This is normally the part where I’d defend the hunger & thirst mechanics, because when done well they can be a great addition to a game, forcing you to be smart about where you build your base & how you manage your resources. But yeah, no, in Subnautica they add pretty much nothing to the game; they’re just there. There is a mode to turn them off, though.

What are games with well done ones though? For me V Rising is the only one and there it's thematic for vampires and more for healing anyways.

Don’t Starve. As mentioned above, there is an easy food source in the form of rabbits, that can carry you through the early game, but every spring rabbit dens collapse, so you need to find another food source. Other food sources all come with subtantial risks, though. And you can’t just stockpile food, because food can rot, so you need to find an actual sustainable food source. It’s all about resource management. You need to gather up enough food so that you have enough to last for whatever you’re doing next, but doing so also requires to make sure you have the resources to gather it. Since that’s usually combat gear, you’ve got to make sure you still have some left over to survive any bosses or hound waves that might be coming soon. Plus, overhunting can get rid of some food sources, like Beefalos, so you have to make sure you don’t murder the entire population. Only expert players will ever have an excess. For the average player, it’ll be a constant threat they need to manage properly. And resource management is fun!

[quote]And resource management is fun![/quote] Idunno. I like seeing my coffers be ever expanded with useless junk like salvage and assorted bear asses. I'd hope money was better balanced in games though, usually you can just sell one off-class loot piece and be set for your whole adventure.