I’ve always had a soft spot for the mysterious allure of underwater exploration games. Among the shining stars of this genre, Subnautica holds a special place in my heart. With its immersive gameplay, captivating storyline, and breathtaking visuals, it’s no wonder that this game has become a favorite among many players worldwide.
Now, as someone who’s spent countless hours diving into Subnautica’s vast ocean, I figured it was about time I shared a few other gems that’ll quench your thirst for aquatic adventure. Let’s explore 20 games like Subnautica that’ll make a splash in your gaming collection.
Full list of games like Subnautica
Abzu
Abzu is a game that never fails to mesmerize me with its vivid colors and enchanting atmosphere. Developed by the artistic geniuses at Giant Squid Studios, Abzu is an exploration game that takes you on a breathtaking underwater journey. You’ll swim gracefully through lush aquatic environments teeming with life, uncovering ancient ruins and hidden secrets along the way. What sets Abzu apart from others in the genre is its emphasis on relaxation and awe, allowing you to bask in the beauty of the ocean without the stress of combat or survival mechanics. It’s a perfect chill-out game for when you just want to escape reality and dive into a mesmerizing marine world.
SOMA
If you’re in the mood for something a little darker and more intense, SOMA is the perfect choice. Developed by the masters of horror at Frictional Games, SOMA combines deep-sea exploration with a chilling sci-fi narrative that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. Set in the eerie underwater research facility of PATHOS-II, you’ll find yourself navigating a world filled with sinister secrets, high-tech gadgetry, and lurking monstrosities. The game’s gripping story delves into themes of consciousness, identity, and the nature of humanity, making it an unforgettable experience for fans of psychological horror and underwater mysteries alike.
Depth
Depth offers a heart-pounding, asymmetrical multiplayer experience that pits you against the ocean’s most fearsome predators. Whether you’re taking on the role of a skilled diver or a bloodthirsty shark, Depth delivers high-octane underwater combat like no other game. As a diver, you’ll work with your team to secure treasure and outmaneuver sharks, while as a shark, you’ll rely on stealth, speed, and cunning to hunt down your human prey. With its unique gameplay and exhilarating tension, Depth is a thrilling addition to the underwater gaming genre.
Stranded Deep
Stranded Deep offers a challenging and immersive experience that’ll test your wits and endurance. After crash-landing in the vast Pacific Ocean, you’re left to fend for yourself on a deserted island. To stay alive, you’ll need to scavenge for resources, craft tools, and build shelters, all while navigating a procedurally generated world teeming with danger. With its realistic survival mechanics, vibrant ecosystems, and endless opportunities for exploration, Stranded Deep is a true gem for fans of survival games and underwater adventures alike. So, are you ready to take on the ultimate test of survival?
Barotrauma
Ever wondered what it’s like to captain your own submarine? Barotrauma offers a unique cooperative multiplayer experience that’ll put your teamwork and leadership skills to the test. Set in the alien underwater world of Europa, you and your crew must navigate treacherous waters filled with strange creatures and unknown dangers. As you manage your submarine’s resources, maintain its systems, and engage in combat, you’ll be constantly challenged by the game’s unpredictable and unforgiving environment. Barotrauma combines tense underwater exploration with intricate crew management, creating an experience that’ll leave you and your friends breathless.
Aquanox Deep Descent
Climb aboard your customizable underwater vehicle and dive into the post-apocalyptic world of Aquanox Deep Descent. This action-packed game combines underwater exploration with fast-paced vehicular combat, making it a thrilling ride from start to finish. As you battle your way through the depths of the ocean, you’ll uncover the remnants of a lost civilization and unravel the secrets of a devastated Earth. Aquanox Deep Descent offers a rich single-player campaign as well as multiplayer modes for those who crave some friendly competition. If you’re a fan of combat-oriented games with a twist of underwater exploration, this one’s for you.
We Need to Go Deeper
Get ready for an unforgettable voyage into the depths of the unknown with We Need to Go Deeper. This roguelike cooperative multiplayer game will have you and your friends working together to explore and survive the dangers of an ever-changing underwater world. As you pilot your submarine through treacherous terrain, you’ll face off against monstrous sea creatures, discover hidden treasures, and upgrade your vessel with powerful new weapons and abilities. We Need to Go Deeper’s procedurally generated environments ensure that no two adventures are the same, offering endless replayability and excitement for you and your crew.
Diluvion
Step into a steampunk-inspired underwater realm with Diluvion, an exploration and combat game that transports you to a world submerged beneath a frozen ocean. As the captain of your very own submarine, you’ll navigate treacherous waters, engage in real-time combat with hostile vessels, and discover the hidden secrets of this mysterious realm. Along the way, you’ll encounter fascinating characters, trade valuable goods, and recruit crew members to help you on your journey. Diluvion’s captivating story, atmospheric visuals, and engaging gameplay make it a must-play for fans of underwater exploration and steampunk alike.
Anoxemia
Prepare for a haunting adventure beneath the waves with Anoxemia, a 2D atmospheric exploration game that combines eerie visuals with a gripping narrative. Playing as a deep-sea diver, you’ll find yourself stranded at the bottom of the ocean, with only a small drone for company. As you navigate the dark and treacherous underwater world, you’ll uncover the chilling truth behind a series of mysterious events. With its unique art style, immersive storytelling, and unsettling atmosphere, Anoxemia is sure to appeal to gamers looking for a distinctive and memorable experience.
Submerged
Submerged offers a serene and contemplative adventure that invites you to explore a post-apocalyptic city swallowed by the sea. As Miku, a resourceful young girl, you’ll scale towering ruins and sail through flooded streets in search of supplies for your injured brother. Along the way, you’ll piece together the story of the world’s collapse through environmental clues and mysterious murals. Submerged focuses on peaceful exploration and puzzle-solving, providing a welcome respite from the chaos and intensity of many other games. Its stunning visuals and evocative soundtrack make it a truly unforgettable experience.
Beyond Blue
Inspired by the groundbreaking work of oceanographers, Beyond Blue takes you on a realistic and awe-inspiring journey into the heart of the deep blue sea. As part of a research team, you’ll explore a stunningly rendered ocean environment, documenting the behaviors of its diverse inhabitants and learning about the delicate balance of life beneath the waves. With a strong emphasis on research and conservation, Beyond Blue offers a unique, story-driven experience that’s both educational and entertaining. If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a marine biologist or simply love the beauty of the ocean, this game is a must-play.
FarSky
Delve into the depths of an alien ocean with FarSky, an underwater exploration and survival game that combines base-building, resource management, and thrilling encounters with unique sea creatures. After crash-landing in the ocean, you’ll need to construct an underwater base, gather resources, and develop new technologies to survive and ultimately escape the watery world. FarSky’s engaging gameplay and vibrant marine environments make it a captivating addition to the underwater exploration genre. So, grab your diving gear and prepare for an unforgettable adventure beneath the waves!
Subnautica: Below Zero
If you’re a fan of Subnautica, then you’re in for a real treat with Subnautica: Below Zero. This standalone expansion takes the underwater exploration and survival gameplay you love and transports it to an icy, alien ocean filled with new challenges and wonders to discover. With an engaging story, fresh gameplay mechanics, and a menagerie of fascinating new creatures, Below Zero builds on the foundation of the original game while offering a fresh and exhilarating experience. Whether you’re a Subnautica veteran or a newcomer to the series, Subnautica: Below Zero is an adventure you won’t want to miss.
Narcosis
Dive into the depths of psychological horror with Narcosis, a chilling underwater survival game set in a deep-sea industrial complex. As you navigate the claustrophobic corridors and dark abysses of the facility, you’ll face not only the physical dangers of the deep but also the creeping madness that threatens your very sanity. With limited oxygen and resources, you’ll need to keep your wits about you as you solve puzzles and uncover the truth behind the catastrophe that befell your fellow workers. Narcosis masterfully combines the terror of the unknown with the claustrophobic atmosphere of the deep ocean, creating an experience that’s not for the faint of heart.
Raft
Get ready to embark on an epic oceanic adventure with Raft, a survival game that challenges you to stay afloat in a vast, unforgiving sea. Starting with nothing more than a tiny raft, you’ll need to gather resources, craft tools, and build a floating fortress to survive the dangers that lurk beneath the waves. Raft’s dynamic and ever-changing environment, coupled with its robust building and crafting mechanics, make it a compelling experience for fans of survival games. Plus, with the option to play cooperatively with friends, you’ll never have to brave the high seas alone.
World of Diving
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the ocean with World of Diving, a casual diving simulation that lets you explore real-world locations from the comfort of your own home. As a virtual scuba diver, you’ll swim through vibrant coral reefs, uncover sunken treasures, and encounter a wide variety of marine life. With its realistic graphics, accurate physics, and soothing soundtrack, World of Diving offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience that’s perfect for both seasoned divers and newcomers alike. Whether you’re playing solo or teaming up with friends in multiplayer mode, World of Diving lets you explore the wonders of the deep at your own pace.
Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm
Embark on a grand adventure with Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm, an action-packed sequel to the beloved Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas. This time around, you’ll step into the shoes of a young knight, tasked with defending the realm from a sinister threat. While not exclusively set underwater, the game features plenty of aquatic exploration as you traverse its beautifully crafted world, solving puzzles and engaging in epic battles along the way. With its captivating story, charming characters, and polished gameplay, Oceanhorn 2 is a must-play for fans of action-adventure games with a touch of underwater exploration.
The Aquatic Adventure of the Last Human
Explore a haunting underwater world in The Aquatic Adventure of the Last Human, a metroidvania-style game set in a post-apocalyptic Earth submerged by rising sea levels. As the last surviving human, you’ll pilot your submersible through the ruins of civilization, encountering a host of strange and terrifying creatures that have adapted to the new environment. With its pixel art graphics, atmospheric soundtrack, and engaging exploration and combat mechanics, The Aquatic Adventure of the Last Human offers a unique and memorable experience for fans of underwater games and post-apocalyptic narratives alike.
Sunless Sea
Embark on a voyage of discovery and danger in Sunless Sea, a top-down exploration and trading game set in the dark, Victorian-inspired world of Fallen London. As the captain of a steamship, you’ll navigate a vast underground ocean filled with bizarre creatures, enigmatic characters, and hidden treasures. With its roguelike elements and branching narrative, Sunless Sea offers a challenging and immersive experience that’s rich in atmosphere and lore. Whether you’re charting a course through treacherous waters or engaging in tense combat with monstrous foes, Sunless Sea will keep you captivated from beginning to end.
Sea of Solitude
Experience an emotional and thought-provoking journey with Sea of Solitude, a narrative-driven adventure game that explores themes of loneliness, self-discovery, and personal growth. As Kay, a young woman transformed into a monster by her own despair, you’ll navigate a flooded city filled with fantastical sea creatures and confront the darkness within yourself. Sea of Solitude’s striking art style, evocative soundtrack, and heartfelt storytelling make it a powerful and moving experience that resonates with players on a deeply personal level. If you’re in the mood for a poignant and introspective underwater adventure, look no further than Sea of Solitude.
The ocean’s mysterious depths have inspired a wealth of incredible games that cater to a variety of tastes and playstyles. From the serene beauty of Abzu to the heart-pounding action of Depth, and the emotional journey of Sea of Solitude to the survival challenges of Stranded Deep, there’s no shortage of underwater adventures to immerse yourself in.
So, fellow gamers, I hope this list of 20 games like Subnautica has given you some new titles to add to your gaming library. Now, it’s time for us to dive into these enchanting underwater worlds and uncover the treasures that lie beneath the waves. Happy gaming!
