Die or Dive, a 2D roguelite scuba simulation game developed by Drop Rate Studio and published by Dear Villagers, has launched today. The game presents a unique premise: a blend of the challenging roguelite mechanics seen in titles like Darkest Dungeon with the underwater exploration reminiscent of Ecco the Dolphin.
The world of Die or Dive has been inundated by a persistent 'black rain' for five years, forcing the remnants of humanity to subsist on isolated mountaintops. Players must venture into the "abyssal pool" to gather essential resources such as canned food and building materials to survive.
Gameplay involves navigating underwater environments, where initial descents of 20 to 30 meters might seem serene, punctuated only by encounters with minor threats like carnivorous algae. However, deeper exploration into caves and ruins can quickly lead to dangerous confrontations with mutated creatures. Similar to Darkest Dungeon's approach to its characters, divers in Die or Dive are depicted as fragile and expendable. They progress through levels and gain abilities but also develop negative traits and afflictions that impact their sanity.
When not on expeditions, these divers can be assigned to various base buildings to provide resourcing benefits. The ultimate threat in the game is the "Rainmaker," a colossal squid-like entity believed to be the source of the destructive black rain. Each playthrough features a countdown to the Rainmaker's arrival, which triggers a final, world-ending tsunami.
Players can extend this countdown by collecting specific relics from submerged ruins. The game features distinct environmental and monster designs, with players exploring locations such as old elevator shafts and tombstone labyrinths while evading or combatting creatures characterized by sharp features. The demo, which covers the first 10 in-game days, includes unlockable items such as a dartgun, though direct combat is often a last resort. The full game is now available on Steam.