Ever since the release of the original Subnautica game, fans have been eagerly awaiting the next Subnautica content. Below Zero has been in the works for several years now, but the time has come for it to finally be released. Even then, the game itself is still confusing to fans of the original game.
This post will cover some of the most common questions fans have about Below Zero, and will give out as much information as possible without spoiling the story.
Related: Is Subnautica: Below Zero Worth Buying?
Is Subnautica: Below Zero a DLC or a Sequel?
This game is a brand new, standalone expansion that is connected to the original. It’s not a DLC, so anyone wishing to play it will need to buy it separately. The good news is that one does not need to own the original Subnautica game to play Below Zero.
Though it’s technically another game, it’s not called Subnautica 2. The developers count it as a standalone expansion, though it costs the same as the first Subnautica. While it’s not a fully fledged sequel, it does take place later on in the Subnautica timeline, and it does refer to events that happened in the first game.
You can expect certain plot points from Subnautica to be expanded upon, as well as a new story starring a new main character.
Can You Get Below Zero for Free?
Due to the fact that it’s a separate game, there is currently no legal way to get the game for free. However, companies may offer it as a limited title in the future, though there’s no way of knowing.
The original was given away for free for PS4, Xbox, and Epic Games Store on separate occasions, so there’s a good chance the new one will be offered. This won’t be for a while though, since the developers will of course try to maximize their profits on the newly released game.
Is Below Zero Finished?
On May 14, 2021, Below Zero was fully released onto Steam. The previously early access game is now fully finished. The price upon release was $20.00 for the launch sale but it has been increased to $30.00.
While it originally started out as an expansion pack, the developers decided that it was enough content to be a standalone title. Due to the positive reviews on release, it looks like Below Zero is a hit for a majority of fans.
Does Below Zero Take Place on the Same Planet?
Below Zero takes place on Planet 4546B, the same one from the original Subnautica. It does, however, take place on a different part of the planet, meaning the environment is completely different.
For one, the game takes place on an icy part of Planet 4546B, giving the game a frigid atmosphere. While some of the original creatures will be returning, most of the wildlife has been changed entirely.
The story is also connected to the original Subnautica, so if you’ve never played the first then parts of the original’s story will be spoiled.
How Long Does It Take to Beat Subnautica: Below Zero?
The general consensus is that the game takes about 21 hours for the average player to beat Below Zero’s main story. The game does hold much more than the main story though, so if you wanted to explore everything than it can take 30 or more hours.
Games like Subnautica have tons of replayability though, so many players will easily get dozens, if not hundreds, of hours of fun.
Is Subnautica: Below Zero on Xbox Game Pass?
Yes, Below Zero is on Game Pass for the time being. However, this may be subject to change.
Games are frequently added and removed from Game Pass, so you might as well play it while it’s still available. As far as I can tell, there aren’t plans to remove it any time soon, so you don’t have to worry about it leaving for a while.
Is Subnautica: Below Zero Multiplayer?
Unfortunately, Below Zero doesn’t have any multiplayer features available, and the developers don’t have any plans to add it.
This is also the case for the original Subnautica, though modders managed to create a surprisingly good multiplayer mod. Because of that, there’s hope for the future that Below Zero will get a multiplayer mod as well. Currently, no one knows if that’s in the works, but I’m sure news will drop for it eventually.
As I reference later on this article, the developers are working on another game where they state multiplayer will have a larger focus. There is currently no news of this, but fans are crossing their fingers for a new Subnautica game with co-op multiplayer.
How Long after Subnautica is Below Zero Set?
Below Zero takes place two years after the first Subnautica game, and features a different protagonist with different plot points. Since it’s located in an icy part of the world, you can expect some crazy arctic-themed creatures and mechanics dealing with the freezing temperature.
You can expect plot points from the first game to be brought up, potentially spoiling it for you if you haven’t played the first game. If you don’t care much about the story, then that won’t be an issue for you.
Will There Be a Subnautica 3?
Apparently, the developers have stated that they have a new game in development, though no one quite knows what it is yet. Fans are speculating that it’ll be a new Subnautica game, this time featuring multiplayer.
For now, all we can do is theorize that they’ll come up with, but many players are hoping for a fully co-op Subnautica experience.
Below Zero is still quite a new game, so don’t expect any news of another Subnautica game for a long time. For now, it’s fun to speculate what direction the series will take. The success of Below Zero may indicate another installment, so we’ll review that if it comes up in the future.
Wrapping Up
Subnautica: Below Zero seems to be a hit with fans of the first game. The price tag might be off-putting to some, but the Subnautica series seems to be discounted on every major Steam sale. It’s also available on the Nintendo Switch, allowing you to enjoy the aquatic setting on the go.