head to head
vs
Stranded DeepvsThe Quarry
Stranded Deep leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos); The Quarry leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
Stranded DeepThe Quarry
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance5 vs 4
Stranded Deep leans harder on variance: Island layouts, loot containers, and boss shark HP vary per seed
Optimization6 vs 5
Stranded Deep leans harder on optimization: Water, food, and raft routing are the solvable survival loop
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.