Games / Adventure

Subnautica: Below Zero

Switch 2 Enhanced

Jun 5, 2025Adventure · IndieE10+

MC80

Metacritic

4.0

User rating

317 ratings

Great Value

$0.37 per quality point

$29.99eShop

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Prices checked 14 Oct 2026

Trailers

Screenshots

Our take

If you're eager to explore uncharted depths, this game might scratch that itch, especially at its low price. But don't go in expecting a polished experience; it's still in active development with some glaring issues. For those who can tolerate bugs and are interested in the Subnautica universe, it’s a decent option. Just be prepared for the occasional frustration.

Exploring the icy depths of Below Zero offers an intriguing but somewhat frustrating experience. The game's atmosphere pulls you in with its haunting beauty, though the graphics can suffer, especially during intense action sequences. While the main mechanics - resource gathering, crafting, and base building - are solid, the numerous bugs can pull you out of the immersion. Frame rates are unstable, frequently dipping during busy moments, which is disappointing given the potential of the Switch 2 hardware. Compared to its predecessor, this entry feels like a step back rather than a true evolution. However, if you enjoyed Subnautica, you might still find enough to enjoy here, even in its rough state.

Pros

Atmospheric setting with eerily beautiful underwater landscapes, even if it can lag behind in performance.
Engaging resource management mechanics, allowing players to craft tools and gear.
Intriguing narrative elements that unfold as you explore the environment.

Cons

Bugs and performance issues are rampant, leading to crashes and visual glitches.
Many features from the original Subnautica are missing or incomplete.
Load times can be lengthy, especially when switching from underwater to surface areas.

Players spend their time gathering resources, crafting essential tools, and exploring the alien ocean. The base-building mechanic lets you create underwater habitats for survival. Missions often involve launching samples back to the Vesper space station for analysis, adding layers to the gameplay loop. Environmental storytelling is key, with various alien artifacts hinting at deeper lore behind the planet's history.

On Switch 2

On Switch 2, Below Zero runs decently in handheld mode, though expect some frame drops during exploration and underwater activities. Docked performance is slightly better, but you'll still notice the occasional stutter. The controls are responsive, but the game's optimization leaves much to be desired, making it feel less fluid than it should.

Who it's for

This game is for die-hard fans of the Subnautica series who are willing to overlook bugs and incomplete features. If you prefer polished experiences or are new to the franchise, it’s best to wait for more updates before diving in.

About

Below Zero is an underwater adventure game set on an alien ocean world. It is a new chapter in the Subnautica universe, and is currently in development by Unknown Worlds.Watch out! Below Zero is not finished! It is in active development: Full of bugs, missing features, and performance issues. If you would like to play Below Zero when it is finished, follow our development progress. We'll keep you informed as updates improve the game.Return to planet 4546B Dive into a freezing underwater adventure. Below Zero is set in an arctic region of planet 4546B. As a scientist posted to a research station on the planet's surface, you are tasked with studying alien artefacts... The Vesper space station orbits high above you, sending supplies, instructions, and receiving samples you launch from the surface.When disaster strikes the research station, you must improvise to survive: Construct habitats, scavenge for resources, hunt for food, and craft equipment.Explore new biomes Swim beneath the blue-lit, arching growth of Twisty Bridges. Navigate treacherous ice floes on the ocean surface. Clamber up snow covered peaks, and venture into icy caves. Maneuver between steaming Thermal Vents. Below Zero presents entirely new environments for you to survive, study, and explore. Discover new lifeforms in the icy depths of 4546B. Swim through the giant Titan Holefish, escape from the aggressive Brute Shark, and visit the adorable Pengwings. Some residents of the frozen ocean will help you, and some might try to harm you.An ocean of intrigue Who were the aliens who came here before? Why were they on this planet? Can you trust your commanders? Below Zero extends the story of the Subnautica universe, diving deep into the mystery introduced in the original game. Open up new story elements with every Early Access update.About the development team Below Zero is being created by Unknown Worlds, a small studio that traces its roots back to the 2002 Half-Life mod Natural Selection. It is the same team that created the original Subnautica. The team is scattered around the globe, from the United States to the United Kingdom, France, Russia, Austria, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Taiwan, and many more places.