head to head
vs
Death StrandingvsSubnautica
Death Stranding leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Subnautica leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Death StrandingSubnautica
Axis by axis
Execution3 vs 2
Death Stranding leans harder on execution: Balance and traversal inputs, modest demands.
Reads1 vs 0
Death Stranding leans harder on reads: BTs and MULEs scripted, predictable.
Variance3 vs 2
Death Stranding leans harder on variance: Terrain, weather, BT spawns randomized.
Optimization7 vs 8
Subnautica leans harder on optimization: Tech progression and base routing solve the ocean.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.