Inspired by the classic Caesar 3, new city builder is like Frostpunk underwater

What if PC classic Caesar 3 were set underwater? Tense Games' sprawling, aquatic colony sim, Seabed Settlers is the answer to that exact hypothetical. Heavily inspired by Impression Games' 1998 hit, this upcoming city builder puts you in charge of establishing a thriving underwater civilization in the aftermath of devastating Raybomb strikes that force humanity to flee beneath the ocean. You can take the plunge yourself when it's released next year.

While Seabed Settlers has clear Caesar 3 influences, the underwater city-building game gives us some serious Frostpunk vibes, too. You slowly grow your civilization, clearing the uneven seabed, harvesting resources, and identifying thermal vents that are crucial to energy production, allowing you to build new and improved structures for your citizens as you battle for survival.

Like most city builders, keeping your people fed, warm, and with a roof over their heads is vital. The key is to establish well-oiled (well-watered?) food chains. For example, building more fisheries provides protein, while seawheat farms provide raw ingredients that can be baked into the bread supplied to nearby residential habitats.

These habitats, like in Caesar 3, evolve in tiers (up to three). While higher tiers offer larger populations, the citizens are much needier. You'll need to ensure they've got plenty of schools, entertainment, and food, or your workforce will quickly grind to a halt - causing even bigger problems.

It's not just the sea dwellers who are needy. Alongside all this, you'll need to complete tasks handed down to you by the enigmatic High Regent, a distant but powerful figure who oversees all undersea administration and will be constantly judging your effectiveness as a leader. Fail to satisfy his wishes and you'll face the (likely unpleasant) consequences.

To succeed you need to balance your economy, labor, and growth - and maybe fend off a mutant incursion or two. How hard can that be, right?

Seabed Settlers is due to be released in Q1 of 2026. So, check out our picks of the best strategy games and best RTS games while you wait.

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