Subnautica, an underwater survival horror game

 

Introduction to Subnautica

Subnautica is an open-world survival game developed and published by Unknown Worlds Entertainment. 

Sources : steam 


Released in early access in 2014 and officially launched in 2018, the game immerses players in an alien underwater world filled with stunning marine landscapes, mysterious creatures, and deep-sea exploration. Unlike traditional survival games that take place on land, Subnautica offers a unique experience by challenging players to survive beneath the ocean's surface while uncovering the secrets of Planet 4546B.




With its breathtaking visuals, compelling story, and immersive gameplay, Subnautica has become a favorite among survival and adventure game enthusiasts.


How to Play Subnautica

1. Survive the Crash Landing
The game begins when your spacecraft, the Aurora, crashes onto an ocean-covered alien planet. You start with only a small lifepod and must gather resources, manage your oxygen levels, and craft essential tools to stay alive.



2. Gathering Resources
Exploration is key in Subnautica. Players collect materials like titanium, quartz, and copper from the seabed to craft survival gear. Advanced resources like lithium and magnetite are found in deeper biomes and are crucial for progression.


Sources : steam 


3. Building Your Base
As you progress, you can construct underwater bases to store items, produce oxygen, and create a safe haven. Bases can be customized with different modules, including moonpools for docking vehicles and bioreactors for energy.

4. Crafting Vehicles
To explore deeper parts of the ocean, players can build vehicles such as:
Seaglide – A handheld propulsion device for faster swimming.
Seamoth – A small, maneuverable submarine for early deep-sea exploration.
Cyclops – A massive submarine that serves as a mobile base.
Prawn Suit – A mech-like exosuit for traversing high-pressure zones and mining resources.


Sources : steam 


5. Unraveling the Story
Beyond survival, Subnautica features a deep narrative involving an alien infection, mysterious precursors, and the ultimate goal of escaping Planet 4546B. Players must explore wrecks, uncover data logs, and investigate ancient alien structures to find a way off the planet.

Subnautica Review: A Masterpiece of Underwater Survival

1. Stunning Visuals and Immersion

One of Subnautica’s strongest points is its beautifully designed underwater world. The vibrant coral reefs, eerie deep-sea trenches, and bioluminescent caves make exploration a breathtaking experience. The game’s sound design further enhances immersion, with ambient ocean sounds and terrifying creature roars.


Sources : steam 


2. Engaging Exploration and Progression

The sense of discovery in Subnautica is unparalleled. Every dive into the ocean reveals new biomes, resources, and hidden secrets. The progression system keeps players engaged as they unlock advanced tools and vehicles to reach deeper, more dangerous areas.




3. Balanced Survival Mechanics

Unlike many survival games that rely heavily on combat, Subnautica focuses more on exploration, resource management, and crafting. Oxygen levels, hunger, and thirst add challenges without overwhelming players, making survival feel rewarding rather than frustrating.


Sources : steam 


4. Minimal Handholding, Maximum Freedom

The game doesn’t hold your hand with excessive tutorials, allowing players to figure out mechanics organically. This design choice makes discovery more satisfying and encourages players to experiment with different strategies.