Subnautica: Below Zero

BelowZeroHeroImage

Developer(s): Unknown Worlds
Website: https://unknownworlds.com/subnautica/subnautica-below-zero/
Release Date:

January 30, 2019 (Early Access)
May 14, 2021 (Full Release)
February 17, 2026 (Nintendo Switch 2)
March 10, 2026 (iOS, Android)

Genre: Sandbox, Survival
Game Modes: Survival, Freedom, Hardcore, Creative, Custom
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch 1|2, iOS, Android
Rating(s): E 10+ (ESRB), PEGI 12, PG (ACB), 12 (GRAC), 12 (USK), 10 (ClassInd), 12 (GSRR)

"The temperature is dropping."
― Below Zero Tagline

Subnautica: Below Zero is an open world survival game developed by Unknown Worlds and a stand-alone expansion to Subnautica. It was first released in early access on January 30th, 2019 and released in full on May 14th, 2021. A Switch 2 upgrade for the Switch version of the game was released on February 17th, 2026, and a mobile version for iOS and Android on March 10th, 2026.

Taking place two years after Ryley Robinson's escape, players return to Planet 4546B as Robin Ayou, a rogue Xenoworx employee who crash-lands in the frozen wastes of Sector Zero.

Store Description

"Below Zero is an underwater adventure game set on an alien ocean world. It is the next chapter in the Subnautica universe and is developed by Unknown Worlds.

Return to planet 4546B

Submerge yourself in an all-new, sub-zero expedition in an arctic region of Planet 4546B. Arriving with little more than your wits and some survival equipment, you set out to investigate what happened to your sister...

Uncover the truth

Alterra left in a hurry after a mysterious incident. Abandoned research stations dot the region. What happened to the scientists who lived and worked here? Logs, items, and databanks scattered among the debris paint a new picture of the incident. With limited resources, you must improvise to survive on your own.

Discover uncharted biomes

Swim beneath the blue-lit, arching expanses of Twisty Bridges. Become mesmerized by the glittering, mammoth crystals of the Crystal Caverns. Clamber up snow covered peaks and venture into the icy caves of Glacial Basin. Maneuver between erupting Thermal Vents to discover ancient alien artifacts. Below Zero presents entirely new environments for you to survive, study, and explore.

Construct habitats and vehicles

Survive the harsh climate by constructing extensive habitats, scavenging for resources, and crafting equipment. Blast across the snowy tundra on a Snowfox hoverbike. Cruise through enchanting and perilous biomes in your modular Seatruck.

Research alien lifeforms

Something undiscovered lurks around every corner. Swim through the giant Titan Holefish, encounter the haunting Shadow Leviathan, and visit the adorable Pengwings. Keep your wits about you. Not all creatures in this strange world are friendly.

Survive the chilly temperatures

Jump in, the water’s warm. The below zero temperatures of this arctic region pose a new threat. New weather conditions blanket above-ground habitats. Craft a toasty cold suit, sip on piping hot coffee, and warm up next to Thermal Lilies to stave off the chill.

An ocean of intrigue

What really happened to your sister? Who were the aliens who came here before? Why were they on this planet? Can we find solace from grief in truth? Below Zero extends the story of the Subnautica universe, diving deep into the mystery introduced in the original game.

About the development team

Below Zero is created by Unknown Worlds, a small studio that traces its roots back to the 2002 Half-Life mod Natural Selection. It is the same studio that created the original Subnautica. The team is scattered around the globe, from the United States to the United Kingdom, France, Russia, Austria, Australia, Canada, and many more places.

Warning: This game contains flashing lights that may make it unsuitable for people with photosensitive epilepsy or other photosensitive conditions. Player discretion is advised."

Gallery

A screenshot depicting a Lily Paddler

A screenshot depicting a Shadow Leviathan

A screenshot depicting a Seabase

A screenshot depicting the Seatruck and a Squidshark

A screenshot depicting the Snowfox and an Ice Worm

A screenshot depicting the Seatruck and some Rock Punchers

A screenshot depicting the Seaglide and a Glow Whale

A screenshot depicting Robin Ayou and a Snow Stalker

A screenshot depicting the Seatruck and another Squidshark

Trailers

Early Access trailer
Seatruck Update trailer
Snowfox Update trailer
Spy Pengling Update trailer
Arctic Living Update trailer
Ice Worm Update Trailer
Deep Dive Update trailer
Lost Ship Update trailer
Frostbite Update trailer
Salad Days Update trailer
Stranger Pings Update trailer
Relics of the Past Update trailer
Seaworthy Update trailer
Full release trailer
What the Dock Update trailer
Mobile pre-order trailer
Mobile release trailer

Backgrounds

"Warding Off Predators" background

"Surviving the Cold" background

"Bluewater Exploration" background

"Hoverbike Chase" background

Emotes

"Pengwing" emote (which depicts a Pengling)

"Robin Ayou" emote

"Al-An Calling" emote

"Seatruck" emote

"Arctic Peeper" emote

Achievements

Main article: Achievements

Soundtrack

Main article: Subnautica: Below Zero OST

System Requirements

Windows

Minimum

OS: Windows 7 64-bit
Processor: Intel Core i3 / AMD Ryzen 3 2.6ghz+
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: Intel HD 530 or better
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 15 GB available space

Recommended

OS: Windows 10 64-bit
Processor: Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 @ 3Ghz +
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: Nvidia 1050 Ti / AMD Radeon 570, 4GB VRAM
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 15 GB available space

macOS

Minimum

OS: OS X 10.11 El Capitan
Processor: Intel Core i5
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: Intel Iris Pro 650 or better
Storage: 15 GB available space

Recommended

OS: OS X 10.13 High Sierra
Processor: Intel Core i7, 4 cores
Graphics: AMD Radeon R9 M395 or better
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Storage: 15 GB available space

External Links

Subnautica: Below Zero on Steam
Subnautica: Below Zero on Epic Store
Subnautica: Below Zero on Nintendo Switch
Subnautica: Below Zero on PS4 & 5
Subnautica: Below Zero on Xbox Series X|S
Subnautica: Below Zero on the App Store
Subnautica: Below Zero on Google Play

Trivia

The Prawn Suit is the only vehicle from Subnautica to return in this game.
Certain features of the game were teased as early as February 2018, less than a month after the official release of Subnautica.
Subnautica: Below Zero was originally built on the same code as Subnautica. However, the game has underwent major changes and optimizations during the course of its development.