Shape thriving coral reefs, revive collapsing ecosystems, and grow a living seascape in a heartfelt narrative by Rhianna Pratchett. You are the ocean's final hope.

The ocean is dying. Coral reefs are vanishing and ecosystems are breaking down. By the power of the mysterious reef heart you must restore balance, using the ocean floor itself as the foundation to build vibrant havens for sealife. Craft lures to entice different species to your reef and use their natural abilities to overcome underwater hazards. Experience Thalassa’s journey in campaign mode, then undergo new challenges in freeplay.

Advised by marine biologists and shaped with authentic underwater audio, Life below introduces realism into its world of fantasy. Gameplay reflects natural rhythms and interactions, bringing the ocean floor to life with motion, color, and possibility.

In a twist on the city-building genre, resurrect entire ecosystems by strategically crafting and managing vibrant coral reefs to restore life to the deep. This will take a combination of energy-channeling coral, resource generating seashells, and much more to ensure the ocean’s floor not only survives, but truly thrives.

Experience a charming campaign over a series of hand crafted animations, guided by a heartfelt story written by award-winning video games writer Rhianna Pratchett. Appointed by Gaia, Thalassa must restore life to the reef. Become the ocean guardian, revive long-gone habitats, overcome oceanic instability and increase biodiversity.

Publisher Kasedo Games and Norwegian Development Studio Megapop announced a partnership with Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) to make a special supporter pack available for the underwater reef builder Life Below.

The initiative, which sees 100% of all net revenue going directly to supporting WDC’s conservation efforts, introduces three unique visitor species to Life Below:

• Common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
• Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis)
• Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena)

Players will be able to watch these animals visit their reefs, swim through the corals, and interact with the living ecosystem they have created. For players wanting to learn more, each species is entered inside the game’s guidebook, all inspired by real marine biology.

“Whales and dolphins are some of the most intelligent and fascinating beings in our oceans, and they play a vital role in overcoming the climate and biodiversity crises. Most of humanity share a deep love for these wonderful beings, yet they are increasingly at risk by human-caused threats like pollution, hunting and entanglement in fishing gear.” says Sally Ward, Head of Digital Partnerships at WDC. “Partnerships like this truly inspire people to connect with marine life in new ways. We find it particularly positive that this comes from a Norwegian developer, a country well known for controversial whale hunting. A healthy planet needs a thriving ocean, and that means more whales and dolphins, not fewer.”

“Life Below has always been about helping people play with the beauty and wonder of the ocean,” says Lise Lie, Game Director on Life Below. “When dolphins suddenly arrive at a reef you have spent hours caring for, it creates a very emotional connection. We hope the game can inspire curiosity, hope, and even a deeper love for the magic of marine life.”

As part of Steam Ocean Fest, players can now experience the playable demo of Life Below ahead of launch.

The optional charity supporter pack will be priced at $4.99/€4.99/£4.49 and will be available alongside Life Below, coming to Steam on May 26, 2026. Players can wishlist the game now via Steam or join the community on Discord.

With the perfect environment formed, you can lure over 40 different wildlife species from coral crabs and monkfish to distinctive hammerhead sharks. Admire your new school of fish close-up or watch over your entire colony, using a powerful new camera system. Under the reef heart’s watchful gaze, create and nurture your own sub-aquatic haven. However, housing them is only the start. To keep the underwater ecosystem thriving, you must cater to their needs and protect them from external threats.

From shifting biomes to outside influence, Life Below presents a range of challenges to navigate. Algae levels, PH balance and an infestation of lionfish aren’t the only challenges you’ll have to solve. More serious threats such as oil spills and garbage patches will call for creative strategies, requiring the help of special wildlife to overcome.

Every zone of the ocean floor will bring its own set of challenges. Temperature and acidity fluctuations along with a naturally limited area are only a few of the problems you’ll need to adapt to. Only by strategically adapting your playstyle to each environment can you efficiently expand your territory to restore the entire reef to its former glory.

Life Below is coming to PC (Steam) on May 26, 2026 at $29.99 / €28.99 / £24.99.