New Open-World Survival Crafting Game on Steam is Subnautica 2 with Guns

For many survival fans, Subnautica 2 is one of the most anticipated games of the year. The first game offered a new take on the survival game by taking things to the terrifying depths of the ocean. An alien water-covered planet filled with surprising and terrifying creatures often does Subnautica as sweat-inducing as it is fun, and its sequel hopefully brings even more of that to the table. Steam is an excellent hub for similar survival games, and one game could satisfy the craving for more Subnautica before the sequel is launched. The world in the abyss is an upcoming Steam game that asks the bold question “What would Subnautica 2 be as if it had weapons?”

Even if Subnautica and Subnautica 2 is about survival, the game doesn't really embrace combat like some other titles in the genre do. Developer Unknown Worlds Entertainment chose a game that focused more on exploration and curiosity than violence. Adapting over conquering is the heart of Subnautica series, and it's a refreshing approach. But there's still a craving for some deep-sea-inspired battles, and The world in the abyss makes it possible. Subnautica 2the release date is still being kept under wraps, but players eager for more underwater exploration won't have to wait much longer for The world in the abyss.

Take a look at World in the Abyss confirmed features

• A post-apocalyptic setting

• Base building

• Crafts

• Base defense

• Resource purification and management

• Boss fights

• Fishing

Image via Lazy Cat Studio

World in the Abyss takes the Subnautica formula and gives it a post-apocalyptic twist

Remember Waterwold? For those who don't, it's a 90s movie starring Kevin Costner that depicts a post-apocalyptic world that has been completely submerged in water after the polar ice caps melted. The surviving humans live in bases above the water, and some humans, like Kevin Costner's character, have even evolved to have gills. The world in the abyss is much like The water worlds concept, minus the gills. Post-apocalyptic survival games can be found all over Steam, but The world in the abyss' water-focused environment is an exciting way to approach the genre.

Build to survive, then defend

The base building returns inside Subnautica 2and The world in the abyss uses the same mechanic, but turns it up a notch. Instead of just building a base, The world in the abyss tasks players with defending it from attackers. This is a post-apocalyptic survival game after all. With The world in the abyss' base system, building a fortified stronghold that is also an ideal living situation is the key. In addition to the standard structure building, there are some cool extras that players can use to make their bases extra special.

• Brew beer

• Add Smelter

• Include an armory

• Build a dream kitchen

• Uses beehives

These features are intended to fully bring a player's base to life and add immersion. Daily tasks and taking care of your settlement are essential to some of the best survival titles out there. Base building survival games all try to have their own unique touches, and The world in the abyss' system is a promising version of the mechanic.

Crafting and resource management bring must-have mechanics to the world of the Abyss

Features like crafting and resource management are staples of the survival genre. Survival games on Steam often have strong crafting and resource management mechanics, and The world in the abyss' marine environment opens the door to some unique options. Drilling for oil and collecting minerals is only the tip of the iceberg of what can be found. Players can also set traps, build cages for crabs, and create nets to fish for food. In addition to that, the depths of the ocean are filled with places to explore and discover rare items or resources that will make players even more powerful in The world in the abyss' post-apocalyptic reality.

There is a lot of danger in the water too. Even if Subnautica promotes exploration and creativity, it can also get the heart racing because of the alien creatures swimming around. In real life, some varieties of deep sea creatures can be downright terrifying, and both Subnautica and The world in the abyss play into that fear of the unknown. Subnautica has a reputation as a decently challenging open-world survival game, and its sequel is likely to take it up a notch. The world in the abyss also claims to be a solid challenge, so it can be good practice before Subnautica 2s final launch.

World in the Abyss asks players to dive deeper and fight to see another day

IN Subnautica and its sequel, players must worry about dangerous alien sea creatures. IN The world in the abyssdanger will come from both above and below the surface. Indie games on Steam come in many different genres and appeal to unique tastes, so Subnautica players who prefer the non-violent approach of the game may not cooperate with The world in the abyss' combat mechanics. However, there are still plenty Subnautica fans who would like to see what this type of game would look like with weapons added to the mix. The world in the abyss' use of firearms at least makes sense with its setting. Players are not encouraged to mindlessly kill sea creatures; they must fight off waves of raiders who want to take over the base and steal resources.

Image via Lazy Cat Studio

There are plenty of survival games with good exploration out there, and The world in the abyss' novelty, combined with a compelling post-apocalyptic world flooded with water, helps it stand out in an increasingly crowded genre. Right now you don't know when Subnautica 2 will be ready for launch. Until then, The world in the abyss on Steam is waiting around the corner to help sea dwellers pass the time.

System

Released

October 22, 2025

Developer

Lazy Cat Studio

Publisher

Lazy Cat Studio

Early Access Release

October 22, 2025

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