Subnautica is open for a free weekend, and the sale is hard to ignore
Unknown Worlds opened Subnautica for a limited free-play window on April 2, while both the original game and Subnautica Below Zero are discounted by 75% on Steam.
Subnautica has opened up for a free weekend, giving players a chance to spend time on Planet 4546B without paying upfront. Unknown Worlds also put both the original game and Subnautica Below Zero on sale at 75% off.
According to Unknown Worlds, the free-play period began on April 2 at 10 p.m. PT, which is April 3 at 1 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. BST. The trial runs through Monday, April 6 at 9:59 a.m. PT / 12:59 p.m. ET / 5:59 p.m. BST, so there is a decent window to see whether the survival classic still hooks you.
If the weekend sticks, the discount is the part that makes the timing sting a little less. Both Subnautica and Subnautica Below Zero are down 75%, which puts them at $7.49 / £6.49 each. Unknown Worlds said this was the lowest price either game has seen so far.
The original Subnautica still carries that rare kind of reputation that gets passed around for years, and its Steam rating backs that up. Below Zero is not far behind, with a strong response of its own. If you want a broader look at the genre, our survival games coverage is a good place to start, and the original Subnautica remains one of the best-known names in the space.
The timing also lands as interest around the series keeps climbing, with more attention on Subnautica 2 in recent months. For now, though, the focus is simpler. This weekend gives anyone curious about the series a clean shot at trying it, and the discount makes it easier to keep going if the ocean starts calling back.
If you try the free weekend, tell us what you think in the comments. You can also follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram.
Subnautica
Developed by Unknown Worlds
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.
- Genre: Adventure, Indie
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch 2, Android, PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, SteamVR, PlayStation 5, Mac, Oculus Rift, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Modes: Single player
- Release: 2018-01-23
- Publisher: Gearbox Publishing, Unknown Worlds
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Age Rating:
ACB PG / GRAC 12+ / PEGI 7 / USK 6 / CERO A / CLASS_IND 10 / ESRB E10+
- IGDB Rating: 83.5/100
