Since its Early Access release in May, Abiotic Factor has maintained significant interest among players, with a positive Steam rating of 96%, making it one of the highest rated new survival games. The latest update, Crush Depth, brings fresh Security and Hydroplant sectors to explore, as well as new deployables, a fishing mechanic, a temperature system, new weapons, and recipes.

The Hydroplant is a flooded area with massive electric turbines where you face electrocution hazards while underwater. With this new sector, swimming mechanics have been improved, offering better controls and increased flexibility for navigating the Hydroplant. You must now equip a newly introduced diving suit and oxygen tank when diving, and manage your oxygen levels. These enhancements to swimming and diving, along with a new drowning mechanic, have made underwater gameplay more realistic.

The Security Sector is packed with high-tech security systems like cameras, laser grids, and automated turrets. One careless step is enough to trigger an alarm, putting you in real trouble. So, the tasks and puzzles to disable the security systems and bypass locked areas will thoroughly engage your scientist’s brain, but it pays off, as the rewards are valuable.

After the Security Sector, you can clear your head by fishing, a new feature added to the game. Don’t forget to craft a Makeshift Rod and bait when you decide to leave the laboratory and test your luck in catching fish. As your fishing skill levels up, additional cooking recipes unlock, and you can make savory dishes at the newly introduced Chef’s Counter.

The list of enemies has also been expanded, adding mutated scientists, automated defense drones, and Hydroplant guardians. They are all tough enemies: drones are equipped with laser weapons, guardians have heavy armor that’s hard to break through, and aggressive mutated scientists with varied abilities are unpredictable.

New challenges require enhanced defensive capabilities, which come with new armor such as the Hydroplant Suit and Security Armor, as well as advanced weaponry. Laser weapons are irreplaceable in the Security Sector, high-impact rifles allow you to take down enemies before they get too close, and deployable turrets help hold off waves of enemies.

With the implemented temperature system, managing your character’s body temperature becomes crucial for survival. If you’re exposed to freezing cold or scorching heat, your stamina decreases, movement slows down, and you could even start losing health over time.

Your base may seem too small to place all the deployables introduced with the Crush Depth update. These include Carbon Storage Crates, Carbon Barricades, Moisture Teleporters, Auto-Salvagers, and the radiation-neutralizing Neutrino Emitter, among others. And you no longer need to waste time looking for a toilet. You can now build your own portable toilet, which not only serves its original purpose but also is used as a teleportation device, adding a good dose of humor, thanks to the creativity of the Deep Field Games team.

The next major update, Dark Energy, is coming in autumn. If you can’t wait to see what to expect in the near future, check out the roadmap.