Sharks and Minnows is a psychological survival horror game that transforms a closed aquatic center into a labyrinth of fear and exhaustion. Players find themselves locked inside the facility with only one objective: swim ten full laps through a cursed pool to unlock the exit. But each completed lap comes at a cost—stamina fades, hallucinations increase, and the building itself begins to twist and react. The deeper players go, the more the environment begins to resist their escape.
Tension Through Movement and Decay
Swimming is the core action, but it’s also the greatest threat. Each movement in the water drains stamina, and failing to manage energy leads to drowning mid-lap. Between laps, players must scavenge for supplies hidden in locker rooms, dark corners, and forgotten storage spaces. Some areas feel untouched for years, while others seem recently disturbed. Players must choose when to rest and when to dive in again, knowing that time isn’t on their side and the pool feels increasingly alive.
Anomalies and Shifting Reality
Strange things begin to happen as the laps add up. Reflections in the water don’t always match the player’s actions. Doors lead to different places than before. Muffled whispers can be heard from inside the ventilation shafts. These subtle changes grow more intense, distorting the perception of time and space. The threats in Sharks and Minnows aren’t always visible—they’re psychological, growing stronger with each moment of doubt, fatigue, or hesitation.
Strategy and Survival Routes
No two playthroughs are identical. The game uses randomized item placement and environmental variables to force players to adapt each time they try to escape. Some runs might offer generous supplies early on, while others demand risky detours into flooded tunnels or abandoned offices. Players can choose aggressive or cautious strategies, but both paths require constant awareness and planning. There is no perfect route—only the one that keeps you moving.
Key elements of Sharks and Minnows:
· Ten-lap progression tied to stamina and escalating tension
· Exploration-based resource gathering in a decaying swim center
· Environmental horror with shifting architecture and subtle anomalies
· Randomized layouts and supplies for high replay value
· A quiet, creeping threat that builds through psychological unease
Sharks and Minnows redefines fear through stillness and repetition. It doesn’t rely on loud threats or sudden shocks—instead, it invites players to face the pressure of routine in a space that no longer feels safe. Every breath, every stroke, every sound echoes louder when you’re never sure what’s watching from the other side of the water.
