They Breathe
Released May 2014
They Breathe is a short journey into the depths of a forest filled with water. As you swim deeper, it's up to you to figure out the rules of an insidious ecosystem where nothing is as it first seems, and where everyone is after the same precious resource – oxygen!
84% positive · 1,299 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Where to buy
Steam $1.99
Can't confirm — worth a look
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Evaluation
They Breathe launched on Steam on May 23, 2014 as a short, self-contained indie game (~30 minutes). In June 2019, the developer released a substantial free remaster update, rebuilt from the ground up in Unity with overhauled artwork, reworked gameplay systems, and new platform support. The sole DLC — an original soundtrack — was released on May 24, 2020. In July 2021, the developer added local co-op multiplayer as a free update. Since that July 2021 update, there have been no further developer communications, no unreleased DLC, no announced future content, and no indication of ongoing development. The game was always described as a deliberate, finite 30-minute experience, and there is no evidence the developer intends to expand it further. The 2021 co-op update appears to be the last addition to the game.
Evidence
Local co-op was added as a free update, allowing two players to descend together. This is the most recent developer communication on record.
A full remaster was released as a free update, rebuilding the game in Unity with reworked art, gameplay, and new platform support.
Content
1 of 1 released · no outstanding content
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
The Working Parts
Achievements
8
Platform
Windows, macOS
Controller
partial support
Steam Deck
Verified
Players
Single-player · Multiplayer · Co-op · PvP · Local/Split Screen
About this game
CAN YOU SEE IT?
In the first game by The Working Parts, a lone frog descends into the depths of a flooded forest, not yet knowing the full extent of its tragedy. To survive in a brutal, oxygen-obsessed ecosystem, you must help it see the patterns and hidden truths that make up the rules of the forest - horrible as they may be.
They Breathe is a critically acclaimed indie gem risen from the depths of Xbox Live Indie Games. In thirty short minutes, the game leaves it up to you to figure out every part of its increasingly bizarre universe, in order to survive the onslaught of unexpected creatures and ultimately comprehend their true nature. No matter how your descent to the bottom of the forest takes shape, it is guaranteed to give you the chills without a single word of dialog.
Keep your eyes open, for there is darkness beneath the surface. And you're not at the bottom yet.
Features
What people say
In the first game by The Working Parts, a lone frog descends into the depths of a flooded forest, not yet knowing the full extent of its tragedy. To survive in a brutal, oxygen-obsessed ecosystem, you must help it see the patterns and hidden truths that make up the rules of the forest - horrible as they may be.
They Breathe is a critically acclaimed indie gem risen from the depths of Xbox Live Indie Games. In thirty short minutes, the game leaves it up to you to figure out every part of its increasingly bizarre universe, in order to survive the onslaught of unexpected creatures and ultimately comprehend their true nature. No matter how your descent to the bottom of the forest takes shape, it is guaranteed to give you the chills without a single word of dialog.
Keep your eyes open, for there is darkness beneath the surface. And you're not at the bottom yet.
Features
- Surreal atmosphere
- No hand-holding
- Hand-drawn HD art
- A story told through gameplay
- ''Making of'' feature
What people say
- This game is only 2$, but I feel like this experience is scarring me for life - Markiplier
- "The scariest game on earth" - GameGrumps
- "I approached They Breathe as a game, but it ended as an experience" -
- ''They Breathe is deceptively creepy [...] disturbing in all the right ways'' - Destructoid
- ''Some games evoke such a strange feeling that you can't help but be sucked in. They Breathe is one of those games.'' - XBLIG Silver Award, NeoGAF
- ''The atmosphere that The Working Parts has managed to create is praiseworthy.'' -
- ''a journey of discovery that is both rewarding and surprisingly horrifying'' - Plus10Damage
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Jun 28, 2026
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