Subnautica: Below Zero
News, coverage and analysis tracking Subnautica: Below Zero across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Subnautica 2 now has a beta update branch, letting players try out patches before they're finished, but beware, your saves won't carry over
Unknown Worlds has launched an experimental beta branch for Subnautica 2 on Steam, allowing players to test upcoming patches before their official release. Developers caution that saves made in this branch are not compatible with the main game and that builds may contain bugs. This feature aims to gather player feedback and catch issues before wider deployment.
Subnautica 2 and PUBG bolster Krafton's Q2 revenue
Krafton reported record second-quarter revenue of ₩1.29 trillion ($889.1 million), a 94.9 percent increase, driven by the success of Subnautica 2 and the PUBG franchise. The company also saw operating profit rise 67 percent to ₩410.9 billion ($283.1 million).
Krafton have big plans for Subnautica, after the second game's once-divisive co-op "confirmed the potential to expand beyond the existing fan base"
Krafton sees significant potential for the Subnautica franchise, aiming for it to become their second major IP after PUBG. The company noted that over five million units of Subnautica 2 have been sold since its early access launch, with a substantial portion of new players not having experienced previous titles, a success attributed partly to the inclusion of a co-op mode. Krafton plans to expand the Subnautica IP long-term, exploring possibilities beyond just sequels.
Subnautica and PUBG franchises drive Krafton Q2 revenue up 94.9% to $889.1m
Krafton reported a record second quarter with revenue up 94.9% to $889.1 million and operating profit up 67% to $283.1 million, driven by the success of Unknown Worlds' Subnautica 2 and the PUBG franchise. Subnautica 2 surpassed five million units sold in Early Access, while PUBG revenue increased 25% year-over-year. Krafton plans to announce five new titles by 2027, including new projects based on the PUBG IP.
Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero update out now, patch notes – new graphics presets for Nintendo Switch 2
An update for Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero is now available on Nintendo Switch, introducing new graphics presets that allow players to prioritize visuals, frame rate, or a balance between the two. The patch also includes various bug fixes, such as correcting terminology and addressing issues with the Multipurpose Room and Scanner Drone.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 3: Steam Summer Sale continues
The Steam Summer Sale and other PC gaming storefronts are offering numerous deals on a wide variety of titles. This includes discounts on major releases, indie games, and bundles across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Bundle. Several retailers are participating, with prices and availability varying.
Part of me wishes we could see the Subnautica 2 the devs scrapped: The Dwarf Fortress of ecosystem simulators
Subnautica 2 game design lead Anthony Gallegos revealed that Unknown Worlds explored numerous scrapped ideas for the sequel, including an ecosystem simulator and a more expansive planetary exploration model similar to No Man's Sky. While some concepts, like a complex clam and urchin ecosystem simulation, were deemed too difficult to convey to players, others were considered before the team settled on the current direction for the game.
Subnautica 2 early access review – underwater survival sequel
Subnautica 2 has entered early access, offering a deep-sea survival and exploration experience true to its predecessors. Despite development turmoil involving publisher Krafton and developer Unknown Worlds, the sequel features a playful sense of humor, new mechanics like DNA upgrades, and improved technical performance, especially on Xbox Series X. The game also introduces four-player co-op and an intriguing mystery surrounding a vanished human population.
Steam Week in Review: Steam is flooded with liminal spaces games and I approve, but I think I've found the best to…
The article discusses the surge of 'liminal spaces' games on Steam, highlighting Dreamcore as a notable example. It explores the appeal of these games, which evoke feelings of nostalgia and unease, and touches upon Steam's top-selling titles and notable user reviews.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – May 24, 2026 – Yoshi holds off Pokemon Pokopia, Tales of Arise debuts
The latest Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of May 24, 2026, show Yoshi and the Mysterious Book holding the top spot, followed by Pokemon Pokopia. Tales of Arise debuted with two editions in the top ten, while other notable titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza also charted.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – May 23, 2026 – Tomodachi Life is unbeatable
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of May 23, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream retaining the top spot. New releases like Rune Dice and Rugrats: Retro Rewind Collection also appeared on the download-only list. The article provides a comprehensive ranking of the top 30 games and download-only titles.
Co-op is definitely the worst way to play Subnautica 2, but as a big old sea-wuss, I really don't care
Subnautica 2 has launched into early access, offering a visually impressive and atmospheric underwater survival experience with co-op features. Despite a legal dispute between developer Unknown Worlds and owner Krafton, the game itself is a strong continuation of the series' formula. However, the author argues that while co-op is enjoyable for mitigating fear, it detracts from the game's intended solitary, atmospheric experience.
The Subnautica 2 fish self-defence debate rages on, as the game’s non-violent themes clash with player desire to fend off underwater threats
Subnautica 2's emphasis on non-violence, where players must evade rather than fight aggressive creatures, is causing frustration among some players who desire defensive options. While developers Unknown Worlds, including lead game designer Anthony Gallegos, are committed to this design choice, they are open to ideating on new ways for players to defend themselves without resorting to killing. This clash between developer intent and player desire for self-defense, particularly against smaller threats, is a recurring point of discussion within the community.
Subnautica 2 Developers Say Players Who Want to Kill Things Should “Go Play Sons of the Forest”
Unknown Worlds developers responded to criticism regarding the lack of combat against large fauna in Subnautica 2, suggesting players seeking to kill creatures play other games like Sons of the Forest. This response has sparked debate among players on Reddit regarding the role of feedback in Early Access. Despite the controversy, Subnautica 2 has achieved over 2 million sales in 12 hours and has a roadmap for future content updates.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – May 17, 2026 – Yoshi overthrows Pokemon Pokopia
The latest Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of May 17, 2026, show "Yoshi and the Mysterious Book" taking the top spot, dethroning "Pokemon Pokopia" due to pre-load sales. "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" and "Outbound" also entered the top ten.
Forza Horizon 6 overtakes Pokémon as the top-rated game of 2026 so far
Forza Horizon 6 has surpassed Pokémon Pokopia and Resident Evil Requiem to become the top-rated game of 2026 on Metacritic, achieving an average score of 92. While Pokémon Pokopia has more reviews, Forza Horizon 6's higher score has placed it in first place. The game is launching this week on Xbox and PC, with a PlayStation 5 version planned for later in the year.
Subnautica 2 For PS5? Here's What We Know So Far
Subnautica 2 is currently unavailable on PlayStation 5, despite its success in early access. Developer Unknown Worlds cited Sony's lack of a dedicated early access program as a primary reason, though previous Subnautica titles are available on PlayStation consoles. The game is also not available on Nintendo Switch.
Subnautica 2 makes a splash with 2 million copies sold in 12 hours, 18,000 positive Steam reviews, and 651,000…
Subnautica 2 has achieved significant success in its Early Access launch, selling over two million copies within 12 hours and garnering a large number of positive Steam reviews. The game is currently topping Steam's Top Sellers chart, with the original Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero also seeing increased popularity.
Engagement Ring
Unknown Worlds Entertainment announced that over one million players have purchased Subnautica 2: Below Zero. The game's official accolades trailer was also released, highlighting positive reception.
After seven hours in early access, Subnautica 2 feels more like a remake than a sea-quel, but it has plenty of room to grow
Subnautica 2 has launched into early access, offering a familiar yet engrossing survival and exploration experience focused on managing oxygen. While it shares many similarities with its predecessors, particularly the original Subnautica, the sequel introduces new mechanics like biomods and more flexible base building. The game's narrative delves into themes of corporate AI, fallen human society, and posthumanist disarray, set against the backdrop of a visually impressive, Unreal Engine 5-powered ocean environment.
