The long-awaited sequel to Subnautica is officially releasing this May. Subnautica: Below Zero has been in early access for over two years at this point. The sequel provides the same underwater exploration experience as the first. A stranded scientist must use all of the tools at her disposal to survive and uncover the secrets of 4546B.
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While it may seem like the same exact plot of the first title, there are a lot of differences between Subnautica and Below Zero. This guide will cover everything gamers need to know about the new features in the second installment of Subnautica.
Two years after the events of Subnautica, a scientist travels to 4546B to find her sister and members of the missing research team. Gamers will be on the same planet, but with a host of new creatures and a completely different climate. In addition to the other survival concerns, players will have to be on the lookout for hostile creatures and hazards while on their journey. The arctic setting provides an aesthetic that is darker and more mysterious than the first game.
Only the PS5 will be able to run the game at 4k 60 fps. Xbox Series S owners will still be able to get 1080p and up to 60 fps, but not 4k quality. It is unclear whether there will be a compatibility update in the future to offer these performance settings to Xbox users as well. For now, only PS5 and PC users can take advantage of the optimized graphics and frame rate in Below Zero.
Unlike the original, Below Zero includes several different underwater biomes to explore. In Subnautica, there was only one type of biome, which consisted of tropical flora and fauna. Gamers will spend a lot of their time in the arctic underwater biomes, but the developers have provided more plants, animals, and items to discover in the sequel. Land exploration is also more prominent in the new game, providing an extra layer to the gameplay experience.
There are a few cute and cuddly species in Below Zero, but there are just as many dangerous creatures. Below the surface, squid sharks are looming for an easy meal. On land, Snow Stalkers are on the hunt for anything that moves. The gigantic Ice Worm is an ever-present threat in the Arctic Spires as well.
In addition to hunger, hydration, and health, people will need to manage their temperature to avoid hypothermia. There are several consumable items in the game that can warm up the character. Additionally, there are thermal vents that provide natural heat. Temperature is only a concern while exploring the snowy landscapes.
The developers included a few more options when building a Seabase on the planet. In general, rooms are larger and can be divided to separate spaces. There are more exterior customization options and reactors can be placed in any room this time around.
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A Jukebox module can be added to the base, and speakers can be set up so that music permeates through each room. Users can even import their own music into the game, which is a nice feature. Hopefully, there will be even more changes when the game is officially released.
Below Zero includes a hoverbike called the Snowfox that can be used to traverse the vast expanses in-game. The Snowfox is relatively fast and can even be used to jump over gaps and obstacles. As they progress, survivors can upgrade the bike for improved speed and noise reduction. The Ice Worm pictured above has an incredible auditory perception, so traveling quietly is a good idea.
Snowstorms can vary in strength from a light dusting to a blizzard. While the blizzard does not have a temperature effect, it will obscure vision and can make it difficult to see beyond a few meters. Another cool feature is the Aurora Borealis or magnetosphere radiation display, which can occur at nighttime. Making weather dynamic provides a more immersive experience than the first game in the series.
Below Zero features a headlamp for deep-sea exploration, so there is no longer a need for a flashlight underwater. The cold suit is an early game item that can be crafted for extra cold protection. Another new item is the Booster Tank, which propels divers through the water at the cost of oxygen. Using the tank minimizes the monotony of slowly swimming through the ocean.
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Finally, the Seatruck provides an even faster method of underwater propulsion. The Seatruck can be customized by adding different modules. Even a fabricator can be added to the Seatruck for subsequent upgrades. The new submersible is faster and more maneuverable than the prior exploratory vehicle.
The crafting system was overhauled in Below Zero. Gamers can now pin recipes in the menu, and the new layout makes a lot more sense. Even better, scrolling over an item will indicate the corresponding item needed to meet crafting requirements. The simple and intuitive interface was a great improvement to the prior title.