How 2 Escape: Lost Submarine
Our verdict
7/10
- Difficulty: Medium
- Players: 2
- Playtime: 2–4 h
How 2 Escape: Lost Submarine is a two-player co-op escape game built around asymmetric roles. One player explores a missing submarine on PC or console, while the partner uses a free companion app on a phone or computer to look up the information needed to crack each puzzle. Only one copy is needed, which makes it an easy pick for couples or friends who like talking puzzles through.
Player feedback is limited but mostly good: 37 of 43 Steam reviews are positive. The store promises puzzles that ramp up in difficulty and a Cold War-style plot about stopping a torpedo launch before it starts a war. The one detailed review available is negative, citing sudden difficulty spikes and puzzles that do a poor job of explaining their basic idea.
The main limits are the format and the small amount of player feedback. It needs exactly two people talking to each other, and there is no solo mode. If you enjoyed earlier How 2 Escape games or other two-screen co-op puzzlers, it is a reasonable, low-cost buy. If you play alone, look elsewhere.
Pros
- Asymmetric roles: one explores, one reads the companion app
- Only one copy needed, the partner's app is free
- Cross-platform play across PC, console and mobile
Cons
- Strictly two players, no solo option
- Reported difficulty spikes and poorly explained puzzles
- Very few detailed player reviews to go on
About
The unique co-op experience that made How 2 Escape a success is back with improved gameplay and new challenging puzzles!
The latest edition in the How 2 Escape series, How 2 Escape: Lost Submarine has you and a partner work together to locate a missing submarine and prevent the start of a global war.
SAVE THE WORLD
An important allied military base has been captured by enemy forces, prompting the government to preemptively order the launch of a torpedo to reclaim it - despite the potential for countless allied deaths.
However, after further internal discussions and negotiations with the enemy, the government cancelled the strike that could spark a potential global war. The only problem is "The Triumphant," the submarine carrying the torpedo, is out of communication range and no one can confirm if the cancellation orders have reached the submarine.
To prevent war, the government has tasked its two best experts, Haurée and Leroy, two strategic masterminds of the submarine fleet, to locate “The Triumphant” before time runs out and spread the latest information. These experts will face a reality they did not expect. Underwater, the startling torpedo decision broke out, igniting a moral dilemma among the sailors.
COOPERATE TO WIN - 2 players, 2 ways to play!
Put your communication and puzzle-solving skills to the test as you and a partner work together to prevent the start of war! Each of you has a crucial role to play that requires logic, coordination, observation and, above all, communication!
As player one, your job is to locate and investigate the inside of the submarine, where you’ll explore and interact with the environment.
Your friend is tasked with using the dedicated free companion app* to gather additional information so you both can solve the puzzles together.
*Get the free How 2 Escape: Lost Submarine Companion App on smartphone.
Features:
Co-op puzzle solving with a friend
Cross-platform plays on two devices
Only one copy of the game is needed (download the free companion app on PC or mobiles for the second player!)
Increasingly challenging puzzles
Simple controls
