We've returned to the depths of Planet 4546B in one of its colder regions to pick up a different story to that of the original Subnautica. This time unraveling multiple mysteries, and all while building some pretty cool stuff in the survival process, through plundering its rich and resource-diverse depths.

It also has penglings.

This franchise-in-waiting is an absolute gem, and if the freshly-launched sequel is any indication of the imagination and creativity permeating the brain trust at Unknown Worlds, we can't wait to see what's next.

Here's a snippet:

How both games have been structured to feed discovery is to be applauded. Collectionist types or lore fiends will lap up the world-building that has invaded your PDA across two adventures, where scanning becomes a sickness and seeking information on why certain minerals only live in certain biomes, depths or hollows is more important than helping an alien reconnect to its hive mind. In fact, one of the more celebrated expansions in this sequel is the deeper crossover of world ingredients. So rather than just eating a plant to sustain nutrition and hydration in singular form, for example, now you can make a salad from two ingredients that is doubly rewarding.

It’s a small example, but a huge thing that reflects the subtle, yet massive shift in thinking from Unknown Worlds where the collection of game resources is concerned.

Click here for our in-depth Subnautica: Below Zero review.

Long time readers of this site will know we (that is, me) are HUGE Subnautica fans. The game's sequel, Subnautica: Below Zero, which today received its final update in its lifecycle as an Early Access product, will now see sea the light of release day on all current-gen machines (yep, even the new ones).

Below Zero began life as a standalone expansion, but quickly become a true sequel, and today developer Unknown Worlds is celebrating the final Early Access update, revealing we'll be playing the full, final game this May 14. The game's full ending won't be revealed until the game actually launches, but the studio revealed today that all music and story (sans ending) is in the game, including the Crashed Ship story, alongside new loading bars (that are super-cute), thousands of squashed bugs, rumble support for controller on PC and much more.

To learn more about the latest update, click here. Otherwise, watch a video highlighting all of the above, embedded below.