TOP GAMES LISTS: 10 Cozy Games like Subnautica (in 2024)

Subnautica is a rich underwater survival game but what if you prefer a little more exploration and a little less ‘surprises’? I’ve gotchu cozy gamer.

Subnautica - games like subnautica, games like sea of thieves, games like ark, exploration games, ocean games, top cozy games, games about the ocean

Subnautica Game Features

  • Release Date: 23 Jan, 2018
  • Developer / Publisher: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
  • Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox & PlayStation
  • Genre: Exploration, Survival
  • Coziness Rating: 2 out of 5*

10 Cozy Games like Subnautica for Sea Lovers

What’s so appealing about Subnautica is its vast open world and the depths of an alien ocean that’s just begging to be explored. Subnautica is an underwater survival game set on a distant planet.

It reminds me of Miller’s planet in Interstellar, but without the giant waves. Imagine crash landing on an alien planet and it being completely covered in water! I’d be seriously out of my depth (sorry for the pun).

I’ve tried playing survival games before and I do enjoy them for a short time but I find little comfort in base building for the sake of survival. Games like Ark and Raft end up annoying me because I spend hours upon hours building out my lovely home, or safe house, only for it to be torn to pieces by enemies. It’s not my thing.

But I do enjoy exploring the ocean. Actually, I love watery adventure games in general and find the marine life, lush coral reefs and diving for secret treasures so much fun. I particularly enjoyed those aspects in Sea of Thieves, just not so much the imminent danger of pirates lunging out of nowhere and stealing my loot. Yes, I know that’s the whole point of the game. Don’t come for me in the comments, please.

Give me a story with some mystery, great voice acting, secrets to be uncovered, a little bit of suspense or cute characters, all mixed into an ocean setting, and I’m game.

So for this list of games, I want to dive into exploration games that lack horror elements and jump scares and instead give me a good mystery to solve. So let’s take a look at games like Subnautica that are wholesome and relaxing.

As always, some of these games may not be released yet, so please wishlist them for later if you can. You can find all the games mentioned here today on my Steam page.

Loddlenaut - games like subnautica, games like sea of thieves, games like ark, exploration games, ocean games, top cozy games, games about the ocean

1

Loddlenaut

Play as an interstellar custodian of the sea in this environmentally friendly adventure game. A spacefaring mega-corp has polluted the ocean and you need to revive the planet’s lush ecosystems. It’s your job to pick up the trash using all sorts of gadgets and take care of these absolutely adorable axolotl-like alien creatures! Buying this game also supports the WDC charity – Whale and Dolphin Conservation.

Call of the Sea - games like subnautica, games like sea of thieves, games like ark, exploration games, ocean games, top cozy games, games about the ocean

2

Call of the Sea

Call of the Sea is an explorative puzzle game and love story set in the 1930s South Pacific. Norah is on a quest to discover the truth of the disappearance of her husband after he goes missing on an expedition. What she finds is the remnants of a lost civilization and perhaps more questions than answers.

Ghost on the Shore - games like subnautica, games like sea of thieves, games like ark, exploration games, ocean games, top cozy games, games about the ocean

3

Ghost on the Shore

Ghost on the Shore is a walking sim and exploration game about emotional ties that transcend even death.

You play as Riley, a young woman who’s stranded on a desolate island with only a ghost for company. As you explore the crumbling homes of the vanished islanders and discover their belongings, you get to know the ghost, Josh. Your choices ultimately influence the outcome of the game.

Forgotten Seas - games like subnautica, games like sea of thieves, games like ark, exploration games, ocean games, top cozy games, games about the ocean

4

Forgotten Seas

Forgotten Seas is a survival game similar to Sea of Thieves. Unlike Sea of Thieves though this is PvE so there are fewer worries about random players coming after you. As a solo player, I much prefer this style of gameplay.

Lost in the Bermuda Void, the ocean is endless and you find yourself suspended in the time of Dread Pirates. Ships are magic and come in bottles (unique concept!). You’ll also need to build docks for your ship to come into port while you go off to explore inland for treasure.

Echo of the Waves - games like subnautica, games like sea of thieves, games like ark, exploration games, ocean games, top cozy games, games about the ocean

5

Echo of the Waves

Echo of the Waves is a poetic and atmospheric watercolor-painted exploration game. A little bit of a stretch here but it’s water-themed so I had to add it!

You play as Zephyr, a young cartographer-musician from a distant ocean, who’s on a journey to preserve a bond with nature. Play music and use your observation skills to find your way through the colorful islands of Zephyr’s archipelagos and uncover the many secrets hidden within nature.

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Spilled! - games like subnautica, games like sea of thieves, games like ark, exploration games, ocean games, top cozy games, games about the ocean

6

Spilled!

Spilled! is a satisfying clean-up game raising awareness of the state of our oceans. Upgrade your boat, face challenges and rescue nature back from oil spills. Silled! is a relaxing and cozy game designed by a new female game developer who herself, lives on a boat. Recycle, earn coins, upgrade your boat, repeat! It’s an incredibly short game but worth a play if you care about the ocean.

DAVE THE DIVER - games like subnautica, games like sea of thieves, games like ark, exploration games, ocean games, top cozy games, games about the ocean

7

DAVE THE DIVER

DAVE THE DIVER is a popular solo adventure RPG. Dave is an interesting little human who loves the sea as much as you do. Features deep-sea exploration and fishing during the day and sushi restaurant management at night. Uncover the mysteries of the Blue Hole in this funny little game.

Sword of the Sea - games like subnautica, games like sea of thieves, games like ark, exploration games, ocean games, top cozy games, games about the ocean

8

Sword of the Sea

Sword of the Sea is an atmospheric adventure with highspeed movement inspired by skateboarding games. Straight away I was like, this reminds me of Journey, then I saw that it was indeed by the visionary artist behind ABZÛ, The Pathless, and Journey. Surf over a surreal landscape of waves on your Hoversword to unveil a lost ocean.

ABZU - games like subnautica, games like sea of thieves, games like ark, exploration games, ocean games, top cozy games, games about the ocean

9

ABZÛ

ABZÛ is a beautiful underwater adventure that evokes the dream of diving. Immerse yourself in a vibrant hidden world bursting with color and life as you descend into the heart of the ocean. Discover hundreds of unique species based on real creatures and meditate atop statues. But beware as you swim deeper as dangers lurk in the depths.

Dolphin Spirit: Ocean Mission - games like subnautica, games like sea of thieves, games like ark, exploration games, ocean games, top cozy games, games about the ocean

10

Dolphin Spirit: Ocean Mission

Dolphin Spirit: Ocean Mission is an educational adventure game with a touch of fantasy, set on the beautiful tropical island of Maupiroa. Dive into the ocean’s depths, teeming with life and color, with your dolphin friend Keanu (not Reeves). Learn about marine life and ecology while helping the local environmentalists save the island from impending disaster.

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