| 33bits |
Jesús Díaz-Suelto Berrueco |
90 / 100 |
05-20-2021 |
The mere fact of not having gone further in its playable base compared to the previous one is the only thing that retains this title. A fantastic sequel that fans of the original will adore that deepens -pun intended- the virtues of its predecessor and helps quench a thirst for adventures of solitary exploration in hostile and mysterious environments. |
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| Atomix |
Rodolfo León |
86 / 100 |
05-18-2021 |
Subnautica: Below Zero is easily one of the best survival/exploration games of this year, and you should definitely check it out even if you weren’t a fan of the first game. |
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| Attack of the Fanboy |
Brandon Adams |
4 / 5 stars |
05-11-2021 |
Subnautica: Below Zero doesn’t reach the same heights as the first game, but it’s proof Unknown World’s 2018 survival game wasn’t a fluke. The act of exploring a mysterious underwater world whilst trying to survive is nearly as captivating in Below Zero as it was then. I’m still not a fan of the survival genre, yet I loved every moment I spent with Subnautica: Below Zero. I may know most of the tricks by now, but that didn’t make the experience any less magical. |
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| AusGamers |
Steve Farrelly |
9 / 10 |
05-24-2021 |
The reasons for that are two-fold: it was the most up-to-date version of the game I ploughed through, and two: it represents Unknown Worlds’ reinvigorated trust in its own console development chops, which was
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| CGMagazine |
Preston Dozsa |
7.5 / 10 |
05-28-2021 |
While not quite reaching the heights of its predecessor, Subnautica: Below Zero is still a survival game worth diving into. |
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| Checkpoint Gaming |
Justin White |
7 / 10 |
05-25-2021 |
Subnautica: Below Zero is another masterclass in survival gaming, setting itself apart from the overabundance of survival games on the market with its tranquil ocean setting, addicting exploration, and unique wildlife. If you are a fan of the previous title or survival games in general, this really ticks all the boxes that you are looking for, providing an enthralling world to explore and get lost in, all with gorgeous graphics and sound design. It can at times feel like a retread of the previous game with a few tweaks and additions, but Subnautica was by no means a bad game, so this is still a very well-crafted follow-up in the series. |
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| COGconnected |
James Paley |
80 / 100 |
05-11-2021 |
The various gameplay loops have been tweaked, modified, and expanded from the original, but fans of the first game will find a lot of this very familiar. On the other hand, if you’ve been starving for more Subnautica, Below Zero is an absolute feast. You’re constantly scanning, salvaging, crafting, cooking, and expanding your little empire. Depending on your tolerance for stress, this can either be a serene little salt-crusted sandbox, or a nail-biting marathon. Either way, Subnautica: Below Zero is one ocean expedition you won’t want to miss. |
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| Critical Hit |
Brad Lang |
8.5 / 10 |
05-19-2021 |
Subnautica: Below Zero presents the player not only with a harsh tundra to live in but the icy depths underneath it all. It’s tense, challenging, and always engaging, pushed on by a surprisingly in-depth narrative and characters that make eventually leaving behind all those magnificent alien animals all the more challenging when you eventually roll credits. |
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| Cultured Vultures |
Chris Baldwin |
8.5 / 10 |
05-11-2021 |
Subnautica: Below Zero makes you feel like arctic explorers as you traverse the icy climate of planet 4546B. If you are able to stick with it and continue to move forward to find ways to dive deeper, Below Zero has plenty of discoveries to uncover. |
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| Destructoid |
Jordan Devore |
8.5 / 10 |
05-11-2021 |
Even if there are a lot of shared elements between the two games and the ground-based traversal isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be, Below Zero’s greater focus on character-driven storytelling lands well and this standalone adventure captures the unrivaled magic of underwater exploration all over again. |
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| Digital Chumps |
Alex Tudor |
8.5 / 10 |
03-17-2021 |
Subnautica: Below Zero is not as large as 2014’s Subnautica but it is as deep. Between its fantastically mysterious story to its compelling biome, Below Zero builds upon what made the first game strong while being unique all on its own. The on-land segments of the game were pretty lackluster overall, which was slightly disappointing; but for a game that is all about discovering what lies beneath, Subnautica: Below Zero is a breath of fresh air. |
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| Digitally Downloaded |
Matt Sainsbury |
3.5 / 5 stars |
05-12-2021 |
In many ways survival games represent the ultimate conclusion of the open-world ethos |
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| Everyeye.it |
Gabriele Laurino |
8.5 / 10 |
06-05-2021 |
While not revolutionizing the experience of its predecessor, Subnautica: Below Zero enriches and expands unknown worlds’ excellent playful insights, packing a stimulating and inspired narrative survival. If you are looking for an experience focused on simulated survival, but at the same time prefer to let yourself be taken by the hand by a guided but intelligent advancement, then all you have to do is sink into the depths of 4546B. |
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| Game Informer |
Andrew Reiner |
9 / 10 |
05-11-2021 |
It’s technically a survival game, but it feels more like a grand adventure that is free of many of the genre’s frustrations |
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| Game Rant |
Pam K. Ferdinand |
4.5 / 5 stars |
05-12-2021 |
In developing Subnautica: Below Zero, Unknown Worlds heeded the lessons learned from Subnautica and the feedback received from players about both games over the years. Below Zero has taken no steps backward and instead offers an even more polished experience than its predecessor. As for gameplay and story, it’s not necessarily a better game, but it is certainly just as good. |
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| GameSkinny |
Jason D’Aprile |
8 / 10 |
05-10-2021 |
The follow-up to Subnautica offers more of the same intriguing mix of gorgeous underwater exploration, survival and crafting, and fascinating alien intrigue. |
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| GameSpew |
Chris Mc |
9 / 10 |
05-11-2021 |
This is a game where there’s not a radio tower, time trial or lengthy side-quest to be seen, and with a few exceptions, it’s down to you to make your own fun. And you know what? It’s an absolute joy to just get out there and mess around, embracing the thrill of discovery. It manages to be fresh, even if you’ve played the original. Subnautica: Below Zero is the most refreshing, engaging sandbox game I’ve played in ages and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t dive right in. |
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| Gaming Nexus |
Eric Hauter |
9.5 / 10 |
05-11-2021 |
Subnautica: Below Zero further refines the survival sim, setting a new highpoint for the genre with sky-high production values and amazing world building. Every excursion is risky and rewarding, as the game continues to tease, push, and pull the player ever deeper into its labyrinth. An extraordinary visual delight, Below Zero has the chops to match its graphics with superb gameplay. Subnautica: Below Zero is a masterclass in game design. |
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| GamingBolt |
Shubhankar Parijat |
8 / 10 |
05-13-2021 |
Subnautica: Below Zero once again delivers an experience with engaging exploration set in a mysterious, beautiful, and haunting underwater world. |
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| GamingTrend |
Kristian Longden |
80 / 100 |
05-12-2021 |
Technical issues and autosave woes aside, I’ve really enjoyed my time with Subnautica: Below Zero. While the story beats are pretty hit and miss, and there are quite a few bugs and technical issues to contend with, the core gameplay of building and exploring is addictive, and in many instances provides that child-like sense of wonder that many games aim for but struggle to achieve. |
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| Generación Xbox |
Alejandro Serrador |
8.5 / 10 |
05-12-2021 |
The narrative, a desperate quest, the great mysteries of planet 4546B and the surprises we will find ourselves on it. Subnautica: Below Zero considers these elements in order to offer us an icy underwater adventure that expands the experience of the original work. An enjoyable and beneficial adventure for all kinds of players who survive on the cold glacier without relying on anyone. It also calls for the importance of enhancing discovery and exploration for full development; the significance of experimenting to solve the different problems that may arise in a dynamic, complex, diverse and hostile environment. At the end of the day, we’re all explorers who want to understand the world we’re in. |
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| Guardian |
Tom Bramwell |
4 / 5 stars |
05-11-2021 |
Survive under the waves on a frozen planet in this freeform adventure where following the instinct to explore is the real goal |
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| IGN |
Leana Hafer |
9 / 10 |
05-11-2021 |
Subnautica: Below Zero is a leaner, meaner standalone expansion to Subnautica that improves on the story and mechanics, but doesn’t give us as much room to explore. |
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| Metro GameCentral |
GameCentral |
7 / 10 |
05-11-2021 |
A mellow paced and captivating game of underwater exploration, crafting, and discovery, that feels more like a Subnautica expansion than a discrete sequel. |
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| New Game Network |
Ben Thomas |
74 / 100 |
05-19-2021 |
Subnautica: Below Zero is a good survival game, even if the new frozen land areas are not fun to explore and the story has several pacing issues. Fortunately, the solid progression system and mastery of the sea makes it easy to recommend for fans of the original. |
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| Nintendo Life |
PJ O’Reilly |
9 / 10 |
05-11-2021 |
Subnautica and its excellent sequel have arrived on Switch in unexpectedly fine form. This is an absolutely essential survival smorgasbord, a fantastic port and something of a must-buy double feature for fans of the genre. If you’re purchasing one or the other separately on Switch we’d still plump for the original game, as Below Zero’s fleshed out narrative and on-foot sections dilute the overall experience ever so slightly, but, regardless of which you choose, you’re in for a mighty good time here with two of the very best survival games currently available on any platform. |
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| Nintendo Wire |
Unknown |
9 / 10 |
05-13-2021 |
Subnautica: Below Zero’s adventure is equal parts survival sim and sci-fi thriller, and should you decide to take the plunge into its icy depths, you’re sure to find one of the most robust and satisfying survival titles on the eShop. |
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| NintendoWorldReport |
Jordan Rudek |
8 / 10 |
05-11-2021 |
Fortunately, there are a few different options at the game’s start menu that make the experience somewhat customizable, like removing the hunger and thirst parameters. Ultimately, there is much to discover both below and above the waterline, including aliens, mysterious messages, and even a mech that can walk on the ocean floor. While those looking out for signposting and clear directions should probably keep their feet dry, those who enjoy a more laid-back, albeit grindy, experience can safely dip their toes in these waters. |
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| Noisy Pixel |
Nathan Meji |
9 / 10 |
05-11-2021 |
Subnautica: Below Zero offers an amazing world of discoveries through a mysteriously captivating campaign to uncover. Every moment exploring is rewarded through stunning environments, and I wanted to continue my adventure if only to see a little more. There are some moments of confusion through resource management, but once you dive in, Subnautica: Below Zero won’t have you coming up for air any time soon. |
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| PC Gamer |
Rick Lane |
86 / 100 |
05-12-2021 |
Below Zero is a mostly brilliant sequel to the best survival game of all time. |
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| PC Invasion |
Jason Rodriguez |
8.5 / 10 |
05-11-2021 |
Subnautica: Below Zero presents an exciting adventure as you explore the unknown. Whether you’re trekking through the snow or diving down unfathomable depths, there’s a feeling of dread as you try to survive, and a sense of wonderment as you discover something new. |
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| PlayStation LifeStyle |
Paulmichael Contreras |
8 / 10 |
05-14-2021 |
Subnautica: Below Zero will grow on you, if you give it time. While the beginning hours aren’t nearly as rough as the last time around, a dedicated session or two of several hours is essentially mandatory before the adventure really starts to open up. After that, though, the sense of exploration is fantastic, the story is engaging, and the views can be spectacular. Fans of Subnautica should pick this up as soon as they can, and anyone else interested in exploration-style games should also give it a shot. Subnautica: Below Zero continues in its predecessor’s footsteps in all the right ways, with some additions that help make the adventure more accessible. You’ll be glad you took the plunge. |
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| PlayStation Universe |
Dan Twohig |
8.5 / 10 |
05-11-2021 |
Subnautica: Below Zero is a sublimely addictive timesink and an exemplary survival adventure game that transcends the genre. The improvements to the formula of the original game are minimal but impactful. Fans of the franchise will certainly have plenty to get into, and the appeal is broad enough to welcome many more newcomers to the experience. Whilst there is little ground broken in terms of visuals, Subnautica: Below Zero more than compensates with an all-round stellar experience that rivals that of bigger budget productions. |
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| Press Start |
James Berich |
8.5 / 10 |
05-12-2021 |
In a genre that often isn’t for everyone, it’s hard to see who wouldn’t enjoy what Subnautica: Below Zero has to offer. It flourishes an enthralling sense of exploration and progression with a serviceable narrative to boot. It’s not without its flaws, but there’s nothing quite like it besides its predecessor, perfectly encapsulating the curiosity and dread that comes with exploring the deep. |
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| PSX Brasil |
Bruno Ribeiro |
90 / 100 |
05-24-2021 |
Like its predecessor, Subnautica: Below Zero entertains in each of its little details. The story is able to arouse your curiosity and the infinity of possibilities makes you want to play more and more, be it building, exploring or investigating. Hours in front of the TV are guaranteed. |
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| Push Square |
Sammy Barker |
7 / 10 |
05-11-2021 |
Not everyone will warm up to Subnautica: Below Zero, but it’s an unquestionably rewarding release once you begin to get a foothold into the frigid foray. The game’s constantly tantalising you with new, exciting equipment, and its otherworldly ocean is an immersive environment in which to spend your time. A lack of landmarks mean that it can be a little too easy to get lost, and the story is light and largely uninteresting – but if the act of building an underwater base appeals to you, then this PS5 sequel unquestionably has strong foundations. |
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| Screen Rant |
Joseph Fonseca |
4 / 5 stars |
05-11-2021 |
Subnautica: Below Zero doesn’t revolutionize the Subnautica formula, but builds on it. Every new venture into the depths is full of calculated terror, the narrative is more interesting and personal, the horrors are memorable, and survival rarely feels trivial. Subnautica: Below Zero is as good a Thalassophobia simulator as anyone could hope for. |
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| SECTOR.sk |
Branislav Kohút |
7.5 / 10 |
05-27-2021 |
Try to survive again, this time in cold waters with icy islands. It is not as good as the first game, however still amusing. |
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| Sirus Gaming |
Leif Rey Bornales |
8 / 10 |
05-25-2021 |
Overall, if you’re into exploration and survival games where you can spend hours and hours just collecting materials to create equipment and other items, then I recommend Subnautica Below Zero. It has just the right balance of everything you can hope for in a survival game. It is a great addition to the series and will hopefully pave the way for many games in the future. |
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| TechRaptor |
Alex Verdini |
8.5 / 10 |
05-11-2021 |
Subnautica: Below Zero delivers big with storytelling, quality of life improvements, and new beautiful areas to explore. |
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| The Games Machine |
Emanuele Feronato |
9 / 10 |
05-11-2021 |
Mix the feeling of weakness of the movie Open Water with a compelling story, a world to explore in metroidvania style kind of like in Don’t Starve, add the maniacal detail of In Other Waters, shake and there we have Subnautica: Below Zero, an intriguing sci-fi survival with just a bit of horror. While at first it might seem a little limited in scope, with a bit of patience you will soon realize how great of a game it is. |
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| TheSixthAxis |
Jason Coles |
8 / 10 |
05-11-2021 |
Subnautica: Below Zero is a masterfully horrific experience that encourages you to push on despite your fears. It’s a fine balancing act of the horrors you’ll face underwater and the rewards you can get for evading them. It’s really very hard, but it’s also really very good. |
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| Washington Post |
Christopher Byrd |
Not Recommended |
06-11-2021 |
“Subnautica: Below Zero’s” conventional sci-fi story line, which revolves around a greedy corporation looking to get ahead in the weapons business, never raised my interest. But the painstaking effort it takes to get Robin from one minor narrative point of interest to another made me appreciate its small, very human scale of success. |
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| WayTooManyGames |
Leonardo Faria |
8.5 / 10 |
05-15-2021 |
In all honesty, yes, Subnautica: Below Zero is just more Subnautica, but don’t think of that as a bad thing. It might not have that many new features when compared to its predecessor, but considering how excellent the original game was, having yet another well-designed Subnautica, with a brand new map to explore and challenges to overcome, will always be worth celebrating. |
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| Wccftech |
Chris Wray |
7.5 / 10 |
05-11-2021 |
If you liked Subnautica, Subnautica: Below Zero still has the base of what made the original great |
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| ZTGD |
Ken McKown |
8 / 10 |
05-25-2021 |
Subnautica: Below Zero is a great follow-up to one of the best in the genre. It dishes out the survival aspects in more digestible chunks than some of the more extreme cases. This makes it much more approachable for players like me who are intimidated by the restrictions of the genre. Do not let the nature of the game scare you away. This is a beautiful experience that I recommend if for nothing else, but to experience the ridiculously beautiful world Unknown Worlds has created. |
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