If you loved the fast-paced, stylish combat of Have a Nice Death or the stunning platforming of Unruly Heroes, get ready to dive into something completely different. Publisher Arc Games and indie developer Magic Design Studios have officially announced that their newly revealed title, NAUTUS, is opening its doors for a Steam Closed Beta Playtest.
Described as a charm-filled, offbeat mix of ocean survival, island base-building, and exploration—recalling fan favourites like Dave the Diver, Subnautica, SteamWorld Dig, and Terraria—NAUTUS is preparing to let players get their hands on the game for the very first time.
When Does the NAUTUS Closed Beta Start?
The Closed Beta Playtest officially kicks off on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 7:00 AM PDT.
Magic Design Studios is looking for passionate indie gamers and fans of survival/exploration titles to hop into the test, test out early mechanics, and drop valuable feedback in their official Discord channel to help shape the project throughout development.
What is NAUTUS?
NAUTUS brings a unique, dual-layered gameplay loop that blends cosy island life with high-stakes subaquatic exploration. Whether playing solo or teaming up with friends in 4-player online co-op, players will cycle between two distinct phases:
1. On the Surface (Cosy Sanctuary)
Above the waves, take a breather in a vibrant tropical base. You’ll meet a cast of eccentric, amnesiac island inhabitants—like a tanning-obsessed diver and an overly ambitious expedition chief—and complete quests to help recover their lost memories. You can construct and customise your haven, farm vital supplies, manage resources, and engineer modular upgrades for your vessel.
2. Below the Surface (Deep Abyss)
Take the helm of your customizable, upgradeable submarine and submerge into a dangerous, shifting underwater world. From colourful coral reefs and sunken pirate shipwrecks to dark trenches full of mutant sea life and environmental hazards, you’ll need to gather rare crafting materials, defeat hostile creatures, and unlock deep secrets hidden at the ocean floor.
How to Sign Up for the NAUTUS Playtest
Joining the playtest takes just a minute:
- Visit the Sign-Up Page: Head over to playtest.playnautus.com.
- Submit Your Details: Complete the registration to request access for the Steam Closed Beta.
- Wishlist on Steam: Don’t forget to head over to the official NAUTUS Steam Store page to wishlist the game and stay up to date on future updates.
Get your crew together, sign up early, and prepare to explore the depths when the beta goes live on August 31!
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