Barotrauma is a co-op submarine simulator set in Jupiter's moon Europa's subsurface ocean. Your crew operates a submarine through procedurally generated cave systems filled with hostile alien creatures, completing missions between outposts. Every crew member has a specific role: Captain navigates, Engineer manages the reactor, Medic handles injuries, Security fights boarders, and Mechanic repairs hull breaches. The game shines in multiplayer chaos — someone accidentally floods a compartment, a creature breaches the hull, the reactor goes critical, and the Medic is administering the wrong drug — all simultaneously. Friendly fire and crew sabotage add human drama to the alien horror.
Barotrauma features distinct areas with increasing difficulty. This guide covers every major location in progression order — what to do, what to get, and when to move on. For the step-by-step path, see our walkthrough.
Area Progression Order
| Order | Location | Difficulty | Key Rewards | Recommended Build |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Europa | All depths | Campaign progression, creature encounters, resource collection | Engineer |
| 2 | Submarine Interior | All missions | Systems access, crafting stations, storage, survival | Engineer |
| 3 | Ruins | Mid-late campaign | Alien artifacts, rare materials, unique equipment, highest value loot | Captain |
| 4 | Abyss | Late campaign | Rare resources, endgame content, Endworm encounters | Captain |
| 5 | Outpost | Between missions | Resupply, crew hiring, submarine repairs, mission selection | Captain |
Europa — Starting Area
Jupiter's moon with a subsurface ocean. The entire game takes place in Europa's underwater cave systems between outposts. Depth determines difficulty — shallow areas near outposts are safer, deep areas face extreme pressure and dangerous creatures.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | All depths |
| Key Rewards | Campaign progression, creature encounters, resource collection |
| Recommended Build | Engineer |
| Key Equipment | SMG |
What to Do Here
- Learn the basics of submarine management — this is where you practice without heavy punishment.
- Collect starting resources and your first equipment upgrade.
- Clear all main content before moving to Submarine Interior.
- If you're struggling, read our beginner's guide.
Submarine Interior — Early Game
Your home and workplace. The submarine's compartments include: Command (bridge), Engineering (reactor), Medical Bay, Armory, Storage, and Crew Quarters. Learning the submarine layout is essential for emergency response.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | All missions |
| Key Rewards | Systems access, crafting stations, storage, survival |
| Recommended Build | Engineer |
| Key Equipment | SMG |
What to Do Here
- Focus on mastering crew roles — it's critical from this point on.
- Farm for SMG if you don't have it yet.
- Complete all objectives for maximum rewards.
- Prepare for the difficulty spike in Ruins.
Ruins — Mid Game
Ancient alien structures scattered throughout Europa's caves. Ruins contain valuable artifacts, alien technology, and dangerous guardians. Exploring ruins requires diving suits and combat readiness. The loot from ruins is the most valuable in the game.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Mid-late campaign |
| Key Rewards | Alien artifacts, rare materials, unique equipment, highest value loot |
| Recommended Build | Captain |
| Key Equipment | SMG |
What to Do Here
- This is the main skill check. Bring an optimized build.
- Revolver becomes accessible here — prioritize getting it.
- Master crafting for the boss encounters.
- Check our boss guide if you get stuck.
Abyss — Late Game
The deepest areas of Europa's ocean with extreme pressure, near-zero visibility, and the largest creatures. Abyss missions are the most dangerous and rewarding. Only well-equipped submarines with experienced crews should attempt Abyss missions.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Late campaign |
| Key Rewards | Rare resources, endgame content, Endworm encounters |
| Recommended Build | Captain |
| Key Equipment | Revolver |
What to Do Here
- Full build optimization is expected by this point.
- Revolver should be your primary, fully upgraded.
- mission system mastery starts mattering here.
- Farm resources for the push into Outpost.
Outpost — Endgame
Settlements between missions where you buy supplies, hire crew, repair the submarine, and take new missions. Outpost shops sell weapons, medical supplies, materials, and submarine upgrades. Spending wisely at outposts determines mission preparedness.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Between missions |
| Key Rewards | Resupply, crew hiring, submarine repairs, mission selection |
| Recommended Build | Captain |
| Key Equipment | Revolver |
What to Do Here
- This is endgame. Best-in-slot gear and a perfected build are mandatory.
- See our boss guide for endgame fight strategies.
- The reward loop: clear content → upgrade → push harder content.
- Experiment with Mechanic for variety once you've mastered the meta.
Exploration Tips
- Clear areas in order — Europa → Submarine Interior → Ruins → Abyss → Outpost. Skipping areas means missing resources you'll need later.
- Check every corner — Hidden caches and secrets are often in non-obvious locations.
- Match your equipment — Some areas favor different equipment types.
- Read the walkthrough — Our walkthrough provides exact progression milestones for each area.
- Don't rush — Clearing an area fully gives more resources than speedrunning two areas.
More Barotrauma Guides
- Barotrauma Barotrauma Overview
- Barotrauma Best Builds
- Barotrauma Tier List
- Barotrauma Walkthrough
- Barotrauma Beginner's Guide
- Barotrauma Tips & Tricks
- Barotrauma Weapons Guide
- Barotrauma Combat Guide
- Barotrauma Boss Guide
- Barotrauma Crafting Guide
- Barotrauma Classes & Characters
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