Ecosystem

Ecosystem is a simulation game about evolving virtual lifeforms in a physically simulated ocean. You create creatures from synthetic DNA, which determines their skeletal structure, mental processors and combat abilities, then release them into the water and guide how their populations develop.

Creature simulation

Each creature’s nervous system works like a pipeline computer: data from its sense organs passes through a network of neurons, which then contracts a muscle in a specific body part. Creatures swim by applying torque at their joints and pushing against the water, coordinating their movements to propel themselves forward.

Evolution and survival

You can start evolution by releasing a batch of creatures with random bodies and brains. Most initially move aimlessly, but those that manage to move even slightly have more offspring than the others. After ten generations, their descendants can become talented swimmers.

Combat shapes each species’ place in the food chain. Creatures can develop abilities such as electrical attacks that stun enemies or poisonous spikes that help them evade predators. Their combat statistics determine their roles, and as a species establishes itself, it must adapt to predator attacks or risk extinction.

Guide evolution

Tools unlock as you progress, letting you influence which traits species develop. You can set broad requirements, such as having tentacles, reaching a certain size or having a specified number of body parts, as well as adjust details such as the drag or torque creatures face while swimming.

Shape the world

Worlds are generated procedurally, with options including ocean depth and soil type. You can also sculpt the terrain yourself, raising mountains or carving dark caves where predators can lurk.

Track your ecosystem

You can monitor your world through statistics and analysis tools. Ecosystem overviews include population charts for animals and plants, while phylogenetic trees let you follow the evolution of individual species.

Share and download creations

Steam Workshop support lets you share species, maps and aquariums. You can also download other players’ species from within the game, introduce them to your ecosystem and see whether they survive.