To start, we’re going to stretch the definition of horror a bit and discuss what makes Subnautica a unique, and arguably terrifying experience.

Starting out you’ll be treated to a lush, vibrant, colorful environment, straight out of a tropical postcard. Furthest thing from a horror game, right? I’m here to tell you that you’re wrong!

Subnautica is an open world survival game with a large focus on exploration. You start off marooned on an alien planet after your ship has crash landed under mysterious circumstances.

Your first moments are spent on figuring out how everything works, how to feed yourself, how to not die of thirst, getting your bearings. Everything in the game is designed to get you to explore, to have you fulfill that basic human desire – satisfying curiosity. While exploring, you’ll come to realise that while others have been here, you are now alone.

This is one of the main driving forces behind your mission of exploration. You set off to uncover what went wrong, maybe even escape, but to do that you’ll have to venture further and dive deeper.

Throughout your adventure you’ll come across all manner of wildlife, deceptively beautiful and peaceful from a distance, most won’t hesitate to defend themselves if you come too close. From sand-sharks, to eels, to suicidal fish and even poisonous manatees the waters are filled with danger.

You are the alien here, you’re the intruder on their home planet, and nothing will serve to remind you of that more than the Leviathans – giant creatures that lurk the depths, in the unknown, you’ll know when you come across one, and learn to fear it’s roar.

The developers have managed to create a fascinating and beautiful world while at the same time tapping into humanity’s most primal instincts and fears.

Loneliness, the unknown, swimming into the deep dark only to never come out, drowning out of a lack of oxygen or becoming prey to some unseen creature lying in wait.

But what if there’s nothing down there? What if that’s where you’ll find the next piece of the puzzle and escape your watery end? It’s contrasting world is used to lure you into a false sense of security before giving you a rude awakening – every bit as deadly as it is beautiful.

Subnautica might not quite fit the definition of best horror game, but it’s sure to make you think twice about venturing into the water.