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About Life Below
Life Below places you in the role of Thalassa, a guardian tasked with reviving dying coral reefs. You use the ocean floor as a canvas, crafting lures and managing resources such as energy‑channeling coral and seashells to attract a diverse marine population.
The game offers a narrative‑driven campaign followed by a free‑play mode that adds extra challenges. Players must balance algae, pH, temperature and external threats like oil spills, while a flexible camera system lets them observe the reef from close‑up or colony‑wide perspectives.
01 / THE GUIDE
Campaign Story
The campaign follows Thalassa, appointed by Gaia, as she restores coral reefs across a series of hand‑crafted animations. The storyline is written by award‑winning writer Rhianna Pratchett and is guided by marine biologists, giving a heartfelt narrative about oceanic balance.
Progression introduces new species, hazards and environmental challenges, requiring players to adapt reef‑building tactics as the story unfolds. As the story unfolds, players encounter a range of challenges that call for adapting their reef‑building tactics.
- Watch narrative cues for hints about upcoming environmental changes.
- Note which species appear after each story milestone to plan future lures.
02 / THE GUIDE
Freeplay Challenges
Freeplay presents optional challenges separate from the campaign storyline. Players manage algae levels, pH balance and threats such as lionfish infestations, oil spills and garbage patches.
Each zone in freeplay has its own temperature and acidity fluctuations, and a naturally limited area, so strategies must be tailored to the specific conditions of that zone.
- Try different wildlife combinations to see which best mitigate particular threats.
- Use the camera to monitor subtle shifts in water conditions.
03 / THE GUIDE
Species Attraction
Players craft lures to entice a variety of marine life, from coral crabs and monkfish to hammerhead sharks. Over 40 species can be drawn to a well‑balanced reef, each contributing to ecosystem health.
Attracted species can be observed up close or viewed across the entire colony using the game’s camera system, allowing players to appreciate individual behavior and colony‑wide dynamics.
- Combine lures that target complementary species to boost biodiversity.
- Watch how different species interact; this can reveal hidden benefits.
04 / THE GUIDE
Environment Management
Restoring the reef relies on managing resources such as energy‑channeling coral and resource‑generating seashells. Players must also monitor algae, pH, temperature and acidity to keep the habitat stable.
External influences like shifting biomes and limited space add layers of difficulty, demanding strategic adaptation for each zone’s unique challenges.
- Prioritize resource generators early to sustain long‑term growth.
- Balance pH and temperature before introducing sensitive species.
05 / THE GUIDE
Accessibility Features
Life Below includes adjustable text size, custom volume controls, adjustable difficulty and options for mouse‑only or full controller input. These settings let players tailor the experience to personal preferences.
The game also offers a camera comfort mode and contrast controls, enhancing visual comfort during extended play sessions.
- Try the mouse‑only option if you prefer precise placement of coral structures.
- Adjust difficulty to match your comfort level with environmental management.
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