

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Minimum

OS: Windows 10 64-Bit
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-9750H CPU @ 2.60GHZ (12CPUs), ~2.6GHz
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
Memory: 2 GB RAM
Storage: 6 GB available space
DirectX: Version 11

Does Aphotic Descent have co-op or multiplayer?

No: single-player only, no multiplayer modes declared.

Single-player

Does Aphotic Descent run on Steam Deck?

Untested Not yet tested by Valve on Steam Deck.

PC version details

DRM: None declared on Steam
Controller: Keyboard and mouse
Platforms: Windows
Achievements: 9
Steam features: Family Sharing
Languages: Full audio: English.

Does Aphotic Descent use AI-generated content?

No AI-generated content is disclosed on the game's Steam page.

Self-reported by the developer under Steam rules: it covers AI content that ships in the game, not tools used to make it. Steam page checked on Oct 27, 2026. How to filter AI games on Steam