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Iron Lung

Iron Lung is a 2022 submarine simulation horror video game developed and published by David Szymanski.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Iron Lung is a 2022 submarine simulation horror game by David Szymanski, where you pilot a tiny sub through an ocean of blood on a desolate moon.

What it is

You play an unnamed convict sent after a cataclysm called the Quiet Rapture. The submarine's front window is sealed, so you navigate by instruments and sensors alone. Your goal: photograph marked points of interest in the blood ocean while managing limited systems.

Key details

The game is short, claustrophobic, and minimalist. It released on Windows in March 2022, then on Nintendo Switch later that year. Ports for PlayStation 5 and Android arrived in 2025. It's known for its intense atmosphere and sense of confinement.

Why it matters

Iron Lung stands out as a focused horror experience that relies on dread and minimal tools rather than jump scares. Its bleak story and abrupt ending have made it a cult hit among fans of atmospheric indie games.

In short

  • Short horror game set in a blood ocean on an alien moon.
  • Navigate blindly using instruments; photograph points of interest.
  • Developed solo by David Szymanski; released 2022 on Windows and Switch.
  • Praised for its claustrophobic atmosphere and minimalist design.

Quick questions

What is Iron Lung game?
A short submarine horror game where you pilot a small sub through an ocean of blood on an alien moon.
How do you play Iron Lung?
You navigate using instruments since the front window is blocked, and photograph locations of interest while trying to survive.
What is the Iron Lung game release date?
It released on Windows on March 10, 2022, and on Nintendo Switch on December 19, 2022.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Lung_(video_game)
    Supports: Developer, genre, premise, and release dates
  2. Steam — https://store.steampowered.com/app/1846170/Iron_Lung/
    Supports: Game description, genre, and initial release date
  3. IGN — https://www.ign.com/games/iron-lung
    Supports: Gameplay overview and release date
  4. WIUX — https://www.wiux.org/article/2026/02/iron-lung-translating-horror-accurately-from-a-video-games-to-the-big-screen
    Supports: Story setup, setting, and the convict premise
  5. VICE — https://www.vice.com/en/article/iron-lung-is-a-terrifying-horror-game-about-your-inevitable-demise/
    Supports: Gameplay constraints, atmosphere, and objective