While the original Subnautica currently boasts a larger playable area than its direct sequel, Subnautica: Below Zero, an upcoming installment in the series is anticipated to feature the biggest and deepest map yet.
Current Map Sizes: Subnautica vs. Subnautica: Below Zero
When comparing the two currently released main games, the map of the original Subnautica is significantly larger than that of Subnautica: Below Zero. The first game provides a sprawling oceanic environment with a wider horizontal spread and deeper biomes, encouraging extensive exploration. Subnautica: Below Zero, while offering a more diverse array of biomes and a greater focus on land-based exploration, features a more compact aquatic map.
To illustrate the difference:
| Game | Approximate Horizontal Area | Approximate Maximum Depth | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subnautica | 2 km x 2 km | ~1700 meters | Expansive, diverse biomes, large open oceans. |
| Subnautica: Below Zero | 1 km x 1 km | ~1000 meters | More concentrated, segmented, significant land areas. |
This table clearly shows that the original Subnautica offers a larger overall map in terms of general playable volume and horizontal reach.
The Future of Subnautica Map Design
Looking ahead, the next installment in the Subnautica series, often referred to as 'Subnautica 2' or 'Project M' in early discussions, is planned to exceed the scale of its predecessors. Developers have indicated that this upcoming game will feature a map that is both bigger and deeper. This suggests a new benchmark for exploration and environmental scale within the franchise, promising an even more expansive underwater world for players to discover. This commitment to a larger and more profound oceanic environment highlights the continuous evolution of the Subnautica universe.
By pushing the boundaries of map size and depth, the developers aim to enhance the sense of wonder, danger, and isolation that are core to the Subnautica experience, offering new challenges and discoveries within a vast, unexplored aquatic realm.
