Get ready to trade concrete jungles for coral reefs—Life Below, a beautifully immersive underwater city builder from Norwegian developer Megapop and publisher Kasedo Games, is set to make a splash on PC in 2026. With a playable demo surfacing during Steam Next Fest (June 9–16), players will soon get a first look at this fresh take on the genre that fuses ecological strategy, environmental storytelling, and chill vibes beneath the waves.
Written by award-winning narrative designer Rhianna Pratchett (Tomb Raider, Mirror’s Edge), Life Below places players in the role of Thalassa, a guardian spirit tasked with restoring life to the dying oceans of a near-future Earth. Coral reefs are vanishing, ecosystems are collapsing, and time is running out—but hope isn’t lost. Using the mystical Heart of the Reef, players must cultivate coral structures, attract biodiversity, and weather the mounting threats of a climate-altered ocean.
A Reef of Possibilities
At its core, Life Below flips traditional city building on its head. Instead of asphalt and skyscrapers, you’re growing complex coral formations and managing underwater ecosystems. You’ll need to carefully balance expansion with sustainability as you guide wildlife into your reef, craft lures to attract new species, and maintain a delicate web of habitats and food sources.
This isn’t a passive experience, either—dynamic challenges such as garbage clouds, rising acidity, heatwaves, and jellyfish migrations force you to constantly adapt. Each decision affects the broader balance of life, pushing players to evolve their strategy as the reef itself responds to their choices.
Strategy with Soul
Beyond the mechanics, Life Below is steeped in atmosphere and meaning. With a focus on hope, connection, and the beauty of life beneath the surface, the game aims to inspire players to care about the real-world oceans it draws inspiration from. It’s not just about survival—it’s about regeneration, and finding solutions in a world that feels broken.
The game has already gained recognition with an honorable mention in the Unity for Humanity grant awards, which highlights socially impactful games. It’s also been developed with accessibility in mind, working with consultant Arevya and the UK charity SpecialEffect to ensure players of all abilities can dive into the experience.
Features at a Glance:
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Build and grow a living reef ecosystem in a fully underwater environment.
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Craft lures, attract wildlife, and manage food chains to support biodiversity.
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Adapt to real-world inspired challenges like rising temperatures, acidic currents, and pollution.
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Explore from multiple perspectives, including top-down, close-up wildlife view, and full-map overview.
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Collect and catalogue species in a reef journal as you progress.
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Experience a rich, original narrative by Rhianna Pratchett.
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Built with accessibility in mind—designed for everyone to play.\
Whether you’re a strategy fan looking for something different or someone searching for a tranquil yet meaningful experience, Life Below is shaping up to be one of the most original entries in the genre in years.
Wishlist Life Below on Steam today and mark your calendar for June 8–16 to dive into the free demo during Steam Next Fest. For more info, visit LifeBelow.net.