Subnautica: Below Zero is still very much a work in progress but there is plenty to enjoy. The updates are starting to arrive thick and fast as the developers speed towards the final build of the game. With each update players can enjoy a whole host of changes and additions, and the latest update is just as exciting.
In the Stranger Pings update (I bet you can all guess which popular Netflix title inspired the name), the game has gone through some story additions and visual improvements. As well as this, there are also new creature animations and base accessories.
Stranger Pings Update
Story: Back in May, the highly-anticipated story changes were made. The Stranger Pings update has progressed the story as Robin searches for her missing sister, Sam. There are now more PDA entries to acquire that previously only had placeholders, unveiling more information about the oceanic planet. As well as this, the environment also holds some secrets. With the new base polishes, players can scan an Alterra employee’s nameplate to unlock their profiles.
The new Subnautica: Below Zero Stranger Pings update includes Alterra employee profiles and additions to the PDA.
Creatures: The Stranger Pings update brings new creature animations to make things just a little bit more terrifying. The Rock Punchers will now strike the ground to pick up bug-covered rocks. Once they’re done eating the bugs they will throw away the rocks, and players can pick them up to gain more resources. The Squidsharks have also been given a flashy new ability, and will attack any pestering creatures with a blast of lightening.
New Base Accessories: One much loved aspect of Subnautica: Below Zero is the base building. Some (myself included) have spent hours perfecting their bases and exploring simply to unlock new blueprints. This update brings gifts galore for any player who likes to spend their time building bases. Place down an executive toy for that classy office feel or relax and unwind with an aromatherapy lamp. Along with the new decorations, there is also a new base piece that many have been waiting for since the game went into early access: stairs!
New accessories like the executive toy and aromatherapy lamp will spruce up any tired-looking base.
Visuals and Graphics: Subnautica: Below Zero has always been visually pleasing, whether it be the horrifying maw of a creature about to devour poor Robin whole or the sprawling biomes full of delightful little details. Stranger Pings, like the updates before it, has brought in some new visual improvements like base polishes and biome refinement. Spread around the map are Precursor/Architect locations of interest. In the past, players were left to find these on their own as they explored more of the icy waters. Artefact Pings will now show on the HUD to guide them to the structures left behind by the planet’s previous owners. Another helpful addition is object highlighting which can be switched on and off in the accessibility menu. As the name suggests, an object that players can interact with will glow.
Subnautica: Below Zero is available in early access on PC (Steam and Epic Store).
