Keep Swimming is a multiplayer hide-and-seek game set entirely underwater. Available on PC in the action, indie, and casual genres, it supports two to eight players who split into opposing roles of hunter and prey. The core loop revolves around blending in or standing out within schools of fish while navigating a shared reef environment.
Gameplay
Players take on one of two roles in each match. Divers act as the hunters, tasked with locating and catching disguised opponents before time runs out. They observe school movements, listen for irregular feeding sounds, and watch for sudden changes in direction that reveal hidden players. Tools such as Scatter Pulse and Chum Bait create disturbances that force nearby fish to react, exposing anyone who fails to match the group behavior. Each successful catch on a player fish extends the hunt, but striking a real fish deducts Sanity and risks ending the round prematurely.
Fish players focus on survival through mimicry. They join existing schools, match swimming speed and patterns, and time their feeding to avoid drawing attention. A poorly timed meal can alert nearby Divers. When threatened, fish can attempt a Fake feed or use Panic Dash to escape. If the fish group survives long enough, Blood Tide activates and reverses the power dynamic. Divers lose their weapons while surviving fish gain the ability to fight back.
The shared space is Reef Basin, an underwater area containing coral formations, kelp beds, sand banks, bubbles, and roaming prey fish. Thirty decoy fish populate eleven distinct habitats, each with unique movement patterns such as tight grouping, drifting, scattering, or breaking away to feed. Success depends on learning these habits and selecting a school that matches the environment without appearing out of place.
Game Modes
The game centers on a single core experience built around role assignment and round progression. In smaller lobbies one Diver hunts, while larger groups add a second Diver. Matches consist of four rounds, after which the player with the highest score wins. The structure emphasizes repeated attempts at concealment or pursuit within the same Reef Basin map, with roles potentially shifting based on lobby size and survival conditions.
Key Mechanics
Mechanics reward observation and timing over direct confrontation. Divers must balance aggressive use of tools against the risk of Sanity loss. Fish players manage hunger, positioning, and reaction speed to maintain cover. The transition to Blood Tide introduces a sudden shift that forces both sides to adapt quickly. These systems create tension through constant risk of exposure rather than traditional combat.
Is It Worth Playing?
Keep Swimming suits players who enjoy asymmetric multiplayer experiences focused on stealth and deduction. The underwater setting and fish-disguise concept provide a distinct twist on hide-and-seek, while the Sanity and Blood Tide mechanics add layers of decision-making. With support for up to eight players and short rounds, it works well for casual sessions with friends. Those seeking fast-paced action or solo campaigns may find the emphasis on observation and mimicry less engaging. The game remains in a state where its core loop stands on its own without additional seasonal content or major updates confirmed at this time.