Subnautica: Below Zero Review: A mesmerizing return that doesn’t fail in giving you the chills

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It’s supposed to be summer, but it’s surprisingly cold! I’m definitely feeling a chill, even though we’re not actually below zero.

I published my review of Subnautica last August, and I really loved it. So, I was very excited when I heard that the sequel, Subnautica: Below Zero, was being released on mobile. Finally getting to play it was a great experience.

I really threw myself into everything the game had to offer – exploring the world, discovering new creatures, gathering and crafting materials. Now, I’m ready to share a detailed review of my experience with Subnautica: Below Zero.

A familiar planet and a snowy environment, but a more personal story

You’re now exploring planet 4546B, and this time the story feels much more personal. You play as Robin, investigating the circumstances surrounding her sister’s death. What secrets are hidden, and why did the Alterra Corporation abandon everything here?

The story is simple and doesn’t go very deep, but it’s effective. The game immediately draws you in with its fantastic opening animation – a solid two minutes, including the initial tutorial, that really enhances the experience.

This time, you’re actively seeking the story, not just trying to make it through. The narrative unfolds through audio logs, messages, and conversations with characters, and you’ll feel more connected to the world than before.

Like I said before, you’ll encounter characters who communicate with you through voice. While the game still maintains a feeling of solitude, it prevents you from feeling completely alone in this icy, alien world. Importantly, the fundamental gameplay remains the same, and that’s a positive aspect.

Same survival loop, but now with some icy pressure

The game still offers the same four ways to play: Survival, Freedom, Hardcore, and Creative. I chose Freedom mode because I didn’t want to worry about managing hunger and thirst, or getting attacked by penguins while trying to rescue the baby penguins!

That unsettling atmosphere is still strong in this game. If you’re afraid of the ocean, it will really challenge you. The dark, deep water, poor visibility, and the sense of being watched remain constant and intense.

The game now features a much more varied environment than just underwater areas. Players will explore icy landscapes, frozen surfaces, and face challenging weather. While the ocean still plays a role, with diverse marine life and elements, the most frightening part is venturing beneath the glaciers, where running out of air is a real threat.

I still have Subnautica on my phone, making it easy to compare. Below Zero seems to run much better. I played it on my Xiaomi 15 Ultra and had a really smooth experience – no noticeable frame rate drops, glitches, or visual issues at all.

I recently developed a rivalry with a mischievous creature in the game. I tried making a knife twice, but each time, a Sea Monkey stole it! These little guys will grab your items and swim off, and they even have a voice line saying, “They like to steal interesting objects.” It’s incredibly annoying, but also surprisingly memorable.

The visuals never fail to mesmerise you in each passing moment

Both games are visually stunning, but Subnautica: Below Zero really elevates that aspect. I was genuinely amazed by the graphics – the lighting, reflections, and the way the underwater plants glowed at night were all incredibly beautiful.

I need to mention the sky – it was incredible when the aurora borealis appeared. It was truly mesmerizing, and the developers did an amazing job capturing it. Seeing the northern lights dance above you while floating in the dark water is just beautifully done.

You really notice the improvements here. The environments are much more immersive, with a lot more detail and a sense of life. Everything looks beautifully designed, from the colorful plants underwater to the creatures, like the Sea Monkeys – even though I still have some trouble with them, they look great.

UI, sound, and everything in between are balanced

The user interface is very similar to the previous version, but it feels more polished and responsive. The transitions between screens are improved, and it’s easier to find your way around. Plus, the sound design is excellent, with music that strikes a perfect balance between relaxing and unsettling.

The voice acting was a pleasant surprise – I really enjoyed it! It brought the characters to life and helped move the story along, especially with all the details happening around you. I highly recommend playing with headphones, as it significantly enhances the experience.

No nonsense, just the full experience

This version offers the full game experience, just like the mobile release. It’s a straightforward, premium purchase – you buy it once and that’s all. There are no annoying ads or attempts to get you to spend more money within the game.

Final Verdict

Subnautica: Below Zero is a strong sequel that builds on the original without drastically changing the formula. It feels new and improved, despite being part of the same series. Originally planned as downloadable content, it ultimately became a much larger and more substantial game.

I’ve noticed this version is a bit more concise, and I agree that’s a good thing. The map isn’t as large as the original, but that actually improves the experience. It feels faster-paced, allowing you to finish the game more quickly. This is a particularly great port for mobile devices, with impressive performance, graphics, and overall gameplay.

Everyone has different ideas about what could make something even better – what to add, what to change, or what to remove. But ultimately, for only $9.99, you’re getting a fantastic experience that’s well worth the price.

Finishing up this review has made me want to jump back into the game – I’m looking at my last saved game on the screen right now, and I can’t resist starting up again.

Subnautica: Below Zero Review by GamingonPhone

Gameplay Mechanics – 9.5
Storytelling – 8
Graphics and Music – 9.5
Controls and UI – 8
Value for Money – 10

9

Good

Subnautica: Below Zero is a beautiful and well-made sequel that improves on the first game with a more focused story and smoother gameplay. While the game world is a bit smaller, the enhanced environments, excellent performance on mobile devices, and captivating atmosphere make it a great choice for players.

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2026-03-24 03:13