With the advent of open-world exploration games, an ocean-centered setting feels right. With titles having underwater sections and places that have always existed, a true world had yet to be seen. That was until Unknown Worlds’ Subnautica which transformed the genre as they saw it. Originally published in 2014 through Steam’s early access, the title garnered lots of attention for breaking the mold. With a bit of deep-sea existentialism, it’s the right blend of sandbox and survival horror.
With the original having garnered such acclaim, Unknown Worlds had already been working on DLC to the game. The Subnautica: Below Zero add-on would have brought many of the features we see in the final game, to the original. After its scope had risen far beyond expectation, Unknown Worlds turned it into a brand new title. Now 3 years since its original debut, Subnautica: Below Zero has officially launched on all consoles and platforms.
How Different is it from the First Game?
Bringing players back to planet 4546b in a new icy way is brilliant for a sequel. With new items to craft and dangers to avoid, there’s plenty here for fans who were deeply invested in the original. With temperature becoming an issue more than ever, traversal in this alien ocean is much more troublesome. Despite this, the decorated update history of the title showcases how far the add-on has come. From its humble origins as just extra biomes and locations to explore, it’s exciting seeing all the work that has been done. Starting out as Unknown Worlds’ Subnautica project, it’s become its own phenomenon. With over 3 years of constant updates and additions, Subnautica: Below Zero certainly is full of an entirely new ocean exploring experience. The title is now available on all PC platforms through Steam and Epic Games as well as all current and next-gen consoles.
So will you be picking up Subnautica: Below Zero? Let us know in the comments down below!