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Subnautica: Below Zero
Adventure
Indie
Single-player
Steam Achievements
Full controller support
Steam Trading Cards
Steam Cloud
Remote Play on TV
Family Sharing

Dive into a freezing underwater adventure on an alien planet. Below Zero is set two years after the original Subnautica. Return to Planet 4546B to uncover the truth behind a deadly cover-up. Survive by building habitats, crafting tools, & diving deeper into the world of Subnautica.

Developers: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Publishers: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Release Date: 14 May, 2021
Price (USD): A$ 11.23
Current Players: 3.6k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(90%)
stunning visuals
immersive experience
engaging base-building
improved mechanics
atmospheric audio
character interactions
narrative depth
vehicle exploration
gameplay changes
story elements
smaller map
clunky mechanics
tedious land segments
breaking immersion
less exploration
The reviews reflect a sentiment towards Subnautica: Below Zero. Many players appreciate the game's stunning visuals and atmospheric audio, enjoying the immersive experience it creates. However, criticism arises with the smaller map, clunky vehicle mechanics, and the voice-acted protagonist which some find disruptive to the immersion. The narrative depth is acknowledged as both an improvement and a weakness, with the new character interactions enhancing the story for some, but detracting from the sense of isolation and exploration that defined the original for others.

Positive Points

  • The sequel to Subnautica, Below Zero, is praised for its stunning visuals and atmosphere, offering players an immersive experience in a brand-new arctic zone.
  • The game features improved mechanics, such as more engaging base-building and crafting systems, and introduces new vehicles like the Seatruck which adds variety to exploration.
  • Players appreciate the expanded lore and narrative depth, with the story providing more character interactions and development compared to the original.
  • The game's sound design and soundtrack are highlighted as enhancing the atmosphere, creating moments of tension and awe.

    • Negative Points

  • The game has a noticeably smaller map than the original, which many players feel limits the exploration and wonder that defined Subnautica.
  • Many players find the new narrative-driven approach frustrating, with the main character's voiced interactions perceived as breaking immersion.
  • There is significant criticism regarding the land segments, with many finding them tedious and less enjoyable compared to underwater exploration.
  • Players find some features like the Seatruck clunkier compared to previous vehicles like the Cyclops and Seamoth, affecting the overall satisfaction with vehicle exploration.

    • Mixed Points

  • While players appreciate the attempt to include more story elements, the execution and depth of the storyline are seen as lacking when compared to the first game.
  • The expanded gameplay mechanics and new environments are generally praised, but some players feel the experience did not fully leverage the potential of its setting.

    • Common Themes

  • Comparison with the original Subnautica is a recurring theme, with many players stating Below Zero falls short in terms of exploration and discovery.
  • Players frequently discuss the changes to gameplay with the increased focus on story and base-building, which some enjoy while others find detracts from the core survival experience.
  • Many criticize the decision-making that led to the removal of beloved vehicles and features, which were replaced by less favorable alternatives in the sequel.
    • Updated 8/14/2025, 12:01:57 AM UTC
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