Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

Subnautica is that rare game that's both genuinely thrilling and genuinely educational. Your kid will learn more about marine biology, resource management, and systems thinking than from most science classes, all while building underwater bases and fleeing from terrifying sea monsters.

The good news: this is a complete game with zero manipulative monetization. No surprise charges, no battle passes, no "just one more loot box." Buy it once, done. The exploration is breathtaking, the problem-solving is real, and the sense of discovery is unmatched.

The reality check: this game can be legitimately scary. Those deep ocean encounters with massive predators aren't cute—they're designed to trigger primal fear responses, and they succeed. Younger or sensitive kids may find the isolation themes and jump-scares too much. But for kids ready for that intensity? This is one of the best survival-exploration games out there, teaching patience, planning, and scientific thinking while delivering genuine adventure.

It's not for everyone, but for the right kid, Subnautica is an absolute gem that respects their intelligence while scaring the bejeezus out of them in the best possible way.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-17, though mature 8-9 year olds who handle suspense well could enjoy it with support. The exploration and building appeal to teens, but the horror elements and psychological weight of isolation make it too intense for most younger kids.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

Subnautica emphasizes survival through problem-solving and resource management rather than combat. The tone is exploratory and wonder-filled, though the survival elements include hunting wildlife for food and defending against hostile creatures. The pacing is player-driven and contemplative, encouraging careful planning. Some creature encounters can be intense and frightening, particularly with larger predators, which moderates the wholesome score.

Imaginative

92

Exceptional creativity and world-building. Players explore an entirely alien ocean ecosystem with unique biomes, from bioluminescent caves to volcanic zones. The game rewards curiosity and experimentation, requiring players to craft tools, build underwater bases, and piece together environmental storytelling. The sandbox nature encourages creative problem-solving and personal expression through base design. This is exploration and discovery at its finest.

Safe

78

No in-game purchases, loot boxes, or online chat—excellent from a monetization standpoint. However, the game includes jump-scares from aggressive fauna, some body horror (infected creatures), and themes of isolation that can be psychologically intense for younger players. The survival mechanics involve killing wildlife and managing oxygen/hunger, and there are crashed ship remnants with implied death. Some players report the deep ocean triggers thalassophobia. These elements prevent a higher safety score despite good structural safety features.

Enriching

85

Rich in STEM concepts: marine biology, geology, engineering, resource management, and environmental systems. Players must think critically about sustainability, as over-harvesting affects ecosystems. The narrative explores themes of corporate negligence, environmental responsibility, and scientific ethics. Problem-solving is constant and meaningful. The game teaches patience, planning, and consequences of actions. Highly engaging while building genuine skills in systems thinking.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely educational about marine ecosystems, geology, and engineering without feeling like homework—kids learn resource management and systems thinking organically
Encourages methodical problem-solving and planning rather than twitch reflexes; rewards patience and curiosity over aggression
Stunning, immersive world that sparks wonder about ocean life and alien biology—the kind of game that gets kids Googling real marine science
Zero predatory monetization: buy it once, play forever, no battle passes or loot boxes trying to drain your wallet
Creative base-building lets kids express themselves while learning about structural engineering and habitat design

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What to Watch For

Legitimate scary moments—large predators (looking at you, Reaper Leviathan) can trigger jump-scares and anxiety, especially in darker biomes
The deep ocean can be psychologically intense; themes of isolation, being stranded, and exploring crashed ships with implied deaths aren't for sensitive kids
Some creatures look genuinely creepy and there's mild body horror with infected fauna
Survival mechanics mean hunting and killing wildlife for food—not graphic but present
Kids prone to thalassophobia (fear of deep water) might find this genuinely distressing rather than fun

Conversation Starters

"If you were actually stranded on an alien planet, what would be your first priority—food, shelter, or exploring?"
"Which biome do you think has the coolest creatures? What do you think they evolved those features for?"
"The game shows how taking too many resources affects the ecosystem—have you noticed that happening? How's that similar to Earth?"
"What's the scariest creature you've encountered, and how did you deal with it? Fight, flight, or outsmart?"
"If you could design one piece of equipment that's not in the game, what would help you survive better?"

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