I started Atomic Heart: Enchantment Under the Sea rather blindly, truthfully. The base game had been a wild rollercoaster of Soviet sci-fi madness, while the add-ons have varied thus far in their quality. However, the third one? This is on a whole different level. After a few days submerged in its underwater world, I can confidently say that this is the best DLC yet. It’s an exciting, emotional, and mechanically satisfying expansion that not only furthered the story along but refined gameplay in ways that had me grinning like a kid in a candy store.
The DLC picks up after the first ending of the base game, whereby Major Nechaev, our protagonist – is betrayed by his sentient glove, Charles. Waking up in a cryopod, Nechaev finds himself partnered with his wife’s consciousness, now residing within the glove. What follows is an odd but sweet journey of rediscovery, banter, and romance as the two work together to bring Charles down once and for all.

The writing here is a huge improvement. Gone is the abrasive, unlikeable Nechaev from the base game, in favor of a more grounded, even charming version of the character. His dynamic with his wife-turned-glove is equal parts hilarious and touching. Their constant bickering and eventual reconciliation had me emotionally invested in a way I didn’t expect. By the end, I was rooting for them to make it work- glove and all..
The gameplay feels refined from the base game in Enchantment Under the Sea. New Whip and Blaze abilities for the glove are a complete blast, particularly Whip, which functions almost as a grappling hook. Zipping around this underwater research facility in style and fashion was a complete thrill. Although more linear in level design, there is a sense of exploration still to be had, hiding secrets, or even environmental puzzles.

Combat is still a highlight, and a new shotgun adds a nice run-and-gun flavor to the arsenal. It’s nowhere near as potent as the shotguns in the base game, but boy, is it ever a pleasure to use. New enemy types join the fray, such as aquatic-themed ones that’ll keep you dancing on your toes. A boss fight, accompanied by an absolute banger of a soundtrack, had me pumping my fist in victory.
All things said and done, the DLC is not without its missteps. The puzzles, while creative, can sometimes become needlessly tedious. Nechaev’s sarcastic remarks regarding “another door lock” made me chuckle, but they do highlight how some of the mechanics can get pretty repetitive. With the streamlined progression and reduced lock-pounding, it still ends up as the most enjoyable DLC to date.

Visually, Atomic Heart continues to impress. The underwater setting is great, with some really eerie bioluminescent environments that feel both alien and hauntingly beautiful. The Soviet-inspired architecture and design is as striking as ever, with phenomenal attention to detail in world-building.
Sound-wise, the game is as astounding as ever: Geoff Barrow and Mick Gordon deliver another plethora of pulse-quickening tunes that perfectly mesh with the on-screen action. The voice acting, especially with Nechaev and his wife-glove, is top-notch, even if some secondary characters still seem a bit dodgy.
Enchantment Under the Sea is that rare DLC, one that’s been long-wished for, and one fans of Atomic Heart have been holding their breath in anticipation for. It’s tightly crafted, continuing the story onward, refining some of the gameplay, and delivering emotional beats that strike harder than a fully upgraded shotgun. It is on the short side, around 3 to 4 hours, but feels purposeful with every moment fitting.
Atomic Heart – Enchantment Under the Sea: Enchantment Under the Sea is that rare DLC, one that's been long-wished for, and one fans of Atomic Heart have been holding their breath in anticipation for. It's tightly crafted, continuing the story onward, refining some of the gameplay, and delivering emotional beats that strike harder than a fully upgraded shotgun. It is on the short side, around 3 to 4 hours, but feels purposeful with every moment fitting. – Tom Henry
If you’ve been holding off on diving back into Atomic Heart, now’s the time. This DLC is a testament to the developers’ commitment to improving and expanding their vision. It’s a 9/10 for me.