Subnautica

 PC
Subnautica Image
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1406 Ratings

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  • Summary: Descend into the depths of an alien underwater world filled with resources, creatures, wonder and threats. Craft equipment and submarines to explore lush coral reefs, volcanoes, cave systems, and more - All while attempting to survive.

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Subnautica - First 9 Minutes Of Gameplay

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. CD-Action
    May 16, 2018
    95
    Subnautica is hands down the best survival game I have ever experienced. I completely lost track of time while playing it and for the first time in ages I rescheduled my appointments and neglected my responsibilities to spend more time with a game. If I could I would hand out free copies in the streets so as many people as possible can see how ridiculously good Subnautica is. [04/2018, p.62]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. AusGamers
    Dec 7, 2018
    92
    It isn’t without performance hiccups, especially the deeper you go. But the breadth of content here and the open-world nature both in terms of playspace and just pure choice in how you go about it is something rarely seen in games.
  3. Windows Central
    Jan 24, 2018
    90
    Subnautica is an exceptional game of exploration, crash-landing the player on an unknown planet with unfamiliar terrain, unexplored depths, and strange wildlife. While some smaller creatures will appear more afraid of you, it's the larger predators that will make your oxygen levels quickly drop with the increased heart rate. It's a game that captivates you as soon as you step out of the lifeboat with the gorgeous water effects and stunning environment.
  4. Ragequit.gr
    Apr 13, 2018
    90
    Subnautica is an atmospheric, wonderful survival game full of surprises. You never know what to expect every time you dive in the depths of the ocean.
  5. Games Master UK
    Feb 22, 2018
    88
    For those determined enough, though, this is a survival game like no other. [March 2018, p.80]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. PC Games
    Feb 15, 2018
    86
    Subnautica shows an almost perfect mix of survival, exploration and building. The story is so beautifully woven into the game, without being forced on the player.
  7. UploadVR
    Jan 29, 2018
    75
    Subnautica is a very, very, very good game for fans of the survival genre. There is a near endless deluge of things to do and see and a vast, dangerous ocean to explore. It’s not uncommon to alternate between sheer dread and speechless wonder as you make your through this underwater wonderland. However, lackluster VR support and an overall density problem in terms of complexity and lack of direction at times hold Subnautica back from true greatness.

See all 42 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 275 out of 327
  2. Mixed: 29 out of 327
  3. Negative: 23 out of 327
  1. SplatMan_DK
    Jan 26, 2018
    10
    Best open-world I have played in about a year. And best indie title for almost a decade! Great atmosphere, great graphics, attention toBest open-world I have played in about a year. And best indie title for almost a decade! Great atmosphere, great graphics, attention to detail. Amazing what this little studio did with a small budget, compared to "the big guys". They made a competitive shooter called "Natural Selection 2" as well - be sure to check it out if you like fast-paced FPS action. :-)… Expand
  2. Oreun
    Apr 15, 2021
    10
    Very good survival game, it has an immersive atmosphere and lots of things to do and places to explore. Definetely recommended, one of myVery good survival game, it has an immersive atmosphere and lots of things to do and places to explore. Definetely recommended, one of my favourite survival games.

    Muy buen juego de supervivencia. Tiene una muy buena e inmersiva atmosfera y muchas cosas que hacer y lugares que explorar. Definitivamente recomendado, uno de mis juegos de supervivencia favoritos.    … Expand
  4. Archound
    Aug 15, 2018
    10
    My score is 9+, but still closer to 10, than 9. It would be easily 10/10 without a doubt, if it weren't for 3 things: unfortunately the gameMy score is 9+, but still closer to 10, than 9. It would be easily 10/10 without a doubt, if it weren't for 3 things: unfortunately the game engine does not manage thousands of objects and player is forced to see constant pop-ups of objects and their LODs; the quality of certain textures is a joke; one critical bug that removes water from the world is not fixed since 2016 (player walks on the bottom of the sea and one has to use console commands to repair the game). Aside from this it is a gem. Great narrative, an excellent survival game (think of Cast Away). The plot is really interesting, it somehow feels similar to Fallout series, as you have a story told by the environment as well as many logs&diaries.… Expand
  5. crimsondoor
    Jan 18, 2020
    9
    Many games are overrated. But not this one. I don't even like exploration or survival games in general, but this game is one of the best gamesMany games are overrated. But not this one. I don't even like exploration or survival games in general, but this game is one of the best games I've ever played because of its incredible atmosphere and sound design. This is not a horror game, but the concept of being alone underwater, heading into the unknown where you don't know what lies ahead, is very terrifying. Playing this game triggered my thalassophobia hard, but overcoming the fear and forcing myself to go on gave me one of the best gaming experience I've ever had.

    The story is fantastic - I need to mention this because many open-world and survival games have horrible storylines. (In fact, I could count games in this genre with good stories on one hand.) I obviously will not spoil the story in this review but reaching the ending was a very satisfying feeling! Story in this game has a very natural flow and is not forced upon you. There are objectives, but no missions to speak of. You can do your own thing exploring the world, and complete the story only when you want to.

    Map design is great as well. All biomes are already there from the beginning and are not "locked" per se, like in other games where you can't go to a new area because of a gate or something, but you are gently nudged towards your destination because of the well-written storyline and the lack of suits/tools to explore the new biome.

    UWE has created a truly unique gem that stands out in the sea of survival games (no pun intended) and they should be proud of their accomplishment.

    Remember to play with headphones on to "feel" the water around you.

    Some of my minor nitpicks:
    1. No multi-monitor support which would be perfect for an atmospheric game like this, but understandable due to the devs prioritising other issues over this feature which only a few people can take advantage of.
    2. Texture pop-in is horrible in this game. Not only is the pop-in annoying, it breaks immersion too.
    3. Inventory management is bad and is one of the most criticised aspect of this game along with the texture pop-in issue. If you Google "inventory management Subnautica" you will see thousands of search results.    … Expand
  6. mvaculiseanu
    Apr 12, 2023
    9
    Great game, a personal all time favorite. It distinguishes itself from the big companies AAA games that have become boring and unimaginative.
  7. Zyetwy
    Apr 24, 2023
    8
    Very enjoyable and good game. It has good story as well. I definetly suggest it. Only thing that I didn't like about the game is difficulty ofVery enjoyable and good game. It has good story as well. I definetly suggest it. Only thing that I didn't like about the game is difficulty of exploring. It is kinda hard to explore and to find your way. It is 8 out of 10.… Expand
  8. Spiderpig96024
    Sep 15, 2020
    0
    This game is very fun to play i seemed to keep on coming back and watned to play more the only reason i wouldnt give it a ten is because its aThis game is very fun to play i seemed to keep on coming back and watned to play more the only reason i wouldnt give it a ten is because its a little glitchy for me… Expand

See all 327 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best PC Game of 2018
8
#8 Most Discussed PC Game of 2018
20
#20 Most Shared PC Game of 2018

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