The deep blue has always been a masterclass in terror, but Subnautica 2 is taking that fear and cranking it to eleven—if only it would learn to shut up.
The original Subnautica was secretly a brilliant horror game, a slow-burn dread of the unknown. Its sequel, however, makes the terrors of the abyss far more overt, leaning hard into the fear of the unknown. Over the last week, I’ve been shrieking into the void (apologies to anyone in Paisley or elsewhere who heard me), and it’s a glorious, terrifying ride.
The Silent Terror Is Broken
The problem? Subnautica 2 won’t stop talking. The game’s protagonist, the PDA, and ambient voice lines constantly break the silence, reminding you of oxygen levels, scanning new flora, or narrating your panic. This kills the immersion. The best horror happens in the quiet—when you’re alone in the dark, listening for the Leviathan that you know is there.
- Constant narration from the PDA shatters tension.
- Voice lines from the character ruin the sense of isolation.
- Audio cues for oxygen and health feel like safety nets, not fear triggers.
What This Means for Players
For now, the game is a chilling horror experience—but one that’s fighting itself. The moments of pure, unscripted terror (like a Reaper suddenly appearing from the murk) are incredible. But they’re often undercut by a cheerful “Oxygen at 50%” or a random line about the local fauna.
“The original Subnautica was secretly a brilliant horror game… Subnautica 2 makes the terrors of the deep a lot more overt, really leaning into the fear of the unknown.”
If the developers let the silence do the heavy lifting, Subnautica 2 could be the scariest game of the year. As it stands, it’s a fantastic survival sim that occasionally forgets to let you be afraid.
Context: This is a pre-release impression from PC Gamer (May 22, 2026). The final game may include a toggle for voice lines or a “hardcore” mode that silences the PDA. Until then, keep your volume low and your wits high.
