Life below is set to offer a unique take on the city builder genre | popgeeks.com
I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for city builders, even though I’m not very good at them, ever since I gave up hours of my life to Pharoah at the age of eight. I’ve also always been fascinated, as many are, by life in the deep, dark depths of the ocean. Life Below, coming in 2026, promises to be the perfect blend of those two things, focusing on sustainability and biodiversity below the waves.
There has possibly never been a time when education and knowledge on the goings on under the surface of the planet’s oceans and seas has been more important. Life down there is struggling, with the ever-growing threat of microplastics, trash, and climate change constantly shifting the rules of survival for the aquatic creatures who call the water home.
What better way to learn about those creatures, and what they need to survive and thrive, than through a game that promises stunningly artistic visuals, the challenge of building and maintaining coral reefs, and all backed by a remarkably relaxing soundtrack?
Life below is a game about hope, of what is possible when you adapt to the situations thrown at you by the world around you. In Life Below, you’ll face various threats, from jellyfish migration to changing acidity levels of the water. You must work alongside Thalassa (the female personification of the seas in Greek mythology) to create a habitat that will attract 40 unique species, from monkfish to hammerhead sharks.
A Focus on accessibility
Life Below has been developed by Norwegian studio Megapop alongside Special Effect UK, a charity that focuses on helping physically disabled players gain access to gaming. Therefore, there are sure to be some fine-tuned accessibility settings to help all players enjoy the underwater experience.
Although Life Below is not expected to be released until some time in 2026, there is good news: In celebration of World Ocean Day on June 8, a demo of the aquatic city builder will be available to play during Steam Next Fest (June 9 – June 16), so we really don’t have long to wait to dive in and experience all the joy this beautiful game is set to bring.
