10 Games to Play if You're A Fan of Subnautica 2

Much like its predecessor, Subnautica 2 is certainly making waves in the survival genre. The combination of crafting, construction and exploration mechanics with a unique and fascinating setting is certainly a recipe for a good game, but there's something about this series which sets it apart from others in the genre. Whether it's the light-hearted approach, the deep-sea atmosphere or the sci-fi storytelling, or perhaps a combination of all three, you can't deny that Subnautica 2 has, so far, delivered what fans were hoping for.

However, Subnautica 2 is still an early access title after all, and very much a 'work in progress'. For those looking to play something else in the meantime, while still retaining themes of cosmic horror, survival and uncertainty, the following games should have you covered, one way or another.

10 Stasis: Bone Totem

A Fascinating Nautical Mystery

Although Stasis: Bone Totem may bear little-to-no resemblance to Subnautica 2 in terms of its gameplay, many of the same themes surrounding deep sea disaster are still present. This top-down, narrative-driven horror-mystery puts you in the shoes of a couple who make a trade selling oceanic salvage. However, when they come across an abandoned oil rig, things quickly take a turn for the worst.

The game has many similar themes to Subnautica 2, including isolation, survival and corporate corruption. While it may be a more linear and less explorative experience, the story certainly makes up for it and the game does an incredible job of portraying the underwater atmosphere. For those looking for a submersed story with a little bit more edge and, dare I say 'grit', to it, Stasis: Bone Totem is one to watch out for.

9 Stranded Deep

A Land-Based Approach To Survival

When it comes to ocean-themed survival games, it's hard to beat Stranded Deep. Although not a triple-A title by any means, this indie gem is something like what happens if you combine Sons of the Forest with Subnautica. Battling against hunger, thirst and exhaustion, you'll need to use the limited resources available to you to craft your own tools, structures and rafts.

You won't be alone, of course, as there is plenty of sealife to be found, including crabs, sharks and all kinds of tropical fish. Hunt, evade and outsmart them in order to thrive and build your own island paradise, or at least a makeshift version of it. While the underwater gameplay might not be as polished as the likes of Subnautica, giving players the freedom to settle on your own island in the middle of the ocean is something that Stranded Deep does perhaps better than any other.

8 Murky Divers

Murky Divers is essentially an underwater version of Lethal Company, but personally I found it even more enjoyable for that reason. While it might not be quite so horror-focussed in its approach to the survival-extraction genre, it can still be extremely perilous. You'll have to work as a team in order to complete your objectives, but there's no guarantee that everyone, or indeed anyone, will make it back alive.

In addition to hauling valuable items and evading predatory creatures, you'll also have to manage your oxygen and get all objectives completed within a limited time frame. On top of that, you're also responsible for navigating your ship to the mission area, which isn't as straightforward as it may sound. For fans of Subnautica looking for a game with a faster pace and more multiplayer accessibility, Murky Divers is one to keep on your radar.

7 Narcosis

A Linear Deep Sea Horror Experience

If you were slightly disappointed that Subnautica 2 didn't double-down on the horror potential of the series, then let me introduce you to one of the scariest underwater experiences you'll ever have: Narcosis. This game, appropriately named, sinks you to the bottom of the ocean after a deep-sea disaster and has you combing through the wreckage to find a way out.

Narcosis plays heavily into the psychological elements which Subnautica 2 dabbles in with the introduction of the Proteavirus. While the game is much shorter, more linear and with a narrative focus, it does include survival elements such as oxygen management, and combat against various aggressive sea creatures. If that wasn't enough for you, it is even playable in VR if you want to become even more immersed in a dark, nautical-horror atmosphere.

6 Raft

Satisfying Progression On The Open Ocean

Raft is arguably one of the most relaxing and coziest survival games ever made, but that doesn't mean it can't be challenging at times. Starting out with little more than a hook, a rope and a few planks of wood, your objective is to fish items out of the ocean and use them to craft yourself and an ever-improving living space.

Not everything is friendly out there on the open water, though, and sharks will be a persistent menace to avoid. Much like Subnautica, Raft drip-feeds you an intriguing and mysterious story which works perfectly within the game world. On top of exploring the high seas, there are also several hand-crafted islands for you to disembark and set upon. Raft is certainly more of a grind than Subnautica, and as a result it becomes even more fun to play in co-op.

5 Still Wakes The Deep

A Touching Tale of Oceanic Horror

Few games have managed to tell a tale of Lovecraftian cosmic horror in recent years quite so well as Still Wakes The Deep. Set on board a Scottish oil rig, what seems like a routine job quickly becomes a disaster on an unthinkable scale. Many of the game's themes reflect those in Subnautica, but it's a lot more grounded and realistic in its storytelling. If you're prone to jump-scares or even slightly squeamish, then this one is probably not going to be for you, as Still Wakes The Deep certainly leans into its Lovecraftian influence.

Having struck a strange object at the bottom of the seabed, it quickly becomes evident that the crew have awoken some form of living creature which is set upon destroying the rig in its entirety. What makes it particularly disturbing is the way the mysterious creature turns crew members into sort of 'flesh puppets' and has them chase after you. Your objective is simple: survive.

4 Barotrauma

A Disaster Management Submarine Simulator

You don't know the meaning of deep sea horror until you've played Barotrauma. Set on the distant ice moon of Europa, humanity is left to dredge the depths of a deeply hostile and alien world. While there are certainly plenty of vicious creatures to defend against, the real horror of Barotrauma comes from how disastrous the most seemingly routine operation can be.

As you work on board a submarine in one of several roles, you'll have to ensure that the damn thing stays running — and that's much easier said than done most of the time. Leaks, power outages, attacks and even rogue crew members provide a perpetual sense of anxiety, and things can go wrong quicker than you could possibly imagine. But that's all part of the hilarious fun of Barotrauma. It's supposed to be disastrous, calamitous and with a very low survival rate.

3 Dredge

A Cozy Fishing Sim With a Dark Twist

While Dredge may seem like little more than a stylish and harmless fishing simulator, once the sun goes down it becomes anything but. This charming little indie gem has you scouring the coast for rare catches and exploring a variety of different biomes. The world is steeped in Lovecraftian mystery, and you'll have to stay sane in order to avoid accidentally running aground.

The core gameplay of Dredge revolves around catching special fish to sell for a high price, then in turn upgrading your vessel, rods and cages in order to tackle ever-more menacing creatures. At night, however, it becomes a frantic fight for survival as you ward off various predators and hallucinations, often not knowing which is which. For fans of Subnautica's sea-themed exploration and Lovecraftian horror elements, Dredge is the perfect game to play on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

2 No Man's Sky

Limitless Astral Exploration

I think it's fair to say that No Man's Sky is an entirely different game now compared to the state it was in for the first few years. Now, it ranks up there among the very best sci-fi survival games on the market, and it is precisely this focus on survival which is likely to impress fans of the Subnautica series.

Another element where No Man's Sky excels stratospherically is in its exploration. Players are free to traverse between entire planets and solar systems as they uncover new and novel alien worlds and wildlife. Since the introduction of the Aquarius update, No Man's Sky has also introduced a wide range of sea life and underwater activities to the game. Whether you're interested in the sci-fi themes or simply the more relaxed exploration elements, No Man's Sky should be on the radar of every Subnautiva 2 enjoyer.

1 Grounded 2

The Kids Have Been Shrunk

Grounded 2 is the sequel to Obsidian Entertainment's highly beloved Grounded, and, like Subnautica 2, is currently in its early access phase. Much like in Subnautica, the Grounded series doesn't shy away from placing you near the very bottom of the food chain, forcing you to innovate and use your human intelligence to adapt and overcome a hostile environment.

Building on many of the features which made the first game so good, Grounded 2 introduces a larger map with different creatures and new abilities. You can even tame certain creatures and use them as mounts this time, and there is a great emphasis on co-op gameplay compared to before. Another reason Subnautica fans are likely to enjoy Grounded 2 is its light-hearted and laid-back atmosphere.