Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Subnautica: Below Zero (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Subnautica: Below Zero on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: Subnautica, which made by the same studio, Unknown Worlds Entertainment.
- Subnautica: Below Zero is tagged Open World Survival Craft, Survival, Underwater, Singleplayer, Open World, Horror, Exploration, Base-Building by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 1 are from the same studio: Subnautica.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
Subnautica
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Unknown Worlds Entertainment; both open world, survival, horror, science fiction and atmospheric; shares 13 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Horror.
Descend into the depths of an alien underwater world filled with wonder and peril. Craft equipment, pilot submarines and out-smart wildlife to explore lush coral reefs, volcanoes, cave systems, and more - all while trying to survive.
Subnautica at a glance Released 2014 Studio Unknown Worlds Entertainment Player sentiment 97% positive of 379,053 Price $29.99 Open World Survival CraftSurvivalHorrorUnderwaterExplorationCraftingBase-BuildingFirst-Person
- 2
The Planet Crafter
Why it matched: both open world, survival, science fiction and story-rich; shares 10 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Base-Building and Survival; released around the same time (2024).
A space survival open world terraforming crafting game, designed for 1 to 10 players. Alter the ecosystem of an inhospitable planet to render it habitable for humanity. Survive, gather resources, and build your base. Then, generate oxygen, warmth, and pressure to create a brand new biosphere.
The Planet Crafter at a glance Released 2024 Studio Miju Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 73,208 Price $23.99 Open World Survival CraftBase-BuildingSurvivalCraftingExplorationSandboxFirst-PersonSci-fi
- 3
Prey
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Sci-fi, Horror and First-Person; released around the same time (2017).
In Prey, you awaken aboard Talos I, a space station orbiting the moon in the year 2032. You are the key subject of an experiment meant to alter humanity forever – but things have gone terribly wrong. The space station has been overrun by hostile aliens and you are now being hunted.
Prey at a glance Released 2017 Studio Arkane Studios Player sentiment 91% positive of 54,539 Price $29.99 Sci-fiHorrorFirst-PersonStory RichExplorationAliensSurvival Horror
- 4
Breathedge
Why it matched: both open world, survival, science fiction and atmospheric; shares 10 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Sandbox; released around the same time (2021).
Survive in outer space! Together with your immortal chicken, discover the truth behind your sudden spaceship crash. Craft tools, pilot vehicles, and even control space stations to survive and explore the wreckage.
Breathedge at a glance Released 2021 Studio RedRuins Softworks Player sentiment 81% positive of 17,816 Price $2.49 Open World Survival CraftSurvivalSandboxIndieBase-BuildingSci-fiFirst-PersonCrafting
- 5
We Happy Few
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Survival, First-Person and Indie; released around the same time (2018).
From the independent studio that brought you Contrast, We Happy Few is an action/adventure game set in a drug-fuelled, retrofuturistic city in an alternative 1960s England. Hide, fight and conform your way out of this delusional, Joy-obsessed world.
We Happy Few at a glance Released 2018 Studio Compulsion Games Player sentiment 77% positive of 13,772 Price $59.99 SurvivalFirst-PersonIndieHorrorExplorationCraftingSurvival HorrorStory Rich
- 6
Generation Zero
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, science fiction and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Survival, Base-Building and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2019).
Generation Zero is a stealth-action shooter where you wage guerilla warfare against lethal mechanical enemies. Explore a vast open world map inspired by the Swedish Cold War era, take part in the resistance alone or with up to three friends in seamless co-op.
Generation Zero at a glance Released 2019 Studio Systemic Reaction™ Player sentiment 72% positive of 42,169 Price $24.99 SurvivalBase-BuildingSci-fiSandboxHorrorCraftingSurvival HorrorExploration
- 7
The Forest
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Horror; released around the same time (2018).
As the lone survivor of a passenger jet crash, you find yourself in a mysterious forest battling to stay alive against a society of cannibalistic mutants. Build, explore, survive in this terrifying first person survival horror simulator.
The Forest at a glance Released 2018 Studio Endnight Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 680,814 Price $19.99 Open World Survival CraftSurvivalHorrorCraftingSurvival HorrorFirst-PersonExplorationSandbox
- 8
Chernobylite Complete Edition
Why it matched: both survival, horror, science fiction and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Survival, Horror and First-Person; released around the same time (2021).
Chernobylite is a science-fiction survival horror RPG. Set in the hyper-realistic, 3D-scanned wasteland of Chernobyl’s Exclusion Zone, explore a non-linear storyline in your search to uncover the truth of your tortured past.
Chernobylite Complete Edition at a glance Released 2021 Studio The Farm 51 Player sentiment 82% positive of 15,553 Price $29.99 SurvivalHorrorFirst-PersonExplorationSurvival HorrorBase-BuildingSci-fiCrafting
- 9
Metro: Last Light
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Horror and First-Person.
It is the year 2034. Beneath the ruins of post-apocalyptic Moscow, in the tunnels of the Metro, the remnants of mankind are besieged by deadly threats from outside – and within. Mutants stalk the catacombs beneath the desolate surface, and hunt amidst the poisoned skies above.
Metro: Last Light at a glance Released 2013 Studio 4A Games Player sentiment 91% positive of 81,499 Price $19.99 Story RichHorrorFirst-PersonSurvivalSurvival HorrorSci-fi
- 10
Far Cry
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including First-Person, Story Rich and Sci-fi.
A tropical paradise seethes with hidden evil in Far Cry®, a cunningly detailed action shooter that pushes the boundaries of combat to shocking new levels. Freelance mariner Jack Carver is cursing the day he ever came to this island.
Far Cry at a glance Released 2004 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 82% positive of 11,764 Price $9.99 First-PersonStory RichSci-fiHorrorSandboxSurvival
- 11
Sons Of The Forest
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Survival, Survival Horror and Base-Building; released around the same time (2024).
Sent to find a missing billionaire on a remote island, you find yourself in a cannibal-infested hellscape. Craft, build, and struggle to survive, alone or with friends, in this terrifying new open-world survival horror simulator.
Sons Of The Forest at a glance Released 2024 Studio Endnight Games Ltd Player sentiment 88% positive of 318,107 Price $29.99 SurvivalSurvival HorrorBase-BuildingHorrorCraftingFirst-PersonExplorationSandbox
- 12
Green Hell
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Crafting; released around the same time (2019).
Plunge into the open-world survival simulation set in the extreme conditions of the uncharted Amazon jungle. Use real-life survival techniques to craft, hunt, fight, and gather resources, set a makeshift shelter, or raise a fortress. Survive alone or team up with your friends and challenge the jungle together.
Green Hell at a glance Released 2019 Studio Creepy Jar Player sentiment 85% positive of 101,599 Price $2.79 Open World Survival CraftSurvivalCraftingBase-BuildingExplorationFirst-PersonSandboxSurvival Horror
- 13
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 5 player tags including Survival, Exploration and Story Rich; released around the same time (2024).
Enter the Chornobyl Anomalous Zone — a vast open world where anomalies, mutants, and rivals stand in your way. Explore, scavenge, and try to survive in this brutal and dangerous land. Evolving with every update, now overhauled and crowned with UPDATE 2.0.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl at a glance Released 2024 Studio GSC Game World Player sentiment 80% positive of 138,669 Price $41.99 SurvivalExplorationStory RichFirst-PersonSci-fi
- 14
Kholat
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Horror, Survival Horror and Indie.
The most terrifying journey of your life set in the beautiful winter scenery of the Ural Mountains. Uncover the horrific mystery behind the Dyatlov Pass Incident. Narrated by the famous Sean Bean.
Kholat at a glance Released 2015 Studio IMGN.PRO Player sentiment 66% positive of 6,913 Price $19.99 HorrorSurvival HorrorIndieFirst-PersonExplorationSurvivalStory Rich
- 15
Satisfactory
Why it matched: both open world, survival and science fiction; shares 9 player tags including Base-Building, Crafting and Sandbox; released around the same time (2024).
Satisfactory is a first-person open-world factory building game with a dash of exploration and combat. Play alone or with friends, explore an alien planet, create multi-story factories, and enter conveyor belt heaven!
Satisfactory at a glance Released 2024 Studio Coffee Stain Studios Player sentiment 97% positive of 278,668 Price $39.99 Base-BuildingCraftingSandboxExplorationOpen World Survival CraftSurvivalFirst-PersonSci-fi
- 16
Abiotic Factor
Why it matched: both open world, survival and science fiction; shares 9 player tags including Survival, Open World Survival Craft and Crafting; released around the same time (2025).
Abiotic Factor is a survival crafting experience for 1-6 players set in the depths of an underground research facility. Caught between paranormal containment failure, a military crusade, and chaos from a dozen realms, the world’s greatest minds must survive against the universe’s biggest threats.
Abiotic Factor at a glance Released 2025 Studio Deep Field Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 58,569 Price $34.99 SurvivalOpen World Survival CraftCraftingBase-BuildingSci-fiExplorationSandboxFirst-Person
- 17
Metro Exodus
Why it matched: both open world, survival, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, First-Person and Horror; released around the same time (2020).
Flee the shattered ruins of the Moscow Metro and embark on an epic, continent-spanning journey across the post-apocalyptic Russian wilderness. Explore vast, non-linear levels, lose yourself in an immersive, sandbox survival experience, and follow a thrilling story-line that spans an entire year in the greatest Metro adventure yet.
Metro Exodus at a glance Released 2020 Studio 4A Games Player sentiment 90% positive of 135,440 Price $29.99 Story RichFirst-PersonHorrorSurvivalExplorationSurvival Horror
- 18
Astroneer
Why it matched: both open world, survival, science fiction and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Exploration.
Interact with strange new worlds in a unique and tactile way, molding the environment itself as if it were clay in your hands. Build your base, master resource management, automate your production lines, and more as you unravel the mysteries of the universe, alone or with friends.
Astroneer at a glance Released 2016 Studio System Era Softworks Player sentiment 92% positive of 139,052 Price $29.99 Open World Survival CraftSurvivalExplorationBase-BuildingSandboxCraftingSci-fiIndie
- 19
Inside the Backrooms
Why it matched: both survival, horror, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Horror, Survival Horror and Exploration; released around the same time (2022).
Inside the Backrooms is a horror multiplayer game mixed with different mechanics that will make you spend an intense night with friends. Explore, think, interact, but be careful, it is rumored that there are several entities wishing to find you...
Inside the Backrooms at a glance Released 2022 Studio MrFatcat Player sentiment 80% positive of 46,767 Price $6.99 HorrorSurvival HorrorExplorationFirst-PersonSci-fiStory Rich
- 20
No Man's Sky
Why it matched: both open world, survival, science fiction and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Exploration and Sci-fi.
No Man's Sky is a game about exploration and survival in an infinite procedurally generated universe.
No Man's Sky at a glance Released 2016 Studio Hello Games Player sentiment 85% positive of 414,641 Price $59.99 Open World Survival CraftExplorationSci-fiSurvivalFirst-PersonSandboxCraftingIndie
- 21
Fallout: New Vegas
Why it matched: both open world, survival, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Exploration and First-Person.
Welcome to Vegas. New Vegas. Enjoy your stay!
Fallout: New Vegas at a glance Released 2010 Studio Obsidian Entertainment Player sentiment 96% positive of 261,194 Price $9.99 Story RichExplorationFirst-PersonSci-fiSurvivalSandbox
- 22
Outer Wilds
Why it matched: both open world, horror, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Exploration, Story Rich and Indie.
Named Game of the Year 2019 by Giant Bomb, Polygon, Eurogamer, and The Guardian, Outer Wilds is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning open world mystery about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop.
Outer Wilds at a glance Released http Studio Mobius Digital Player sentiment 96% positive of 107,214 Price $14.99 ExplorationStory RichIndieSci-fiHorrorFirst-Person
- 23
Dead Space 2
Why it matched: both survival, horror, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Horror, Survival Horror and Survival.
Three years after the Necromorph infestation aboard the USS Ishimura, Isaac Clarke awakens from a coma, confused, disoriented, and on a space station called The Sprawl. Explore this world and its zero-g environments to discover the truth about the Unitology and its role in the Necromorph epidemic.
Dead Space 2 at a glance Released 2011 Studio Visceral Games Player sentiment 94% positive of 29,751 Price $19.99 HorrorSurvival HorrorSurvivalStory RichSci-fiAliens
- 24
Dead Space (2008)
Why it matched: both survival, horror, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Horror, Sci-fi and Survival Horror.
You are Isaac Clarke, an engineer on the spacecraft USG Ishimura. You're not a warrior. You're not a soldier. You are, however, the last line of defense for the remaining living crew.
Dead Space (2008) at a glance Released 2009 Studio EA Redwood Shores Player sentiment 92% positive of 29,163 Price $19.99 HorrorSci-fiSurvival HorrorAliensStory RichSurvival
Common questions
What game is most like Subnautica: Below Zero?
Subnautica, on the evidence we have. It made by the same studio, Unknown Worlds Entertainment. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to Subnautica: Below Zero" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Subnautica: Below Zero. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
What else did the makers of Subnautica: Below Zero do?
Subnautica is also from Unknown Worlds Entertainment, and appears in the list below for that reason as well as on tag overlap.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.