I’ve never REALLY played Minecraft (I’ve only messed around with creative and building things), never played but am somewhat interested in Hytale, and never played but very interested in Vintage Story.
MC has a mod pack called Abyssal Ascent, which stacks like 8-12 different dimensions on top of each other (like the nether, plus a bunch of other custom modded ones) and you have to climb your way out from essentially the center of the world. Haven’t played this one either, but I’ve seen some cool videos and read about it.
I’m kinda looking for something that would scratch that modpack itch, but in reverse. Something that starts on the surface, and just keeps going down, finding different layers the deeper you go.
I’m also cool with general pros/cons between MC, Hytale, and Vintage Story; I’m leaning heavily toward VS.
Edit: I appreciate the suggestions so far, I’ve added a couple to my wishlist. I would like to add that I probably should have specified that I prefer 3D games to 2D, and I put “depth” in quotes in the title because I’m looking for physical depth to dig down into, but I do like deep mechanics and systems too.
Edit 2: I got Vintage Story. I played for a couple hours on my first world, but I think I’ll treat it like Zomboid where I learn a little more each time I start a new save, because I feel like I kinda already fucked myself with the world settings lol.


Maybe Subnautica ? It all takes place in an alien ocean, starting with you having to hold your breath to swim down to coral reefs for resources and at the end you are piloting a submarine to the deepest, darkest depths of the ocean. It has some base building to it as well, is this the kind of game you are looking for?
I’ve played Minecraft, but all the mod packs I’ve played have been like assorted bundles. Big mix of automation, magic, quality of life, and other stuff. I’ve never tried one like what you described, and I also haven’t played Hytale or Vintage Story so I can’t really help you out there
I do have both Subnauticas, but I’m wanting something where I can actually alter the world directly similar to Minecraft.
Don’t know if you saw my edit but it really sounds like Noita might be it. Still 2D, but.
I do have Noita and I do like it. I’m wanting something that I can also build up and play a little more long term than roguelike