Introduction
If you’re hooked on Subnautica’s haunting underwater world, you’re not alone. The game’s blend of deep-sea survival, exploration, and alien mystery is hard to beat. But once you’ve finished the story or want something fresh, you might find yourself searching for games like Subnautica that deliver that same immersive thrill.
Whether you’re into underwater biomes, space survival, or crafting-based adventures, there’s a world waiting for you. In this guide, we’ll dive into the top alternatives to Subnautica—games that scratch the same itch with unique twists. Let’s explore the best options for fans who crave discovery, danger, and the unknown.
What Makes a Game Like Subnautica?
Subnautica isn’t just a survival game. It’s a slow-burn adventure packed with atmosphere, exploration, and awe. Here’s what defines a good match:
- Open-world exploration with minimal handholding
- Survival mechanics (oxygen, hunger, health)
- Crafting and base-building systems
- Narrative or environmental storytelling
- A strong sense of isolation or mystery
The games below blend these elements in diverse ways, delivering that same “lost in another world” feeling.
1. The Forest
Definition: A terrifying open-world survival game set in a dense forest after a plane crash.
Why It’s Like Subnautica:
Just like in Subnautica, you’re stranded with little guidance. You scavenge, build, and explore a mysterious world with dark secrets. The forest replaces the ocean, but the tension and survival mechanics are deeply familiar.
Standout Features:
- Co-op survival with friends
- Creepy mutants instead of sea creatures
- Crafting, shelter-building, and a haunting storyline
2. No Man’s Sky
Definition: A massive, procedurally generated universe filled with planets to explore and survive on.
Why It’s Like Subnautica:
The ocean of space replaces the sea, but the core is the same: discovery, crafting, and survival. No Man’s Sky also features underwater worlds, giving it bonus Subnautica vibes.
Standout Features:
- Limitless exploration across planets
- Deep crafting and upgrading system
- Solo or multiplayer modes
3. Green Hell
Definition: A brutally realistic survival sim set in the Amazon rainforest.
Why It’s Like Subnautica:
Green Hell is grounded in realism but mirrors Subnautica’s immersive survival mechanics. You’ll manage health, sanity, and nutrition while exploring the dangerous jungle.
Standout Features:
- Hardcore survival elements
- Psychological challenges like hallucinations
- Base-building and crafting
4. Below Zero (Subnautica Sequel)
Definition: A standalone Subnautica sequel set in an icy underwater biome.
Why It’s Like Subnautica:
This one’s obvious — it’s the next chapter. Below Zero keeps the same mechanics but adds new creatures, a voice-acted protagonist, and colder survival dynamics.
Standout Features:
- New biomes, tech, and storylines
- More narrative-driven than the original
- Still deeply atmospheric
5. Raft
Definition: A survival crafting game where you’re stranded in the middle of an endless ocean.
Why It’s Like Subnautica:
Raft is ocean-focused but has a top-down survival twist. You build a floating base, dive for resources, and fend off sharks—all while uncovering a post-apocalyptic mystery.
Standout Features:
- Floating base upgrades
- Underwater scavenging
- Story-driven islands to explore
6. ABZÛ
Definition: A peaceful underwater exploration game with stunning visuals and no combat.
Why It’s Like Subnautica:
While ABZÛ lacks survival mechanics, it captures Subnautica’s awe-inspiring underwater exploration and meditative tone. It’s a short but memorable experience.
Standout Features:
- Gorgeous aquatic environments
- Artistic storytelling
- Great for casual players
7. The Long Dark
Definition: A survival game set in the cold wilderness of Canada after a geomagnetic disaster.
Why It’s Like Subnautica:
Swap the ocean for icy tundra, and you get The Long Dark. There’s no combat—just pure survival. You must battle the cold, hunger, and loneliness while exploring a silent, dangerous world.
Standout Features:
- Deep survival systems
- Story mode and endless sandbox
- Stark, atmospheric environments
8. Astroneer
Definition: A colourful space survival game focused on exploration and creativity.
Why It’s Like Subnautica:
Astroneer nails the exploration and resource-gathering aspects of Subnautica. It trades danger for creativity, with fun terraforming and base-building on alien planets.
Standout Features:
- Charming low-poly aesthetic
- Modular vehicles and bases
- Cooperative gameplay
9. Stranded Deep
Definition: A survival game where you’re marooned on Pacific islands after a plane crash.
Why It’s Like Subnautica:
Water, isolation, crafting—it checks all the boxes. Stranded Deep puts you in a deserted oceanic world where every island hides secrets, and the sea is both a resource and a threat.
Standout Features:
- Realistic survival mechanics
- Procedural islands and ocean depths
- Permadeath option for hardcore play
10. Grounded
Definition: A survival game where you’re shrunk down to insect-size in your backyard.
Why It’s Like Subnautica:
The setting may be playful, but the gameplay mirrors Subnautica’s strengths. You’ll explore, craft, and uncover a mystery—just in a world where ants are giants and spiders are bosses.
Standout Features:
- Unique scale and setting
- Multiplayer co-op
- Story-driven survival
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Game | Environment | Multiplayer | Base-Building | Threats | Tone |
| Subnautica | Ocean, alien | No | Yes | Creatures | Mysterious |
| The Forest | Forest, horror | Yes | Yes | Mutants | Terrifying |
| No Man’s Sky | Space, planets | Yes | Yes | Environmental | Expansive |
| Green Hell | Jungle, realistic | Yes | Yes | Wildlife | Intense |
| Below Zero | Arctic ocean | No | Yes | Creatures | Narrative |
| Raft | Ocean, floating | Yes | Yes | Sharks | Casual/Story |
| ABZÛ | Ocean, serene | No | No | None | Peaceful |
| The Long Dark | Frozen wilderness | No | Minimal | Cold, animals | Gritty |
| Astroneer | Planets, stylized | Yes | Yes | Low | Creative |
| Stranded Deep | Ocean, islands | Yes | Yes | Sharks, weather | Realistic |
| Grounded | Backyard, micro | Yes | Yes | Insects | Whimsical |
Conclusion
If you’re craving more games like Subnautica, you’re in luck. Whether you’re drawn to deep oceans, alien planets, or dangerous jungles, there’s a game out there with the same exploratory soul. From the eerie forests of The Forest to the colourful planets of No Man’s Sky, these alternatives each offer unique spins on survival, mystery, and world-building.
As you explore your next favourite, remember: it’s not just about staying alive—it’s about discovering the unknown and shaping your own story. So pick a world, dive in, and let the adventure unfold.
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FAQs
What game is most similar to Subnautica?
The Forest and Below Zero are closest in tone and gameplay, with similar survival, crafting, and story elements.
Are there multiplayer games like Subnautica?
Yes! Raft, The Forest, No Man’s Sky, and Astroneer all support multiplayer survival and exploration.
Is Subnautica a horror game?
Not officially, but many players find its atmosphere and deep-sea creatures terrifying. It’s more survival-thriller than true horror.
Are there any space games like Subnautica?
No Man’s Sky and Astroneer offer similar exploration, crafting, and survival, but in space rather than underwater.
Does Subnautica have an end?
Yes, it has a full storyline and ending. Once you escape the planet, the story concludes, though you can keep exploring in sandbox mode.
