Our Subnautica: Below Zero Guide walks you through all you'll need to know for this new stand-alone expansion for Subnautica. We've got a bunch of general information about the game, as well as information on release dates and which platforms it will be supporting!
Subnautica: Below Zero is a stand-alone expansion to the very popular Subnautica. There's a bit of confusion around the release, people have assumed that this is a DLC for the original game, but this is not the case. This is completely separate from the original game.
Subnautica: Below Zero. Dive into a freezing underwater adventure on an alien planet. Below Zero is set two years after the original Subnautica. Return to Planet 4546B to uncover the truth behind a deadly cover-up. Survive by building habitats, crafting tools, & diving deeper into the world of Subnautica. Jan 23, 2018 “Subnautica is a template for what open-world survival games should strive to be. It’s fantastical, fresh, and frightening from surface to seabed, with a story that kept on surprising me and a cast of sea monsters that quite literally haunted my dreams.”. Subnautica: Below Zero Trailer State of Play. Get a glimpse of Subnautica: Below Zero coming to the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 on May 14th. Subnautica: Below Zero is an open world survival. Subnautica lets players color code their beacons, which doesn't serve as a way to make pretty patterns, but to be able to differentiate between beacons at a quick glance. 11 Craft The Prawn Suit's. Subnautica is an open world survival action-adventure video game developed and published by Unknown Worlds Entertainment. In it, players are free to explore the ocean on an alien planet, known as planet 4546B, after their spaceship, the Aurora, crashes on the planet's surface.
What is Subnautica?
It's a survival game that has you inhabiting an alien world in a mostly underwater environment. You explore, collect, and create equipment to aide your survival. You'll also need to monitor your oxygen levels, food, and water intake to keep yourself alive. As you make your way deeper into the game, you will unlock the mysteries of the planet and get access to more and more advanced equipment. Below Zero takes you on another adventure on the same planet, but in a completely new game.
Below Zero FAQ
Here's a quick look at some of the most frequently asked questions about Subnautica: Below Zero.
Is Below Zero a DLC? Do you need to own the original Subnautica?
It is not a DLC and you do NOT need to own the original Subnautica. This is a stand-alone expansion, so if you've never played the original you can purchase this and play it if you'd like. If you got the original when it was from in the Epic Game Store, you can purchase it on Steam (if you prefer) with no issue.
Is Subnautica: Below Zero Free?
No, it's not free. This is a full stand-alone expansion for the game Subnautica.
What is a 'stand-alone expansion' and how is this not Subnautica 2?
This concept is a bit confusing because an 'expansion' in gaming has had a different meaning in the past. DLC now means content you can download and add to a currently existing game (which is what an expansion was). An expansion now generally refers to a new game using the same engine and graphics from the original game. The series Far Cry has done this most recently. They put out a full version of a game (Far Cry 5) and then they will use those assets and resources to create another game like they are doing with Far Cry New Dawn.
Are we exploring a new planet?
No, the planet is the same as the one we explored in Subnautica, but it is focused on a different region. This new region is in a particularly cold part of the planet, so managing your temperature will likely become a survival aspect of the game.
Will there be Multiplayer or Co-op?
No, it will be a single-player only experience. It's possible that a mod could be made for co-op in the future like the original Subnautica.
More Great Subnautica Content
Subnautica: Below Zero Release Date
The early access release for Below Zero is set for January 30th, 2019 (there's a countdown on their official page). This is not the full release, and just like the original Subnautica it will be in early access for the foreseeable future. This allowed the development team to evolve the game over time based on consumer feedback. It worked very well, but expectations will be a lot higher this time around, so we'll see how it plays out.
It looks like they are currently targeting October 2019 for a full release (according to the Favro information), but this is not official and hasn't been announced.
Subnautica: Below Zero Platforms
The first release of the Below Zero early access will only be available for Mac & Windows PC. They are actively working on bringing the game to both Xbox One and PlayStation 4, but the release date for consoles is unknown at this time.
What's New in Below Zero?
With the new settings coming to Subnautica, we're getting a bunch of new creatures, locations, and vehicles!
Creatures
Lots of new creatures and some originals with an arctic twist! Keep in mind that the game is early in the process, so some of these might not end up in the full release. Here's a list of creatures from the official Below Zero Favro where they keep track of their development. Spoilers are below, if you want to go in fresh then I wouldn't read any further.
- Arctic Peeper
- Arctic Ray
- Arrow Ray
- Brute Shark
- Brinewing
- Discus Fish
- Glow Whale
- Ice Worm
- Large Bird
- Lilly Paddler
- Noot Fish
- Penguin
- Penguin Child
- Pinnacrid
- Rock Puncher
- Sea Monkey
- Shadow Leviathan
- Skyray
- Snow Stalker
- Spikey Trap
- Spinner Fish
- Squidshark
- Symbiote
- Titan Holefish
- Triops
- Trivalve
Vehicles
While all vehicles focused mainly on undersea travel, it looks like we're going to be doing a lot more surface exploration in Below Zero. The introduction of the Snowfox (Hoverbike) gives us a strong sense that we'll be traversing the icy terrain of the planet.
- Prawn Suit - The Prawn Suit is back and looks to have an even bigger role in this game than the past. The suit is getting a new move called the 'powerslide' that will allow you to glide across the seafloor rather than walk on it.
- Snowfox - A land only hoverbike that will require the construction of a Hoverpad to craft.
- SeaTruck - A modular vehicle that allows you to create modules that you can attach to it. This will allow for further upgrades the deeper into the game you get.
Environments
One of Subnautica's most notable features were the amazing environments you would find yourself in when exploring around the vast ocean. We're hoping that Below Zero is no different, so here's a look at some of the potential areas that we'll get a chance to explore.
- Arctic Kelp Forest
- Arctic Spires
- Deep Arctic
- Deep Twisty Bridges
- Iceberg
- Lilypad Islands
- Ocean Ridge
- Rocket Island
- Shallow Twisty Bridges
- Sparse Arctic
- Arctic Kelp Caves
- Crystal Caves
- Deep Lilypads Cave
- Methane Ice Caves
Subnautica has been around for a while. And having stood the test of time, it has become one of the most polished open-world survival experiences out there.
The game itself already has plenty to offer. But what’s even better is that mods let you customize your experience even further.
So if you’re convinced to dive into the depths of customizing everything Subnautica, let’s take a look at some of the best mods to check out and get you started on that journey.
30. Map
Subnautica’s survival mechanics have been praised particularly because the game doesn’t always tell you where to go or what to do.
Exploration is that much more exciting because you’re given the freedom to discover it as you wish.
While that may sound appealing to the more veteran survival crowd, it may make the game seem intimidating to newcomers.
So with this Map mod, making your way around the map seems less overwhelming.
It just adds map to your PDA which you’ll be able to access anytime.
29. New Biome Map
Another thing you’re definitely going to want would be the New Biome Map.
This mod overhauls the biome mode already included in the Map mod we mentioned, making everything much easier to read and keep track of.
It adds tons of important details like location entrances, hostile spawn areas, wrecks, and much more, making it much easier to plan out your paths for when there are places that need to be revisited.
28. Mini Map
As if those mods weren’t enough handholding, this next one even adds your very own mini map so your immediate surroundings will always be accessible in your HUD.
With these three map mods installed, you won’t ever have to worry about losing track of where you are.
27. Safe Autosave
I honestly can’t think of any recent games that don’t include an autosave feature.
It’s just something that has become a given in gaming, as I myself have gotten so used to just powering off without manual saving.
Safe Autosave, simply enough, adds an autosave feature to the game. Giving you one less thing to worry about.
26. MoreQuickSlots
Up next we have yet another great quality of life mod.
As the modder himself explains: it just doesn’t make sense that Subnautica gives you 9 tools but only 5 quick slots to use.
Fine, let’s be honest – having enough quick slots for everything just isn’t a luxury you usually get.
That doesn’t have to be the case with Subnautica, though, as the MoreQuickSlots mod gives you a total of 12 quick access item slots which are easily accessible with simple hotkeys.
25. EasyCraft
Crafting is part of pretty much any survival game. But it can get quite tedious in Subnautica.
And while having blueprints in most games would allow you to quickly craft the item, in Subnautica that just means crafting capability for that item has been unlocked.
EasyCraft offers a simple solution, allowing you to instantly craft items from blueprints.
The mod even automatically takes needed resources from nearby storage units when necessary, making everything move along much quicker.
24. AutosortLockers
This brings us to another tedious aspect of the game – inventory management.
Running out for supplies is always interesting as you never know what new creatures or environments you’ll encounter.
Sorting through your haul back at your base, however, is a whole different story.
Getting things organized can take a lot of time, too. But thanks to modder RandyKnapp, AutosortLockers can do that for you.
The mod allows you to build color-coded storage lockers where you can set what specific item types each hold.
In addition to that, you’ll be able to build a Standing Autosort Receptacle which conveniently allows you to dump everything you’ve just gathered and simply watch it distribute everything into the appropriate containers.
23. Resource Monitor
Speaking of keeping your base organized, let’s look into the Resource Monitor mod.
This keeps track of every item you have tucked away in the various containers around your base, so you won’t have to keep going back and forth to find out what you need to stock up on.
The mod allows you to withdraw items right from the interface as well, making it much easier to grab whatever you need.
22. BetterPowerInfo
With all the upgrades you’re building around the base, it’s vital that you keep an eye on your power consumption as well.
After all, making sure your base stays up and running is one of the most basic things to do when it comes to survival.
The BetterPowerInfo mod makes it much easier to stay on top of power information, adding a much more detailed power production and consumption menu. The mod is very easy to use, letting you access the information by simply hitting the P button.
21. Slot Extender
There’s an entire world just outside your base, and I’m sure you prefer to spend most of your time out and about.
With that, there are a number of mods that can help make exploring the depths easier. And the Slot Extender is one of many you’ll want to try.
You’re probably very familiar with how useful the Seamoth and Prawn Suits are by now… but how much more useful could they possibly be?
Slot Extender makes sure you’re able to maximize both, giving you an extra 8 upgrade module slots for both.
20. BlueprintTracker
Supply runs are an essential part of the game.
Yet it isn’t always as simple as it sounds, especially since you’re not going to need just one thing every single time.
An keeping track of everything you went out to look for can get quite overwhelming.
The Blueprint tracker makes things much easier by allowing you to pin blueprints directly to the HUD, giving you a checklist of what exact ingredients you’re looking for as well as how much of each you still lack.
19. DataBox Scanner Fix
Relying heavily on blips for looting, one of the most annoying bugs in the game was blips remaining on screen even after a databox has already been opened.
What’s even worse is that new scans would sometimes highlight empty boxes all over again, forcing you to circle back just to find that you didn’t really miss anything.
The DataBox Scanner Fix solves that problem. Easy peasy.
18. Death Marker
Survival games usually make it a point to make deaths much more painful – which if you think about it, makes sense if the whole point of the game is to stay alive.
This usually means that dying will cause you to lose everything you currently have in your inventory.
The only way to get your stuff back is usually to go back to where you died, but Subnautica makes that especially difficult as well.
Many fans have asked for some sort of “marker” for your last death location. And it looks like modder Ovyerus gave us exactly what we wanted.
17. MoonpoolVehicleRepair
Another way that Subnautica manages to make survival even more difficult is by making you completely ineffective against certain enemy types.
While you will be able to take some of the weaker creatures with just a knife, you’ll find that many of the larger enemies just can’t be taken down without additional firepower.
This makes vehicles all the more essential in the game.
This is also why managing vehicles isn’t very easy in Subnautica, as it takes quite a lot of work to repair any damages.
The MoonpoolVehicleRepair simplifies things a bit so you can keep your vehicles in tip top shape.
With the mod installed, you’ll be able to perform vehicle repairs directly from your Moonpool.
16. Cyclops Engine Upgrades
Subnautica Mods
If your vehicles still don’t feel powerful enough, there are mods to help.
Granted there aren’t that many vehicles in the game, so once you’ve unlocked and maxed out the Cyclops, there’s not much more you can do.
But this series of Cyclops mods gives you even more. Basically just more upgrades to work towards, allowing you to further improve your sub.
Cyclops Engine Upgrades adds Engine Efficiency Modules in particular, reducing the sub’s overall power consumption.
15. CyclopsNearFieldSonar
The CyclopsNearFieldSonar is another upgrade you’re going to want to get, making it much easier to navigate your surroundings.
The mod gives your Cyclops interface the same functionality as the Seaglide – giving you a visual sonar representation of the sub’s immediate surroundings.
This makes getting around much easier, giving you much more visibility on obstacles too.
14. Cyclops BioReactor
This other Cyclops upgrade is absolutely worth a try as well.
The mod actually allows you to build a miniature bioreactor that goes directly inside the sub, allowing you to charge it on the go.
And the small BioReactor can even be upgraded as you progress.
13. Wind Turbines
Note that the Cyclops isn’t the only thing getting upgrades.
This mod adds buildable wind turbines to the game, as a step up from the in-game solar panels.
While they do look nice and run much better than the solar panels, they are quite expensive. So you probably aren’t going to have enough for these until the later parts of the game.
They are worth the upgrade though, as they produce much more power than the panels do.
12. Tech Pistol 2.0
Upgrading your base and vehicles is great and all… but that doesn’t really make you more effective against the many hostile creatures out there.
But what if you wanted to be able to fight back?
Mods allow you to pack more of a punch, adding completely new weapons to the game.
The Tech Pistol is one mod of choice, and while it does look much smaller than the others – don’t underestimate its power.
The pistol comes with three firing modes – cannon, laser, and scale. The first two are pretty self-explanatory, but the third changes a creature’s size upon firing on it.
11. Alien Rifle
If you’ve explored much of the map, you’ve probably come across that strange-looking relic that’s locked inside some sort of protective green barrier in the quarantine facility.
Well apparently, that was a rifle made with alien technology. Unfortunately for us, there’s really no way to get it out of that container.
Well, except for using this mod, giving you another weapon to use against those reapers.
10. Laser Cannon
In case you prefer not to get too up close and personal with the creepy sea creatures, this Laser Cannon mod might be a solid choice.
The mod lets you weaponize the Seamoth by giving you access to a brand-new upgrade module.
With this mod installed, you’ll be able to build yourself a set of laser cannons that attach directly to the front of the ship – making it much easier to fight off some enemies without having to expose yourself.
9. Ancient Sword
There’s really nothing like hacking and slashing your way through some of the more powerful creatures… but that’s just not possible with that tiny survival knife the game gives you.
The Ancient Sword is a much more viable option when it comes to hand-to-hand combat, and should be much more satisfying to use instead of shooting lasers.
8. Passive Reapers
On the other hand, here we have a solution for the more pacifistic audience.
I mean, sometimes you just want to go about your way and explore this exciting new world with no interruptions – and there’s nothing wrong with that.
If you’re looking for a much more relaxed Subnautica exploration experience, Passive Reapers should do the trick.
They might come up to take a peek, but they’ll never attack you as long as this mod is installed.
Keep in mind that the mod only affects reapers, so everything else will remain the same.
7. Random Creature Size
Before getting into some of the more serious gameplay mods for Subnautica, there are a couple of fun little mods that you can try to spice things up a bit.
Subnautica Kyanite
This one might not do much, but it’s a darn good time. It causes creatures to spawn in random sizes.
Subnautica Free
All you need to do is set a size range and enemies will spawn with a randomly generated size within the parameters you set.
6. Decorations Mod
If you’ve ever seen Castaway, you’d know that being stranded in a deserted location can take its toll on your mental state.
While sanity isn’t a mechanic in Subnautica, wouldn’t it be fun if you could decorate your base during your stay?
Well this mod is all you’ll need for your decorating needs. It adds a brand-new fabricator that will allow you to build 118 completely new items.
Items included in the pack range from dolls, plants, toys, and even furniture.
5. All-in-One Fabricator
Speaking of Fabricators, this next mod will drastically change the way you play the game.
You’re provided an all-in-one Fabricator which is essentially all of the game’s Fabricator machines merged into one.
You’ll no longer have to go back and forth between Fabricators depending on what you want to build, as everything can be conveniently built from one location.
4. Defabricator
Misclicks are an inevitable part of the game. Especially after you’ve had access to crafting for quite some time.
It’s not exactly great while crafting, as resources aren’t exactly easy to find.
The Defrabricator mod is the solution we all need, allowing you to recycle items with a quick click of the mouse.
Anything can be defabricated for parts, and the resources will go right back to your inventory. Incredibly handy.
3. Lifepod Unleashed
Lifepod Unleashed is by far one of the most interesting mods. And is a great way to make your next playthrough all the more exciting.
The mod causes your pod to spawn at a random location around the map right after starting a fresh new game.
As I mentioned earlier, it’s great for players looking to change things up for a brand-new playthrough. So I wouldn’t recommend using this during your first time around, but certainly for your second or third.
2. CheatManager
Almost all open-world games with mod support have some sort of Cheat Menu mod that grants you control over different things within the game.
Subnautica is no different.
And the CheatManager is a great way to just goof around and have some fun when you don’t really feel like playing a serious survival game.
CheatManager allows options to instantly switch between day and night, unlock all tech, and make your Seaglide run faster.
The modder even threw in some additional fun features like allowing the Seamoth to fly, or unlocking a shotgun to blast Reapers with.
1. Realistic Recipes And Increased Difficulty
If replayability is what you’re after, I highly recommend giving the “Realistic Recipes And Increased Difficulty” mod a try.
This was designed specifically for players who are looking for a much more challenging playthrough.
Subnautica Map
The mod ups the difficulty by tweaking blueprint values to make them more realistic. This usually means that recipes have higher requirements, so there will be an added focus on inventory management.
And to reiterate, this is a great mod for those who are looking for a challenge. So I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re a brand new player.