Subside’s Makoa Shelf expansion lands June 18, giving the underwater VR simulator a larger ocean zone for players on SteamVR and PlayStation VR2 to explore.
The important buyer note is that Makoa Shelf is downloadable content, not a standalone game. Steam lists it as DLC that requires the base game Subside, and the PlayStation Store page for Subside confirms the base game is a PS5 title that requires PlayStation VR2 and PS VR2 Sense controllers. UploadVR lists the base game at $24.99 and the Makoa Shelf expansion at $9.99.
What Makoa Shelf adds
Steam describes Makoa Shelf as Subside’s largest ocean environment yet, with new lifelike creatures, hidden items, a massive new zone, and two additional bonus areas to unlock.
UploadVR’s hands-on coverage adds more texture: the main Makoa Shelf area is described as larger than the base game’s Cobalt Cove, while the two smaller areas focus on hammerhead sharks and resting sperm whales. The piece also highlights new unlockable tools, including an underwater scooter and extra air capacity.
That makes this a content expansion for players who already like Subside’s slow, observational diving loop. It is not positioned like a combat update or a traditional campaign.
Platform and comfort checks
On PC, Steam lists SteamVR support with Oculus Touch and Valve Index controllers. The minimum PC requirements include Windows 10 64-bit, a Core i5-7500 or Ryzen 5 1600 class CPU, 8 GB of RAM, a GeForce GTX 1080 or Radeon RX 6800S class GPU, DirectX 11, and 10 GB of storage for the DLC.
On PlayStation, the base Subside page confirms offline play, one-player support, sitting, standing, and roomscale play styles, plus optional headset and controller vibration. It also carries Sony’s usual VR warning that some players may experience motion sickness.
That warning matters here. Underwater VR can be unusually convincing, but swimming motion, depth, and open-water scale can be intense even when the game is calm. The smart move is to try the base game’s demo or start with shorter sessions before treating the DLC as an automatic buy.
Why this one stands out
Subside is not trying to be the loudest VR release of the month. Its pitch is presence: shallow-water realism, believable aquatic life, and a sense of scale that can feel relaxing one moment and uneasy the next.
That makes Makoa Shelf more interesting than a normal content drop. A larger environment should give the game more of what it already does well, while the bonus areas and unlockable tools add reasons to return beyond simply looking around.
The caveat is that the expansion is mostly for players who want that specific kind of VR. If you need scores, combat, multiplayer, or fast progression, this is probably not your headline launch. If you bought Subside for quiet exploration and visual immersion, Makoa Shelf is the update to check first.
What to watch next
The useful follow-up is player response after the DLC is fully live on each storefront. Watch for Steam user reviews, PlayStation player impressions, and whether A2D Software updates the store pages with clearer DLC pricing or post-launch notes.
For now, Makoa Shelf is a clean June 18 watch item for PS VR2 and PC VR players who already know they enjoy Subside’s pace. Everyone else should treat the demo, comfort settings, and base-game requirement as the decision points.
Sources
- Steam: Subside - Makoa Shelf
- Steam: Subside
- PlayStation Store: Subside
- UploadVR: Makoa Shelf, Subside’s New Expansion
Affiliate Ad
Amazon VR gear related to this story
A practical headset pick for readers comparing current VR hardware.
As an Amazon Associate, TopVRNews earns from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links, without changing our editorial verdicts. Details
Meta Quest 3
A fast, flexible standalone headset that feels like the mainstream sweet spot: enough visual clarity for daily play, enough mixed reality to matter, and a library that makes it easy to recommend.