How to Prepare for Subnautica 2 by Playing Subnautica and Below Zero

Subnautica 2 is now in Early Access, and if you have never played the original games, you might be wondering whether to dive straight into the sequel or spend time with the original Subnautica and Below Zero first. The answer depends on your goals — but if you want the richest possible experience of Subnautica 2, playing the originals provides context, mechanical familiarity, and emotional investment that makes the sequel more rewarding. This guide explains what each original game adds to your Subnautica 2 preparation.

What the Original Subnautica Teaches You

Subnautica (2018) is where the series’ core design philosophy was established. The survival loop — gather resources, build tools, explore further, find the story, go deeper — is expressed in its purest form in the original game. Playing it first teaches you: how the Leviathan threat system works, how base building scales from emergency shelter to a functional ocean city, how to balance food, water, and oxygen management, and crucially, the emotional rhythm of Subnautica’s specific blend of wonder and dread.

The original Subnautica also establishes the Architect (Precursor) civilisation whose technology and history forms the narrative backbone of the entire franchise. Understanding who the Architects are, what they were doing on Planet 4546B, and what happened to them is genuinely enriched by having played the original game. Subnautica 2’s story assumes no prior knowledge, but players who have played the original will find additional layers of meaning in what they encounter.

What Subnautica Below Zero Adds

Below Zero expands the franchise in several ways relevant to Subnautica 2. The temperature mechanic — managing cold exposure alongside oxygen — was introduced in Below Zero and is developed further in Subnautica 2. The co-op groundwork (Below Zero added local co-op in late patches) informs the full co-op implementation in Subnautica 2. Most importantly, Below Zero introduces Marguerit Maida, an original Subnautica survivor whose story continues to inform the franchise’s emotional universe.

Is Playing the Originals Required?

No. Subnautica 2 is designed to be a complete, standalone experience. You do not need to have played either original game to enjoy it. The new world, new characters, and new story are self-contained. However, if you have the time and inclination, playing the original Subnautica in particular will enrich your experience of the sequel in ways that are difficult to fully articulate without spoiling either game. The recommendation: play Subnautica first, then dive into Subnautica 2. Below Zero is worthwhile but less essential as preparation.

Practical Preparation: Skills That Transfer

Beyond narrative context, playing the originals develops practical skills that make Subnautica 2’s early game easier. Specifically: scanner discipline (scanning everything), base building instincts (building early rather than late), Leviathan threat awareness (knowing the audio and visual cues that indicate a nearby Leviathan), and oxygen management habits (always knowing how much air you have and planning your depth accordingly). These mechanical habits from the originals transfer directly to Subnautica 2.

RicardoPlays Subnautica Series

The RicardoPlays – Beyond RTS channel has comprehensive content covering both the original Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero, as well as ongoing Subnautica 2 Early Access coverage. If you want to consume all of the Subnautica content in order before playing, the channel’s playlist organisation makes it easy to follow the series from original game through to the current Subnautica 2 content.

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What Subnautica 2 Changes and Introduces

Subnautica 2 is not just an expansion of the original concept — it introduces significant new mechanics alongside the familiar survival loop. Key new features in the 2026 Early Access version include:

• Full co-op multiplayer: Up to four players can explore together. The original Subnautica’s terrifying solo atmosphere is transformed significantly in co-op — the game becomes more collaborative and less isolating, which changes the tone considerably
• A new planet with new biomes: While structurally similar to Planet 4546B, the Subnautica 2 world introduces entirely new biomes, creatures, and environmental hazards not seen in the originals
• Expanded base building: The base building system has been substantially expanded with new module types, more construction options, and improved underwater infrastructure possibilities
• New vehicle types: Alongside familiar concepts, Subnautica 2 introduces new vehicle designs that serve different roles from the Seamoth/Cyclops/Prawn Suit lineup
• Refined survival mechanics: Hunger, thirst, and temperature systems have been refined based on player feedback from both originals

The Best Play Order for New Players in 2026

If you are discovering the Subnautica franchise for the first time in 2026, here is the recommended play order:

1. Subnautica (2018) — Start here. The original game is the purest expression of the series’ design philosophy. It is also the most polished, most praised, and most complete single-player experience in the franchise. Play this first and you will understand everything that follows
2. Subnautica: Below Zero (2021) — Play this second. It is shorter and more story-focused than the original. Below Zero introduces the land exploration mechanic, the Cold Suit, and continues the broader franchise narrative. Playing it after the original significantly enriches the experience
3. Subnautica 2 (Early Access, 2025-present) — Play this third, ideally with friends. Having the context of both original games makes the new world’s references and design decisions land with full impact. Also, as an Early Access game, Subnautica 2 is still being developed — the experience improves with each major update

This order ensures you experience each game with the context the developers intended and gives you the mechanical skills each subsequent game builds on.

RicardoPlays Subnautica 2 Coverage

The RicardoPlays – Beyond RTS YouTube channel is actively covering Subnautica 2 Early Access with regular gameplay videos, guide content, and patch analysis. Ricardo’s playthrough of Subnautica 2 follows his established format from the original Subnautica series — genuine first reactions to new discoveries, practical tips woven into entertainment, and a respectful approach to spoilers for viewers who want to experience things themselves.

The channel’s Subnautica 2 playlist covers the Early Access journey from launch through each major content update. If you want to see what Subnautica 2 is like before committing to a purchase, or if you want a companion watch while playing yourself, the RicardoPlays coverage is the best place to start.

For the foundational guides you need before diving into Subnautica 2, start with the original Subnautica story guide, the vehicle progression guide, and the Below Zero beginner guide. Together, these three guides give you everything you need to approach Subnautica 2 as a prepared, experienced player rather than a complete newcomer.

Is Subnautica 2 Worth Buying in Early Access?

This is the most common question in the Subnautica community right now. The short answer: yes, with caveats. The Early Access version is playable, entertaining, and substantially better than many Early Access releases, but it is not the complete experience the finished game will deliver. If you can handle playing an unfinished game with occasional bugs and missing content, the Early Access is a great way to experience the new world as it develops. If you prefer a polished complete experience, wait for 1.0. Either approach is valid — Subnautica 2’s 1.0 release will likely be one of the best survival games in years.