Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero are both excellent games, but they offer meaningfully different experiences. New players to the franchise frequently ask which one to start with — and experienced players often debate which is the better game. This guide gives an honest, spoiler-light comparison of both to help you decide which to play first and which you might enjoy more.
Subnautica (2018): The Original and Its Strengths
The original Subnautica is the more cohesive experience. Its world — Planet 4546B’s warm, equatorial ocean — is carefully designed as a single unified environment where biomes transition logically from shallow to deep, each one darker and more dangerous than the last. The narrative is mysterious and hands-off: you piece it together from environmental clues, audio logs, and the ruins of the alien Architect civilisation. The game does not tell you what to do — it creates a world and lets you explore it.
The original’s strengths are its tension (the fear of going deeper is real and sustained), its world design (each biome feels distinct and purposeful), and its story payoff (the ending is genuinely affecting if you have engaged with the lore). The survival loop is tight and well-paced. Most players who love Subnautica consider the original the better game overall.
Subnautica Below Zero: What It Does Differently
Below Zero is a more complex game in some ways and a less cohesive one in others. Its world — a colder, more diverse planet with arctic land regions alongside the ocean — offers more variety. The temperature mechanic adds a layer of challenge beyond oxygen management. The presence of named, voiced characters (Marguerit Maida, AL-AN) gives it more explicit narrative than the original. The Seatruck, the modular vehicle that replaced the Seamoth-Cyclops combination, offers different gameplay.
Below Zero’s weaknesses: the world feels slightly less purposefully designed than the original, the story arc is less elegant in its construction, and the land areas — while visually impressive — add complexity that not all players enjoy. The pacing of the narrative is also considered weaker than the original by many players.
Which to Play First
Play the original Subnautica first. It is the definitive franchise experience and provides the narrative context that makes Below Zero’s characters and references more meaningful. Below Zero was designed as a follow-up and assumes the player understands the universe. Playing them in order is the recommended approach.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Subnautica (2018) | Below Zero |
|---|---|---|
| World Design | More cohesive, one ocean environment | More varied, ocean + land areas |
| Story | Environmental, mystery-driven | More explicit, named characters |
| Main Vehicle | Seamoth + Cyclops | Seatruck (modular) |
| Temperature Mechanic | Not present | Yes — cold exposure is a threat |
| Atmosphere | Tenser, more isolated | Slightly more accessible |
| Overall Rating | 9.5/10 (community consensus) | 8/10 (community consensus) |
| Recommended For | First-time players | Original Subnautica veterans |
Both Games on RicardoPlays
The RicardoPlays – Beyond RTS channel has complete playthrough series for both Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero. Ricardo plays both games without guides on his first playthrough, capturing the genuine discovery experience that makes both games special. Whether you are trying to decide which to play or just want to enjoy the experience vicariously before playing yourself, the channel’s Subnautica content is the best companion to this comparison guide.