Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

4.4/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 12,469

Mobile Support: No

About BTW: Beneath the Waves

Embark on a pulse-pounding undersea quest in BTW: Beneath the Waves, where survival is as thrilling as discovery. This indie browser action title drops you straight into a perilous aquatic world, commanding a battered submarine with your loyal crew at your side. Your mission: navigate treacherous waters filled with deadly rocks, relentless enemies, and explosive mines—all while uncovering precious treasure chests below the ocean’s surface. Every second counts as you balance swift navigation, tactical shooting, and vital resource management. Handcrafted pixel art and immersive sound design create a rich, atmospheric backdrop, making every journey beneath the waves feel unique and perilous.

Designed for the brave, BTW: Beneath the Waves is no ordinary shooter—the game's hard difficulty sets it apart, demanding quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and team management. The controls are tight and intuitive, ensuring that every evasive maneuver and shot fired feels absolutely responsive. With no mobile compatibility, this is a pure desktop experience—perfect for players who love a challenge at their keyboard.

Taking cues from retro classics but bursting with modern indie flair, the game is packed with features to keep you coming back for more: unlock pirate loot in randomized treasure chests, contend with enemy submarines in ever-shifting waters, and push for that elusive high score. The addition of Brazilian Portuguese and French translations opens the adventure to a global audience, letting anyone brave the waves in their native tongue. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a newcomer to the indie action scene, BTW: Beneath the Waves offers depth, replayability, and pure arcade adrenaline—all for free, right in your browser. So rally your crew, steel your nerves, and dive into one of the most exhilarating free action games on itch.io today!

How to Play

In BTW: Beneath the Waves, your mission is to manage both your submarine and crew as you navigate deadly underwater hazards. Use the W and S keys to adjust your speed, increasing to escape threats or slowing for precise maneuvers. Steer your vessel left or right using the A and D keys, carefully weaving between mines, rocks, and enemy fire. Shooting is vital—use your mouse to aim and fire at lurking dangers and obstacles; alternatively, on-screen buttons allow movement and shooting if you prefer a more click-based approach. For an immersive experience, press F to toggle fullscreen and lose yourself in the depths.

Start by practicing your movement and shooting in the early tutorial—don’t rush, as every second helps you master the tough controls. Treasure chests are scattered throughout, so keep an eye out and plan efficient routes to maximize your haul. Managing your crew becomes critical as the action intensifies; prioritize dodging major obstacles and take calculated shots to avoid wasting precious time. Post-jam improvements let you restart quickly, ideal for perfecting your strategies without repeatedly replaying the tutorial.

Begin with slower speeds until you master the physics, then ramp up as challenges increase. Each session is a new opportunity—learn from each run, and don’t be afraid to experiment with risky maneuvers. BTW: Beneath the Waves is hard by design—persistence, observation, and adaptability are your keys to survival, making each dive more rewarding than the last.

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Balance speed and precision: Don’t always go full throttle—slower movement lets you react to sudden obstacles.
Target enemy threats first: Clear moving enemies before dealing with stationary obstacles for safer routes.
Use peripheral vision: Always scan the full screen—hidden chests and hazards can appear at the edges.
Master quick restarts: Use the new restart feature to rapidly refine your strategies and muscle memory.
Shoot strategically: Conserve ammo by firing only when necessary—reckless shooting can leave you vulnerable.
Prioritize treasure collection: Focus on chests in early waves for higher scores and valuable items.
Utilize fullscreen mode: F toggles fullscreen, giving you better visibility and immersion for intense runs.

Game Features

Challenging submarine survival gameplay with hardcore action pacing
Complete crew and vessel management for strategic depth
Fully free-to-play in browsers—no downloads or registration required
Hand-crafted pixel art visuals and atmospheric sound design
Multiple language options, including Brazilian Portuguese and French
Instant restart and skip-tutorial features for seamless replayability
Randomized treasure chest placement for unique runs every playthrough

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BTW: Beneath the Waves really free to play?

Absolutely! The game is 100% free and playable directly from your browser on itch.io. No installs, no hidden fees—just jump in and play.

What makes this game hard compared to other action games?

BTW: Beneath the Waves demands fast reflexes, multitasking (crew and submarine management), and split-second decisions under ever-increasing pressure. Environments are unforgiving—every collision or missed shot matters.

Can I play BTW: Beneath the Waves on my mobile device?

Currently, the game is designed for desktop browsers only and is not compatible with mobile devices. For the best experience, play on a PC or laptop.

Are there any power-ups or upgrades to collect?

While the core focus is on skillful survival, finding and collecting treasure chests during your runs can provide valuable boosts to your score and rewards, adding an exciting risk-reward element each time you dive.

How can I change the game’s language?

After the post-jam update, you can select Brazilian Portuguese or French from the language options, making it easier for players worldwide to navigate and enjoy the game.