Hands-On With Nautus: A Colorful Mash-Up of Steamworld Dig and Subnautica
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
Magic Design Studios blends cozy surface-level community building with Metroidvania-style underwater survival in their upcoming game, Nautus.
Magic Design Studios is following up on the cutesy-gothic afterlife of Have a Nice Death with something far more tropical and folksy in Nautus. Ahead of Gamescom 2026 and an upcoming closed beta starting August 31 on Steam, we got some hands-on time with the game's offbeat aquatic world. The title essentially feels like Jacques Cousteau by way of a classic Cartoon Network animated series, blending cozy surface management with deep-sea survival.
The gameplay loop establishes a clear rhythm between a welcoming island hub and dangerous underwater exploration. On the surface, players can soak in the chill atmosphere, chat with quirky locals inspired by classic television comedies, and gather resources to build crafting stations. Meeting the needs of characters like the aloof mechanic Umiko helps secure the tools and upgrades necessary to push deeper into the ocean.
Once you take your submersible beneath the waves, Nautus transforms into a Metroidvania-inspired survival-action experience. Piloting your mini-submarine requires careful resource management, including energy and oxygen, while you navigate hazardous zones and encounter strange aquatic life. This contrast between a cozy surface community and eerie, alluring deep-sea biomes gives the game a genuinely fresh identity in the survival-crafting space.
Tags: Nautus, Survival Crafting, Metroidvania, PC Gaming, Indie Games
Original article: IGN South Africa