Since the launch of Unknown Worlds Entertainment’s Subnautica in 2018, players have been able to enjoy the massive alien underwater world of the survival game. The experience was continued when Subnautica: Below Zero was opened for Early Access as a standalone expansion in 2019. Now the creators of Subnautica have revealed the official release date for Subnautica: Below Zero, coming this spring.

Unknown Worlds released Subnautica: Below Zero for Early Access on January 30, 2019, after it was originally intended to just be DLC for Subnautica. Instead, the game has become a fully-voiced, narrative-driven sequel set one year after the story events of the first game. The focus on the narrative is clear from the start, as players are tasked with investigating the disappearance of their character Robin Ayou’s older sister. The development for Subnautica: Below Zero has hit some road bumps, mostly due to the pandemic, but the Unknown Worlds team is finally ready to finish Early Access.

The high-octane release date trailer shows off some of Subnautica: Below Zero’s best assets, from underwater encounters to the freezing tundra on land. Some viewers have pointed out that the trailer does show off some story beats that could be considered spoilers, so gamers should keep that in mind if they are concerned. The game will be coming to all the major consoles around, and Nintendo players will even be able to get a two-pack of Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero for Switch when the game launches on May 14, 2021.

For fans of Subnautica that haven’t had a chance to try out the sequel, many who got a preview of Subnautica: Below Zero think it’s a worthwhile game to pick up. It may not be a completely new experience, but the mechanics that made the original game unique make a return, along with plenty of new options for crafting and game experiences.

Since survival games are all the rage right now, especially with the Viking-inspired survival game Valheim topping the Steam charts, Subnautica: Below Zero is able to provide another outlet for gamers that enjoy the genre. In any case, it will be interesting to see what new content, if any, Unknown Worlds has in store for the official release.

Subnautica: Below Zero is releasing for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Switch on May 14, 2021.