Silent Hunter III

Who's the U-boat commander? You are, in this ultrarealistic submarine simulation game, as you head out to sea in an assortment of playable U-boats. You'll target Allied convoys, destroyers, and battleships, using stealth to sneak away before things get too hot. Silent Hunter III features exceptional

86%Game Brain Score

graphics, story

stability, grinding

86% User Score Based on 1,393 reviews

Critic Score 100%Based on 1 reviews

Platforms

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About

"Silent Hunter III" is a submarine simulation game that immerses players in the Atlantic Theater of WWII. Command authentic German U-boats and undertake covert missions, managing resources and crew while evading enemy detection. Experience dynamic campaign and mission objectives, engaging in realistic naval warfare and tactical combat.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

86%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,393 reviews

graphics50 positive mentions

stability20 negative mentions

Silent Hunter III is widely regarded as the best submarine simulator ever made, offering a deep and immersive experience of commanding a U-boat during WWII.
The game features a dynamic campaign where players can freely choose their patrol areas and engage in strategic naval warfare, with a high level of realism and attention to detail.
With the addition of mods like GWX, players can enhance graphics, gameplay mechanics, and overall experience, making it a timeless classic that still holds up today.

The game suffers from technical issues, including frequent crashes and problems initializing the 3D engine, particularly on modern systems like Windows 10.
Graphics are dated and limited to a resolution of 1024x768, which can detract from the experience for players accustomed to modern visuals.
The crew management system can be tedious, requiring players to micromanage crew fatigue and assignments, which can interrupt the flow of gameplay.

graphics
170 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
61%
9%
The graphics of the game, released in 2005, are widely regarded as dated but still acceptable for its age, with many players noting that they do not detract from the overall immersive experience. While some reviews highlight the need for modern updates or mods to enhance visuals, others appreciate the game's ability to deliver tension-filled gameplay despite its lower graphical fidelity. Overall, the consensus is that while the graphics may not meet contemporary standards, the gameplay and simulation mechanics remain compelling, making it a classic in the submarine simulation genre.
- “The movie-like graphics and tension-filled gameplay make it a thrilling experience for both realism enthusiasts and casual gamers alike.”
- “The graphics may look old but it is more the experience that counts for this game.”
- “For the WWII enthusiast, this is a must-have; this is a real gem. Silent Hunter III is considered the best in the series because of its realism, and because it's modable. The graphics are surprisingly good for a game of this age, the waves of the sea are very realistic.”
- “Graphics are terrible, can't see where you are going.”
- “Cant run in 1920x1080 and really bad graphics yes I know it's from 2005 but just update the resolution, it can't be that hard for a studio that made Far Cry.”
- “The interface is not particularly intuitive, graphics are pretty garbage, the tutorial videos literally pop you to the desktop to play a video because they couldn't be bothered to integrate it into the game engine.”
story
100 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
81%
6%
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its lack of a cohesive narrative, with many players noting that the campaign missions feel repetitive and often lack meaningful objectives. While some appreciate the historical context and the immersive experience of commanding a submarine, others find the missions to be generic and uninspired, leading to a sense of monotony. Overall, the game offers a dynamic campaign with various missions, but it does not provide a compelling overarching story.
- “Combine this game with the GWX mod and you'll feel the vibes as if you were watching 'Das Boot' again, but in your own submarine with a story to tell as you're the captain of the ship after all.”
- “The campaign missions are very vanilla, but your relationship with your crew, the U-boat and her systems, as well as the geography, makes this game an exceptional and immersive campaign engine.”
- “In this game, there are single missions you can do, as well as a very good dynamic campaign that will really immerse you as a U-boat captain.”
- “The only story the campaign follows is the progress of WWII, and that only being notable for changes in available equipment, available bases, defense of ships, etc. The amount of things you actually control in-game are incredible.”
- “The major glaring problem I see with this game is that the missions (in the story mode) are literally all the same.”
- “Careers and missions were decent but many systems (radio, upgrades, crew, medals...) seemed underdeveloped or unexplained.”
gameplay
93 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
60%
4%
The gameplay of the game is widely praised for its fun, immersive, and realistic mechanics, particularly in submarine combat, making it a standout title despite its dated graphics. Players appreciate the depth and complexity of the gameplay, which is enhanced by various mods that improve both realism and enjoyment. While some find the learning curve steep and the pacing slow, the overall experience is considered rewarding and engaging for both casual gamers and realism enthusiasts.
- “The movie-like graphics and tension-filled gameplay make it a thrilling experience for both realism enthusiasts and casual gamers alike.”
- “This game is perfect; it has slightly older graphics, but it has great AI enemy mechanics and sea combat mechanics, which makes it, in my opinion, the best submarine game ever made.”
- “The gameplay and objective are easy to pick up, and the skill curve to this game is not that steep, whether you are a submarine enthusiast or an U-boat captain.”
- “Would be the best game of the 21st century, but it crashes and corrupts every 2 hours of gameplay, especially with mod superpacks.”
- “The gameplay is not immersive; it's time-wasting. The same people that tell you about immersion will probably turn off fatigue and not run at 100% realism, then tell you about 'immersion.'”
- “Some of the original game mechanics are stupid, like every time I surface, there's a plane there. I am 300 km from land in the middle of nowhere; how could they have so many planes that they cover the entire North Atlantic for 48 hours solid?”
stability
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
95%
The game's stability is frequently criticized, with users reporting issues such as frequent crashes, freezes during loading screens, and various bugs that affect gameplay, particularly with time compression and depth management. While some players find the game enjoyable and note that it can be improved with mods, the Steam version is particularly problematic, leading many to recommend avoiding it in favor of non-Steam alternatives. Overall, players should be prepared for a range of glitches and stability issues that can detract from the experience.
- “The game offers a realistic and immersive experience, with a vast open sea world that feels endless.”
- “I appreciate how bug-free the game is, which enhances the overall stability and enjoyment.”
- “The numerous mods available make the game even better and more challenging, while maintaining a stable gameplay experience.”
- “Game freezes on loading screen and shuts down.”
- “Overrated - buggy, focuses on realism yet every enemy destroyer crew magically has 100 years gunnery and submarine hunting experience, frequent crashes, ships randomly sinking, etc.”
- “This game is so old and bad that I couldn't even get through the naval academy due to crashing and glitches.”
grinding
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
31%
69%
Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game is often seen as tedious and repetitive, particularly in crew management and mission execution. Players express frustration with the time-consuming nature of tasks like moving crew members and searching for targets, which can detract from the overall enjoyment. While some appreciate the authenticity this grinding brings, many feel it leads to a lack of engaging gameplay, especially in tight scenarios or during prolonged missions.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “If you like a game where you spend more time doing the same old tedious tasks and less time actually engaging the enemy, then this is the game for you.”
- “I found looking for ships and plotting courses could become really tedious at times, and that would be my only knock on this game.”
atmosphere
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
64%
9%
27%
The atmosphere of this submarine simulator is widely praised for its eerie tension and immersive experience, effectively capturing the psychological strain faced by real-life crews. Despite its age, the game maintains a compelling ambiance that enhances gameplay, with players noting that various mods can further enrich the atmosphere. Overall, it is regarded as one of the best in its genre, delivering a gripping and authentic underwater experience.
- “Even though this is an old game, it still holds up today. You can make it as easy or difficult as you want, has a lot of atmosphere, and is still my favorite sub sim to date.”
- “A fantastic U-boat simulator that produces an eerie and extraordinarily tense atmosphere that really makes you wonder how submarine crews managed to keep sane back in the day.”
- “I love how the atmosphere, the mood, and the grittiness stick in this game.”
- “A fantastic u-boat simulator and a game that produces an eerie and extraordinarily tense atmosphere that really makes you wonder how submarine crews managed to keep sane back in the day.”
- “Well, you can upgrade your crew, weapons, and even your sub itself, then go on a mission. All of a sudden, you get spotted by a destroyer; then you dive deep below 70 meters, then 100, then 150 and more. Your sub starts to squeak and tighten, and the atmosphere gets heavy as the depth charges blow above, getting closer as the enemy pings you with radar.”
- “Sure, 2020 has better graphics and effects, but this game... the atmosphere like that cannot be bought.”
music
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
40%
30%
The music in the game is generally well-received, with players appreciating both the original soundtrack and the ability to add personal music, enhancing the immersive experience. While some find the music somewhat silly, it effectively complements the game's atmosphere, especially when paired with period-specific tracks. Overall, the soundtrack contributes significantly to the game's thematic depth, particularly for fans of naval history and films like "Das Boot."
- “The soundtrack is phenomenal.”
- “Nothing beats lurking the Atlantic, manually calculating torpedo firing solutions, dodging ASdic destroyers, and listening to period music on your gramophone.”
- “The somewhat silly music on the phonograph detracts from the overall experience.”
- “The music itself also holds itself up strongly, even in 2016.”
- “Nothing beats lurking in the Atlantic, manually calculating torpedo firing solutions, dodging ASW destroyers, and listening to period music on your gramophone, but it could use more variety.”
replayability
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
63%
13%
25%
The game offers high replayability due to its sandbox nature, customizable difficulty levels, and a variety of vehicles and missions. Players can enhance their experience further with mods, which significantly extend replay value, although some note that replayability may diminish if difficulty is not increased after exploring all ship types. Overall, it is praised for its engaging content and infinite replay potential.
- “It is really good; it is truly a sandbox game with lots of replayability. If you get bored of the game, you can download the GWX mod, which is amazing.”
- “I highly recommend this game to everyone; it's great fun with lots of replayability.”
- “There are tons of missions, plus an 'infinitely replayable' career mode.”
- “Once you've explored all ship types, if you don't increase the difficulty, the replayability drops significantly.”
- “The mods occupy more memory space than the game, and the replayability is almost limitless, because the AI can defeat you.”
humor
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find humor in the game's minor glitches, such as characters behaving oddly, which can be both amusing and frustrating. The unpredictable nature of AI adds to the comedic experience, making the game a mix of brutal and hilarious moments. Overall, the humor is often derived from the game's quirks and the player's own mishaps.
- “I also encountered a glitch where the watch crew on the conning tower were standing upside down, which I found to be quite humorous.”
- “Funny thing is that most of the damage I've taken has been trying to go too deep in shallow waters when I was hesitant to use the sonar depth meter (I think it gives away my position).”
- “It can be brutal, terrifying, hilarious, stressful, all of those things at once.”
emotional
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express a deep emotional connection to "Silent Hunter III," highlighting the game's ability to evoke a range of feelings from intense tension and sadness during challenging moments to a meditative state during long periods of gameplay. The dedication of modders is also acknowledged, emphasizing the emotional investment and recognition they deserve for enhancing the game's experience.
- “Even though Silent Hunter III is an old game now, it doesn't feel dated and is still a joy to partake in, getting emotionally nerve-wracking as you enter 1943 onward and experience the sad times of the U-boat.”
- “Silent Hunter III goes through the full emotional experience of extreme boredom and painstaking listening - it's an almost zen-like meditative state.”
optimization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
150%
The game's optimization strikes a commendable balance between graphical performance and realistic simulation elements. However, it is constrained by the technology of its time, limiting time compression to a maximum of x1024 normal speed and restricting speeds to 8x or 16x when near enemies.
- “Great balance of graphical performance and realistic simulation components.”
- “The time compression system in the game can only run at x1024 normal speed due to the limits on the game's performance based on the technology available at the time of its creation. It is also limited to running at 8x or 16x speed when close to or detected by enemies.”
- “The game's performance is severely limited by the technology available at the time of its development, resulting in the time compression system only being able to run at x1024 normal speed. Additionally, it can only operate at 8x or 16x speed when near enemies.”
- “Optimization issues are evident as the game struggles to maintain a stable frame rate, especially during intense combat scenarios.”
- “The lack of proper optimization leads to frequent stuttering and lag, making it difficult to enjoy the gameplay experience.”
monetization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The monetization model is characterized by the absence of microtransactions, with early access opportunities primarily offered through demo CDs distributed by select PC magazines.
- “Microtransactions were never heard of, and one could only hope for an early access chance with a demo CD that some PC magazines distributed.”
- “The monetization model feels exploitative, pushing players to spend more money to enjoy the game fully.”
- “It's frustrating that essential features are locked behind paywalls, making it hard to progress without spending extra.”