is this a sequel/prequel?

[DeadJericho]

do you need to have played/completed the first game to understand this one?

[Dirak2012]

Sort of a sequel, but not entirely related.
Also, do yourself a favor and play original first (or instead) of this one, it's a much better game.

[Coops]

Its a DLC that got expanded to a standalone game.
You do not need to play the first game to play this one although there are NPC characters mentioned as part of the lore from the first game even though the first one had no NPCs at all.
It takes place on the same planet a few years after the first game.
That said, the first game is widely recognized as the better of the two mainly for the atmosphere it captured as a lone survivor in a hostile world and the popularity of the vehicles.
They are different games in that the second has voiced characters. The mechanics are the same but Below Zero added some nicer QOL options and base pieces some of which have been back ported.

Long story short, no, you do not have to play Subnautica first.

[TheGraveDigger]

Spinoff

[admiral1018]

It's a pretty direct sequel. It doesn't feature the same protagonist, but it takes place on the same planet as the first game a few years after those events and ties the player-character's actions from that game directly into this one. Several events from the first game are even referenced in the lore entries.

[ki_ladydarkdeath]

To me ( and I am sure I am the exception) I like the laid back feel of Zero better. I don't bother with the story really until I have built what I want and am finishing up my play through and going to restart. Original feels rushed to me like I am pressured on someone elses clock. But then I played Zero before Original first so maybe just me. I still need to finish original. Only got the Original recently. Still have fun with both just like Zero better. I also like building so maybe just a grind addict. :)

[IplayGOG]

Below Zero is a massive spoiler to the original, that is probably the main reason to play in a proper order

[sooshon]

definitely play the first Subnautica first or this will be a total spoiler

[BimboGooch]

Originally posted by Dirak2012:

Sort of a sequel, but not entirely related.
Also, do yourself a favor and play original first (or instead) of this one, it's a much better game.

that would mean, play this one first. Cuz if you like it, the first one will be that much better (if they find it good)

[sooshon]

Originally posted by BimboGooch (GluckGluckMaster69):

Originally posted by Dirak2012:

Sort of a sequel, but not entirely related.
Also, do yourself a favor and play original first (or instead) of this one, it's a much better game.

that would mean, play this one first. Cuz if you like it, the first one will be that much better (if they find it good)

That makes absolutely no sense, much of the genius of the first game is the sense of mystery of what is happening and figuring out the story of what is happening in a slow gradual way by putting the puzzle pieces together. If you go into it after playing the second, all that is gone, since the second game assumes you know the story of the first and re-exposes you to it in an uninteresting way.

[BimboGooch]

Originally posted by sooshon:

Originally posted by BimboGooch (GluckGluckMaster69):

that would mean, play this one first. Cuz if you like it, the first one will be that much better (if they find it good)

That makes absolutely no sense, much of the genius of the first game is the sense of mystery of what is happening and figuring out the story of what is happening in a slow gradual way by putting the puzzle pieces together. If you go into it after playing the second, all that is gone, since the second game assumes you know the story of the first and re-exposes you to it in an uninteresting way.

tbf the person says its not entirely related. So I assumed most the events would just be forgotten by the player. But true ig for this game it doesnt make sense. I was more so thinking for most. As most games it would 100% make sense if the story wasnt really connected. Cuz it sucks ass going from a game thats stupid good, to one thats still good, but no where near as good. ive played many games where I was glade it started off bad, because it let me enjoy the better games so much more. BUT again they where not games like this, dont know why my brain didnt conclude that lmao.