Humanity has managed to explore very little of Earth’s oceans – let alone an alien one. But that’s all about to change in Subnautica. Traverse the mysterious waters of an alien ocean planet as you build a base and fight for survival. Every dive here could be your last.

What we love: This game captures the deep ocean’s unsettling thalassic atmosphere so well, it makes us hold our breath. Every element from swaying kelp forests to bioluminescent creatures creates an authentic diving experience.

Scavenge resources from the vast ocean and craft your way up the tech tree, from basic tools to advanced equipment and sprawling underwater bases. The deeper you venture, the rarer the materials – but also the deadlier the inhabitants.

Quick tip: Prioritise mobility upgrades. Your crash landing leaves you with nothing but basic life support, and you’ll be swimming around for quite a while before you have a proper foundation. Craft Fins first by gathering Creepvine Seed Clusters near your Lifepod and fabricating Silicone Rubber. You’ll need two pieces to make basic Fins.

Meet the creator: Founded in 2001 by Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, Unknown Worlds specialises in games with original concepts, including the open-world adventure game Subnautica, which debuted in 2018.