Still Wakes the Deep [PlayStation 5] | REVIEW

Originally released a year ago, Still Wakes the Deep quietly cemented itself as one of the most atmospheric and unnerving horror experiences of the last few years. Now, with the launch of its new DLC, Siren’s Rest (review coming soon), we’re finally diving into the game ourselves. And you know what? It really is a fantastic horror experience.

Check out some screenshots down below:

Set aboard the Beira D, a North Sea oil rig off the Scottish coast in 1975, Still Wakes the Deep thrives on isolation and tension. You step into the work boots of Caz McLeary, an electrician caught between personal regrets and a literal disaster unfolding beneath his feet. His motivations, and the rig’s tight-knit (and often foul-mouthed) crew, form the emotional foundation of a story that gradually gives way to full-blown cosmic horror, all whilst keeping players invested in the personal stakes cemented by Caz’s fractured relationship within his family.

It doesn’t take long for the escalating series of events to tear the rig and its inhabitants apart, with everything becoming a true fight for survival where you just don’t know if you’ll make it out alive. And while the monsters you’ll eventually encounter are unsettling in their own right, it’s the overwhelming sense of claustrophobia and the foreboding emptiness of the sea that do most of the heavy lifting. The horror here comes in so many forms, and it makes the whole experience all the more tantalising… you know…. in that ‘oh god, everything is terrifying me’ kind of way.

As disturbing as it can be, this is a surprisingly human game. The writing is sharp, grounded, and unapologetically British — or, more specifically, Scottish. From Caz’s sharp tongue to the banter and barked insults between crew members, the dialogue rings true and never dips into parody, with the authenticity helping elevate the stakes and ensuring that the slow unravelling of the crew’s fate is all the more tragic.

“A year after its initial release, Still Wakes the Deep remains a masterclass in atmospheric horror — a short but unforgettable descent into oil-soaked madness.”

What stands out immediately is the sheer craftsmanship in the Beira D’s design, with The rig feeling dirty, lived-in, and completely authentic. From the stained carpets in cramped bunk rooms to the rusted ladders and slippery decks, it’s a masterclass in environmental storytelling. And with the aid of an update that has hit since the game’s initial launch, you now have the option to scale back the prominent yellow paint guiding your every step — a welcome change that makes exploration feel more natural. It’s a toggle so those who do want the guidance can keep it on, but for those who don’t want any hand-holding, not knowing where to go certainly adds to the tension.

Gameplay-wise, Still Wakes the Deep falls somewhere between walking simulator and interactive thriller. Movement is largely linear, punctuated by climbing, crawling, and the occasional stealth sequence, and while some minor platforming and light environmental puzzles break things up, the mechanics remain simple and in service of the story. It’s might be a little too simple for some, but I found that it plays to the game’s strengths.

The stealth sections are perhaps the game’s weakest link, though they still add to the experience. While initially tense, they become a little formulaic after a few encounters, with generous failure windows and predictable enemy behaviour making it easy to slip by the prowling monsters quite easily. Thankfully, these sequences are short and don’t detract too heavily from the overall pacing, and as a fan of horror, I still appreciated their inclusion. It IS worth noting that you can change the difficulty to make these encounters an absolute breeze with zero threat, but honestly? I wouldn’t recommend it – as noted, the difficulty is very forgiving anyway, whilst losing a sense of danger does take something away from the overall experience.

Check out some screenshots down below:

Visually, the game looks great. While some performance hiccups remain with the occasional hitch in the frame rate, the overall presentation is excellent. Whether you play in Performance or Quality mode, the Beira D retains a photorealistic edge, enhanced by stellar lighting and moody sound design.

Oh, and that sound design? Genuinely top-tier. Creaks, howls, flickering lights, distant screams — it’s all delivered with such precision that you’ll find yourself hesitating at every dark corner. Paired with a restrained but effective score, it makes Still Wakes the Deep a strong contender for one of the most immersive horror soundscapes on the PlayStation 5.

Still Wakes the Deep doesn’t overstay its welcome, and clocking in at around five hours, it tells a focused, tightly paced story that builds dread without filler. While you might wish for more room to explore the Beira D before all hell breaks loose, the linear structure allows for a strong narrative rhythm that rarely falters. With the Siren’s Rest DLC now available too, it’s the perfect time to revisit or discover this hidden gem. The base game remains a memorable experience, and with the team at The Chinese Room addressing some of the issues raised by players, it’s more refined and enjoyable than when it initially launched.

Developer: The Chinese Room
Publisher: Secret Mode
Platform(s): PlayStation 5 (Reviewed), Xbox Series X|S. PC
Website: https://stillwakesthedeep.com/