Arctico is often likened to Subnautica, but lacks the underwater dread. Players can enter the water and quickly transition to kayaking on serene waters, heading towards a fishing area. Although it focuses on establishing a research base in a harsh environment, its approach is much more relaxed, featuring cuddly dogs that help pull sleds right from the start.

Even though the game officially launched in 2020, it has seen substantial updates since. A base-building update rolled out in June this year included a host of enhancements and optimizations to the building mechanics. Recently, unexpected updates have added controller support and Steam Deck compatibility.

The interface for construction and inventory management has been revamped for better controller usability, text sizes optimized for the Steam Deck, introduced in-game keyboards, and improved joystick input for sled handling, ensuring a seamless gaming experience.