UBOAT

About

"UBOAT is a WWII submarine simulator and survival sandbox game, focused on the life of German sailors with crew management mechanics. Players must maintain their crew's physical and mental health while dealing with extensive damage and unprecedented situations in the hostile Atlantic. Realism and creativity are key in this atmospheric and challenging title."

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

+12

85%

Audience ScoreBased on 10,013 reviews

story148 positive mentions

stability549 negative mentions

story
1,480 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
84%
6%
The story aspect of "Uboat" is generally perceived as lacking depth and coherence, with many players noting that missions often feel repetitive and disconnected from a larger narrative. While the game offers a variety of mission types, such as espionage and patrols, the absence of a compelling overarching storyline or historical context diminishes the immersive experience. Players express a desire for more engaging missions that incorporate historical events and character development to enhance the gameplay.
- “The game, especially after the full release, is great; the missions are fun and risky, there's crew voices, which make the game feel more alive.”
- “The missions are inspired by historic events during WWII, and there is a good amount of things you are able to do (Atlantic side).”
- “The gameplay loop consists of picking up a broad mission in port, then heading out to sea to find worthwhile targets to sink.”
- “The missions are very repetitive; there is only patrol, espionage, or attack port. There really needs to be much work into gameplay flavor (events, random missions, even crew interactions or dialog). Doing the same mission over and over again is quite repetitive, but I am sure many more missions will be developed by the developers.”
- “The game doesn't get any better; no more mission variety is introduced, and the flawed mechanics become glaring. The missions feel empty of purpose; they're like SH5, e.g., 'go to the area such, destroy such tonnage'.”
- “I have not been able to go on a mission without encountering a bug. The missions at this stage do become repetitive. I have played this game for 19 hours and nearly completely upgraded the U-boat and saw every kind of mission.”
gameplay
1,037 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
63%
5%
The gameplay of Uboat is characterized by a mix of engaging mechanics and a steep learning curve, with players appreciating the depth of crew management and tactical elements involved in submarine warfare. While the game offers a variety of missions and customization options, many users report persistent bugs and clunky mechanics that can disrupt the experience. Overall, despite its flaws, the game is seen as a promising entry in the submarine simulation genre, particularly for those who enjoy detailed management and historical accuracy.
- “Uboat offers good visuals, fun gameplay, and great mission variety.”
- “The crew mechanics are engaging and interesting, with their personality traits adding depth to dangerous encounters, such as having to slap panicking crew members out of their panic during a hunt.”
- “The gameplay is immersive and very tense when in combat since the pacing isn't fast nor is it at a snail's pace leaving you in control.”
- “The only thing it's got going for it is that the gameplay is so slow by the time you realize just how bad it is, you can't refund it any longer.”
- “The game is fun when it works, however it hardly ever works and many mechanics are simply broken.”
- “The gameplay is a little difficult to understand without the help of the YouTube videos; hence the tutorial ought to be updated as soon as possible.”
graphics
921 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
59%
38%
3%
The graphics in Uboat have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and attention to detail, particularly in the depiction of the submarine interiors and ocean environments. Many players note that the game runs well even on lower settings, although some experience performance issues and graphical glitches, especially at higher settings. Overall, the graphics are considered a significant strength of the game, contributing to an immersive experience, despite some areas needing further optimization and refinement.
- “The graphics are absolutely stunning, bringing the underwater world and the interior of the u-boat to life with incredible detail.”
- “The graphics are gorgeous, the sound design is brilliant—you can hear ships sinking on the hydrophones.”
- “The graphics are very polished and very realistic gameplay.”
- “The graphics are poor as well.”
- “The graphics are unfortunately lacking seaweed at final release and not the most detailed land-based and sea-based.”
- “The graphics are a mixed bag of sorts.”
stability
562 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
98%
The game's stability is a significant concern among players, with numerous reports of bugs, glitches, and crashes that hinder gameplay. Many users describe it as a "buggy mess," particularly highlighting issues with the tutorial and AI behavior, which can lead to frustrating experiences. While some players acknowledge the game's potential and appreciate ongoing developer support for patches, the consensus is that it remains too unstable for a fully enjoyable experience at this time.
- “For an early access game, it is very enjoyable and relatively bug free!”
- “I dropped the game only to find out when I could play games again that this game had evolved into something that is not only playable, but virtually bug free now!”
- “Quite bug free for an early access game with quite a lot of further development planned.”
- “The game is a complete waste of time... the newer version is all messed up... I have tried to play it numerous times but fall victim to glitches in the newer release of the game... I have tried re-installing the game but to no avail... when transferring to Bergen, Norway with my boat, the game will not let me dock and finish the mission... this one was the most frustrating.. so, I dumped the game off my computer... maybe I can find a suitable Silent Hunter game... the older games seem to be more stable... this game has been nothing but frustrating.”
- “The game is still too buggy and crashes too often, making the game unplayable.”
- “The tutorial is buggy and will soft lock you because a mission will not spawn the required unit or item.”
optimization
230 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
16%
61%
23%
The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback from users, with many highlighting significant performance issues, including stuttering, crashes, and high resource demands, particularly on lower-end systems. While some players report improvements following updates, others express frustration over persistent bugs and the need for further optimization to enhance gameplay stability and performance. Overall, the game is seen as having great potential, but it requires substantial work in optimization to reach its full capabilities.
- “The first thing I want to say about this game is that it's possibly the best optimized game I have ever played.”
- “The devs are delivering new stuff, optimizations, at a regular rate.”
- “With the constant updates, visuals and performance have improved greatly since the start.”
- “Optimization and heating issues were a problem.”
- “This game desperately needs optimization.”
- “The performance is also terrible.”
atmosphere
128 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
73%
24%
2%
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive and realistic depiction of life aboard a WWII submarine, enhanced by stunning graphics and atmospheric sound design. Players appreciate the attention to detail that evokes the tension and claustrophobia of underwater warfare, although some feel it lacks the depth and historical context found in classic submarine simulations. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's engagement and enjoyment.
- “The atmosphere is brilliant and helps the player to get immersed in the submarine they lead in a world at war.”
- “The game's engaging narrative and difficult missions keep me on the edge of my seat, and the magnificent graphics and atmospheric sound design give me the impression that I'm actually on a U-boat from World War II.”
- “Graphically, 'Uboat' does an excellent job capturing the gritty, claustrophobic atmosphere of submarine warfare.”
- “Nothing here except a bit of WWII atmosphere to sample and lots of unfinished stuff.”
- “Let me explain better: the game lacks the atmosphere of the movie; it lacks all the historical and artistic context that made the movie famous.”
- “This game doesn't have the flow and the atmosphere from Silent Hunter 3.”
music
102 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
70%
7%
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing a desire for more variety and options on the radio, as the current selection is limited and repetitive. While some appreciate the atmospheric soundtrack and its connection to the film "Das Boot," others find the inability to turn off or adjust the music frustrating. Fortunately, the modding community has stepped in to provide additional music options, enhancing the overall experience for those who seek more auditory diversity.
- “Furthermore, Uboat boasts stunning visuals and a hauntingly atmospheric soundtrack that brings its wartime setting to life in vivid detail.”
- “The soundtrack is amazing and really fits the mood, especially when you get into the deep.”
- “It's beautifully (and brutally) accurate to WWII submarine combat, the focus on the crew is fun, and they even let you tune in to different radio stations so you can listen to the 'Tipperary' song from that one scene in Das Boot.”
- “No gramophone, and no 'real' radio; there are only 3 radio stations and the music is terrible.”
- “Now the radio stations play the same songs over and over again and there's zero 'news reels' or such.”
- “The radio has effectively no music, so it relies completely on mods.”
grinding
92 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
23%
76%
The reviews highlight a pervasive sense of tedium associated with grinding in the game, particularly regarding crew management and mission execution. Many players find the micromanagement aspects and repetitive tasks to be frustrating and overly complex, detracting from the overall enjoyment. While some appreciate the depth and realism, the consensus leans towards the experience being excessively grindy, especially in the later stages of gameplay.
- “Sub management is not too tedious and can be fun.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The game gets very tedious near the end of the upgrade path with little to do other than go here, sink as many ships as possible.”
- “I'm an old school Silent Hunter fan and love the whole sub thing, but this game is far too tedious to be enjoyed; you literally have to control every crew member on the boat to do every tiny task.”
replayability
46 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
54%
7%
Overall, "Uboat" is praised for its high replayability, offering diverse gameplay experiences through dynamic campaigns, sandbox modes, and extensive modding support. While some players note that patterns may emerge over time, the game's depth, variety of missions, and customization options contribute to its lasting appeal. However, a few reviews mention limitations in replayability, suggesting that additional content could enhance the experience further.
- “Uboat is a game that takes you back to the good old days of awesome sandbox single-player games with rich campaigns and offers replayability without the feeling of repeating the same thing over and over. Despite being a captain of a submarine that fires a torpedo repeatedly, every situation is different.”
- “The game is extremely long, has a lot of replayability, and is easily worth the money.”
- “With fantastic graphics, amazingly accurate day/night geographical realism, and varied replayable gameplay, Uboat delivers a package that can keep you playing for several months.”
- “However, it's worth noting that Uboat does suffer from limited replayability.”
- “However, its limited replayability may deter some players from returning for multiple playthroughs.”
- “Simply put, there are too many moving parts, and too many variables that must be accounted for before anyone can really enjoy it and tap into its potential for any kind of replay value.”
humor
36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is often derived from its numerous bugs and glitches, which players find both amusing and frustrating. Many reviews highlight the comedic aspects of gameplay, such as absurd scenarios involving ships behaving unrealistically and humorous achievements, while also noting that these elements can detract from the overall experience. Despite the game's polish being questioned, the lighthearted tone and funny moments keep players engaged, even amidst the technical issues.
- “The tutorial hilariously is like, 'Okay, time to learn how to shoot a torpedo.'”
- “Funny part is the u-boat did a gator roll leaving the port.”
- “Also, I dressed all my officers up identically and it was funny they all were smoking pipes in the submarine. That's really bad for you.”
monetization
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
92%
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews; while some players appreciate the absence of pay-to-win mechanics and microtransactions, others criticize the developers for perceived cash grab tactics and prioritizing advertising over player experience. Concerns about the game's incomplete state and delayed release dates further contribute to the sentiment that it may lack genuine passion and commitment from the developers. Overall, players are divided on whether the monetization strategy enhances or detracts from the game's value.
- “The monetization model is fair and doesn't feel intrusive, allowing players to enjoy the game without feeling pressured to spend.”
- “I appreciate that the in-game purchases are optional and don't affect gameplay balance, making it a more enjoyable experience.”
- “The developers have done a great job of implementing monetization in a way that supports the game while still respecting the player's experience.”
- “All seems like cash grab titles, I guess that sums it up...”
- “Oh and if you want more reason to stay away from this or proof it's just a cash grab with zero passion behind it, this is the same people who have 1000 simulator games from hobo simulator to lawnmowing simulator, and this is double the price of all their other games.”
- “Unless they change their new pay-per-install cash grab, Uboat will remain on the seabed, slowly running out of air until all the crew are no more.”
emotional
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express a strong emotional connection to the crew members, appreciating their unique personalities and the sense of responsibility that comes with their well-being. However, frustrations arise from gameplay mechanics that hinder progress, leading to feelings of inadequacy and disappointment. Overall, the emotional experience is a mix of investment in character dynamics and challenges posed by the game's systems.
- “Each crew member has unique skills and personalities, which adds a layer of emotional investment—you genuinely care about the well-being of your crew.”
- “The crew looks detailed and has an emotional expression.”
- “We were all within touching distance of each other.”
character development
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
100%
The game features strong character development, allowing players to form emotional connections with their shipmates through meaningful progression mechanics and upgrades. Reviewers express a desire for further enhancements in character development and role-playing elements as the game evolves. Overall, it is praised as the best u-boat simulator, with potential for even deeper character engagement in future updates.
- “You find yourself starting to really care about the welfare of your shipmates, and I hope that character development and role-playing will be improved with time.”
- “You find yourself starting to really care about the welfare of your shipmates, and I hope that character development and role-playing will be improved over time.”
- “To me, it is the best sub sim I've ever played, and I cannot wait for it to fully mature and to have a complete campaign, with lots more character development, tech, upgrades, missions, etc.”
- “Currently the best U-boat simulator available, with proper progression mechanics from boat upgrades to character development.”