Looking for the best submarine games on PC? Back in the ’90s, submarine simulator games were all the rage. But if you’re hoping to find newer submarine games, you might be disappointed by the limited options available.
Sure, you could try to get those old-school classics like Silent Hunter, Silent Service, and Aces of the Deep running on a modern PC, but that can be a real hassle.
Alternatively, you could check out this list for some more modern PC games that offer some awesome sub battles.
If you’re into submarine games, there are a bunch of different types out there to choose from. Some games focus on simulating the everyday operations of a military submarine, while others are all about sneaking up on enemy battleships and nailing them with a torpedo.
But these games aren’t just about sinking ships – they also require you to manage your crew, use resources strategically, navigate the open seas, and position yourself well if you want to make it back to port in one piece.
In this article, we’re going to highlight some of the best submarine games you can play on your PC right now. We’ve got everything from free games to multiplayer behemoths, so there’s sure to be something on this list that piques your interest.
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Contents
Best Submarine Games 2023
Here are the list of out best submarine games for 2023:
World of Warships
Submarines were once thought to be unlikely in the free-to-play multiplayer game World of Warships, but they are now available! Wargaming tested the waters with players in Operation ‘Terror of the Deep,’ and committed to integrating submarines into the main game.
These submarines come with their own combat mechanics, upgrades, and combat roles, and there are currently five of them to choose from. World of Warships has been thriving since its release in 2015, and with the addition of submarines, it has become one of the best WW2 games for fans of naval combat.
Cold Waters
If you’re a fan of submarine games, you might enjoy this new one that’s been hailed as a spiritual successor to Red Storm Rising. As the commander of a nuclear sub, your mission is to prevent mutually assured destruction during the escalating tensions of the Cold War. You’ll be patrolling the waters between the Labrador and Barents seas, engaging in combat with Soviet warships, intercepting convoys, and even deploying special forces troops deep behind enemy lines. You’ll have access to a fleet of around 40 vessels, each armed with an impressive array of weapons, including wire-guided torpedoes, cruise missiles, and advanced sonar technology.
Playing Cold Waters really puts you in the mindset that you’re both the hunter and the hunted. It’s not uncommon to sneak up on an enemy ship only to realize that two other vessels have been tracking you from afar, and now you’ve got to dodge two incoming torpedoes. But the game gives you a lot of control over your sub, so you can pull off some impressive moves and tricks to outmaneuver your opponents during combat.
UBOAT
In UBOAT, you get to experience both third-person crew management and first-person action. This game strikes a perfect balance between strategy and action, making it enjoyable for both casual and hardcore fans of submarine and war games. As the commander of a WW2 U-boat, you have two important responsibilities. First, you must follow any orders given to you by Kiregsmarine HQ. Second, you need to ensure the health and operational efficiency of your crew and ship.
One thing that sets this submarine game apart is that you can play as the commander in first-person mode and check up on your crew. If someone messes up, you can even give them a punishment, or go as far as to execute the cook for burning breakfast if you’re in a strict mood.
Although it’s still in Steam Early Access, the game has some pesky bugs. However, it’s undeniably the most visually stunning submarine game on this list and should get even better as Deep Water Studio continues to add new features like a campaign.
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Silent Hunter 3
Silent Hunter 3 is one of the best submarine games out there that can fully immerse you in the role of a sub commander. You get to choose from different campaigns or dynamic patrol missions, and all of them will challenge you as the war progresses. Starting off as a U-boat commander at the beginning of the war feels empowering, as few enemies can handle the new technology. However, by 1944, your mission becomes almost impossible as enemy vessels start bringing in escorts and aircraft support. It’s a thrilling game that puts you in the middle of intense submarine warfare.
When it comes to commanding submarines, Silent Hunter 3 offers a range of distinct options that capture the time period you’re fighting in. From the fragile U-boats of the late 1930s to stronger vessels that can deal damage over a longer range, each sub has its unique feel.
You can explore each submarine in first-person mode, moving between stations and observing the crew in action, or switch to external, strategic, or cinematic camera views for greater accessibility.
The game also includes a variety of realism settings, which you can adjust to your liking as you become more familiar with the controls. If you’re looking for a more modern take on the game, Silent Hunter 4 is worth checking out.
Wolfpack
If you’re a fan of first-person submarine warfare simulators with meticulously detailed U-boat interiors, then Wolfpack is the perfect game for you. Currently in Steam Early Access, the game is being developed in collaboration with the dedicated submarine games community, Subsim, to make it the ultimate sub game of all time. The best part? Wolfpack is one of the few co-op games with submarines available right now, so you and your friends can join forces and take on different roles aboard a U-boat to patrol the seas together.
In Wolfpack, everything is from a first-person perspective, so you’re fully immersed in the task at hand without any external view or crew management mechanics to distract you.
However, this means that you need to have a good understanding of how to operate a U-boat and its internal workings in order to succeed. If you’re not familiar with these things, then Wolfpack might not be the best game for you.
Barotrauma
Simulation games aren’t the only way to experience the excitement of submarine games. Barotrauma, for instance, offers a unique blend of multiplayer chaos, FTL-style ship management, and alien monsters in a 2D format.
With Barotrauma, you can design your own submarine and embark on a thrilling quest to defeat a variety of terrifying sea creatures. While you can certainly play Barotrauma solo, it’s even more enjoyable with friends as your mistakes can quickly escalate into hilarious disasters.
Keeping your submarine running without any mishaps can be quite complex on its own, but add sea monsters to the mix and things can quickly escalate. If there’s even one instance of poor coordination, you could end up accidentally flooding a part of the submarine, which could send your comrade straight into the jaws of a massive anglerfish. This type of scenario can lead to some very lively discussions over voice chat, making it crucial to stay on top of communication and coordination at all times.
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Subnautica
Although it’s marketed as a seafaring survival game, Subnautica actually involves a fair bit of exploration around the ocean floor in a tiny submersible. Unlike games such as Cold Waters or U-boats where the objective is to stop Soviet aggressors or cripple allied shipping lanes, Subnautica has a more modest goal of simply surviving after crash-landing on an alien planet covered in ocean. Your journey begins with humble origins as you scavenge for food in your floating escape pod, and progresses to the point where you’re able to construct your own mini submarine and underwater research base.
Concluion of Best Submarine Games
So, that’s our list of the best submarine games you can play at the moment. If you’re not familiar with these kinds of games, they might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but don’t worry! With a bit of practice and by joining the passionate community, you’ll soon get the hang of it. And if you’re into military simulations but prefer to stay dry, you should check out our best tank games instead.
FAQs on Best Submarine Games
Now let’s dive into some FAQs about the best submarine games on PC in 2023.
What are the best submarine games to play on PC in 2023?
There are several great submarine games available on PC in 2023, including titles like Cold Waters, Silent Hunter III, and Wolfpack.
Are these games suitable for beginners?
While some of these games may have a steep learning curve, many of them offer tutorials and other resources to help beginners get started. With practice and patience, players can quickly improve their skills.
Do these games have multiplayer modes?
Yes, many of the best submarine games on PC in 2023 feature multiplayer modes that allow players to compete against each other or work together in teams.
What kind of hardware do I need to run these games?
The hardware requirements for these games vary depending on the title, but most of them should run smoothly on a mid-range gaming PC. Be sure to check the system requirements before purchasing a game to make sure your computer meets the minimum specifications.
Can I use a gamepad or joystick to play these games?
Yes, many submarine games on PC support gamepads, joysticks, and other types of controllers. Check the game’s settings or options menu to see which input devices are supported.
