This is a standalone expansion, meaning you can dive into this chilling underwater adventure on an alien world without needing to own the original game. Set two years after the events of the original Subnautica, you return to Planet 4546B, this time exploring a freezing arctic region. Arriving with minimal resources, your mission is to uncover the truth behind a corporate cover-up and the fate of scientists who once inhabited this frozen frontier. Survival depends on your ability to build habitats, craft essential tools, and explore deeper into the unknown, piecing together clues from scattered logs and abandoned research stations to understand what truly transpired.

Return to Planet 4546B

This adventure unfolds in a new, sub-zero environment on Planet 4546B. As a complete and self-contained narrative, it expands upon the established universe, delving into the alien history and the circumstances that led to Alterra's hasty departure from the planet. The story centers on investigating the disappearance of your sister and the events that led to the abandonment of research outposts.

What is the story and setting?

You'll encounter remnants of past expeditions, including databanks and personal logs that gradually reveal a complex story involving alien civilizations and a significant incident. The atmosphere is one of isolation and discovery, set against the backdrop of a beautiful yet unforgiving frozen alien ocean. The narrative places a greater emphasis on the player character's personal journey and interactions with other characters, adding a more direct storytelling element.

Core Gameplay Mechanics and Unique Features

At its heart, the gameplay involves exploration, resource management, and survival. Players must gather materials from the environment to craft tools, vehicles, and base modules. New to this installment are:

New Biomes: Explore diverse and visually distinct underwater and surface biomes, each with unique flora, fauna, and environmental challenges.
Vehicular Exploration: Utilize new vehicles, including the Seatruck, a modular submarine that can be customized and expanded, and the Snowfox hovercraft for traversing icy terrain.
Surface Exploration: For the first time, players can explore significant portions of the planet's surface, adding a new dimension to navigation and resource gathering.

Survival and Crafting

The core loop of gathering resources, crafting equipment, and managing oxygen and hunger remains central. Players will need to adapt their strategies to the colder environment, which introduces new survival considerations.

Habitat Building

Constructing underwater bases is crucial for safety and storage. The game allows for creative base design, enabling players to establish a foothold in the alien world.

How does it compare to the original?

While sharing the same core survival and exploration DNA, this expansion offers a distinct experience. The scope and scale are comparable, but the arctic setting introduces new environmental mechanics and challenges. The narrative is more character-driven, focusing on a personal quest alongside the broader mysteries of Planet 4546B. The inclusion of surface exploration and the modular Seatruck represent significant gameplay additions that differentiate it from the original game.

What are the available platforms?

This title is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, Mac, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.