Subnautica: A Scary and Immersive Survival Game
Subnautica is one of the scariest games on PC, not because of traditional Horror tropes but due to its immersive gameplay and the fear-inducing atmosphere that comes from exploring a seemingly endless ocean teeming with creepy underwater creatures.
Despite being one of the best survival games on PC, Subnautica doesn’t feel empty or lifeless, thanks to its detailed environment and the many terrifying creatures that call the deep sea home. When you encounter leviathans and warpers for the first time, it’s easy to forget that you’re exploring an open world game. Subnautica’s survival mechanics and exploration are exciting enough on their own, but throw in a terrifying giant squid, and you have a recipe for one of the best PC games.
Despite the fear factor, some players with thalassophobia (an irrational fear of the ocean) found the game challenging but ultimately enjoyable. Others, however, were so scared that they couldn’t even muster up the courage to jump into the endless ocean. While some might compare the game to horror games like Five Nights at Freddy’s, it’s Subnautica’s unintentional scares that truly send shivers down my spine.
Speaking to Gamewire, lead designer Charlie Cleveland says that the team didn’t expect Subnautica to become one of the scariest games. “Players would tell us about encounters with creatures that were really terrifying. We didn’t think of the game as scary until people started sharing those stories,” he explains.
Despite the open world, immersive gameplay, and abundance of terrifying creatures, Subnautica is often overlooked by many gamers who don’t believe that it’s anything special. If you played it, you probably know that the game is so much more than a typical survival game, and the fear-inducing atmosphere makes it one of the best horror games on PC.
Looking for a similar experience?
If you're looking for a similar experience to Subnautica but with a more wholesome vibe, I recommend checking out our Yakuza review to get a taste of just how unique, heartwarming, and fun this Japanese game series is. We also have a Yakuza 2 review for when you’re ready to dive deeper into the underground world of the Japanese mafia.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a game with an open world comparable to Yakuza’s, Street Fighter V has a surprisingly similar mode to its RPG system. Check out our Street Fighter V review to learn more about this game’s vast open world, which includes stats, gear, items, and a huge space to explore.
