Record-breaking heat is hitting Europe hard. As temperatures soar, people are looking for ways to cool down. While many choose air conditioning or fans, some are finding an unexpected escape in the chilly worlds of Subnautica: Below Zero. This popular game, set in an icy landscape, provides a refreshing break from the sweltering heat.
A Chill Adventure Awaits
Subnautica: Below Zero is set on 4546B, an alien planet covered in ice. Players step into the shoes of Robin Ayou, a xenobiologist seeking answers about her sister’s mysterious death. The game picks up two years after the original Subnautica. Upon arriving, Robin discovers abandoned facilities from a past research group and must piece together clues from scattered audio logs and equipment.
Surviving on this frigid planet goes beyond just managing hunger and thirst; players also need to keep their body temperature up. The sharp drop in temperature can lead to hypothermia quickly. Every exploration requires careful planning, from choosing the right gear to finding specific heat sources like thermal vents.
The game features various terrains. Players can explore the Twisty Bridges, with its tangled underwater structures, Crystal Caverns, rich with sharp minerals, and the vast Glacial Basin, a frozen desert. Tools like the Snowfox and the modular Seatruck allow for deeper exploration across these diverse areas.
Survival in a Frozen World
Resource management is crucial in Below Zero. Players keep track of oxygen, food, hydration, and body heat during their adventures. The planet’s ecosystem includes unique alien creatures, such as the small yet charming Pengwing and the imposing Shadow Leviathan. The wild life adds both intrigue and danger to the exploration.
Environmental storytelling plays a big role in the game. Gathered notes and faded journals reveal details about the planet’s former inhabitants and the mysteries Robin seeks to solve. An ancient alien consciousness named Al-An adds another layer to the narrative, weaving in echoes from the original game’s story arc regarding the Kharaa bacterium.
Catch the Wave of Interest
As Europe deals with this heatwave, the timing of Subnautica: Below Zero‘s ongoing sale couldn’t be better. The game is currently 50% off on Steam, down to €14.99 until July 10. This discount makes the game more accessible to those looking to enjoy a virtual escape indoors.
This combination of exploration, resource management, and storytelling makes Subnautica: Below Zero stand out in survival gaming. With the summer heat bearing down, diving into icy waters and traversing snowy landscapes offers players a refreshing alternative—keeping them cool while providing hours of entertaining adventure right from their living rooms.