The Chinese Room’s impressively choreographed oil rig horror Still Wakes the Deep is making a return, in a brand-new bit of story DLC that’ll pick up the action almost a decade after the events of the main game. It’s called Siren’s Rest, and it’s coming to all platforms on 18th June.
Still Wakes the Deep’s original story transported players back to 1975 and the wonderfully realised Beira D oil rig, located somewhere off the coast of Scotland in the churning North Sea. Eventually, it became clear that unknown forces had dubious designs on the Beira D’s crew, and thus began a very difficult day in the life of electrician Cameron McLeary.
If you haven’t played the main game, you might want to stop reading here, as introducing Siren’s Rest requires revealing the fate of Beira D and its crew. You see, Still Wakes the Deep’s story DLC time jumps forward over a decade to 1986 when a specialist diving team journeys to the site of the oil rig, now far below the waves. Armed with a cutting torch, crowbar, and camera, this new team is attempting to piece together the final moments of the Beira D, but it just might transpire those unknowable forces aren’t quite done playing just yet.
“The Beira D is now a groaning steel catacomb interred in the inky depths of the North Sea,” The Chinese Room teases in its announcement. “What really happened that December day in 1975, when communications to the mainland were severed and the rig sank without a trace? What answers can be given to families who still grieve, ten years on?”
Siren’s Rest, which will supposedly offer around 1.5-2 hours of playtime, has a new writer in Sagar Beroshi (they previously served as narrative designer on Helldivers 2), and a brand-new cast to go with its brand-new crew. Lois Chimimba (Doctor Who, Shetland) stars as protagonist Mhairi alongside Lorn Macdonald (Bridgerton, The Lazarus Project) and David Menkin (Final Fantasy 16, Alan Wake 2), and Kate Saxon is once again on voice directing duties, which bodes well given the stellar performances in the main game.
I wasn’t entirely sold on Still Wakes the Deep’s design when I reviewed it last year, but there was no questioning its often astonishing artistry – and I’d be lying if I said the haunting fate of the Beira D’s crew hadn’t stuck with me. So I’m genuinely intrigued to see how Siren’s Rest expands on what’s come before with its new team and some 80s swagger.
Still Wakes the Deep’s Siren’s Rest DLC launches for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (via Steam and Epic) next Wednesday, 18th June, and it’ll cost £9.99/€12.99/$12.99 USD.