Dead the Diver
The game universe is based on a supernatural catastrophe. For years, a mysterious “Black Rain” has submerged the planet, leaving behind a decimated humanity. Faced with imminent extinction, a divine entity called the Rainmaker imposes an ultimatum: find its sacred idols hidden in the Abyssal Basin in less than 40 days or suffer a final Flood. We then embody the last survivors, clinging to a few fragments of dry land, forced to organize suicidal expeditions into the abyss.
Despite its rather evocative title, Dive or Die is not limited to underwater exploration. On the surface, we also have to manage a small island by rebuilding infrastructure, assigning roles to survivors, improving diving equipment, managing resources… We are promised that every decision will involve compromise. For example, should we reinforce immediate security or prepare for a more ambitious descent the next day? In addition to its roguelite loop, planning and management are therefore just as important as the action underwater.
Moreover, in the depths of the ocean is the part that will take the horrific tension up a notch. Every dive becomes a risky gamble where you have to deal with lack of oxygen, physical injuries, rampant madness and supernatural horrors.
The studio clearly claims its Lovecraftian inspiration. As Théo Maudet, founder of Drop Rate Studio, explains:
“The underwater depths terrify us. So does cosmic horror. So we thought the only sensible thing to do was to make a game that addressed both.”
The atmosphere therefore promises to be oppressive mixed with a feeling of urgency linked to the 40-day limit. Having been able to quickly try the game, the gameplay loop turns out to be quite gripping, but without revolutionizing the genre. We can nevertheless salute the artistic direction which fully embraces the Lovecraftian universe. Good news for the curious, a playable demo is available now on Steam. It allows you to discover the first mechanics of the title before its official launch. Dive or Die: Children of Rain will also be highlighted during Steam Next Fest alongside other titles from the Dear Villagers catalog like EverSiege: Untold Ages, 1348 Ex Voto And CALX.
Dive or Die: Children of Rain is expected on PC in the second quarter of 2026. No console version has been announced yet.