Summary
The oceanic world ofSubnautica 2is set to feature a larger world than its predecessor according todeveloper Scott MacDonald, with the game also hinted to include environments that will take players to even greater depths than those seen in the first game. WithSubnautica 2confirmed to be taking place on an entirely different ocean planet than that seen inSubnauticaandSubnautica: Below Zero, fans can look forward to exploring completely new alien vistas home to unique ecosystems of life.
Subnautica 2was officially revealed earlier this Octoberduring an Xbox Partner Preview event, which showed off the game’s first ever teaser trailer. Fans have since gotten a glimpse at some of the new creatures, biomes, and technologies set to be introduced in the sequel, which will offer a fleshed-out multiplayer co-op mode. Up to four players will be able to explore these new aquatic environments together, with a couple of the game’s presumably new playable characters shown off in the trailer. Players who wish to experience the same isolated feeling captured by the originalSubnauticadon’t have to worry, though, as the sequel can be enjoyed solo just as well.
While the originalSubnauticafeatured a substantially-sized mapwhich could keep new players exploring for weeks, the team behind theSubnauticaseries apparently plans to be even more ambitious with the sequel’s map. This information was shared in a tweet fromSubnauticadeveloper and animator Scott MacDonald, better known to the community as Obraxis. While the exact scope ofSubnautica 2’s map is clearly stated to be uncertain at this time, MacDonald claims that the team aims to deliver a map that’s both vaster and deeper than offered by the originalSubnauticaby the time of the sequel’s 1.0 release.
Subnautica 2 Fans Can Dive Into Its New World Early Next Year, Thanks to Early Access
Of course, fans should be aware thatSubnautica 2remains under heavy development, and it’s not yet certain whether the developers' ambitious vision for the game will end up taking shape like they’ve planned. That said, players do have the opportunity to follow the progress ofSubnautica 2’s development thanks to early access, which is set to begin at some point in early 2025. A release date for the game’s full 1.0 release date has not yet been shared.
A larger map with even deeper biomes ranks high on the community’s list of most-wanted features inSubnautica 2, with one ofSubnautica: Below Zero’s biggest departures from the originalbeing that it featured much shallower environments. TheSubnauticaseries has always intended to put a focus on exploration before horror, but players should really be prepared to go face-to-face with some terrifyingly tentacular leviathans as they delve into the unknown whenSubnautica 2goes live.
Subnautica 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Subnautica 2 is an underwater survival adventure game set on an all-new alien ocean world. It is the next chapter in the Subnautica universe, developed by Unknown Worlds.New World, New AdventureA new world awaits alongside an all-new story. You are a pioneer traveling to a distant world, but something is amiss. The ship’s AI insists you carry on the mission. This world is too dangerous for humans to survive… Unless you change what it means to be human. What creatures, intelligent or otherwise, await your arrival?Explore with FriendsPlay alone or with up to three friends in online multiplayer co-op. Whether exploring mysterious ruins, building custom bases, or adventuring deeper into the world… The challenge of this planet will test your ingenuity and ability to adapt, in unexpected and curious ways.Craft Submersibles, Tools, and BasesSurvival depends on utilizing the right tools. Alongside basic items such as your Scanner and Flashlight, you’ll find recipes for more advanced tools, equipment, and submersibles. Bases are more customizable with an overhauled building system. New tools allow for greater adaptation to the world.Uncover Diverse New BiomesFrom towering underwater cliffs to lush coral fields, this aquatic alien world is brimming with vibrant and breathtaking biomes, each teeming with diverse ecosystems and unique creatures. But something isn’t right. The world is out of balance. What happened here? What happened to you? And more importantly, where are you?Study Mysterious LifeformsUncover a rich world full of mysterious lifeforms, from the smallest fish to the largest Leviathans. Scan creatures to learn more about them. Use your Biosampler to take samples for study. As you learn more about this world, evolve your genetics to adapt your body for survival.Survive Terrifying DepthsThis world is vast and deep. Venture beyond the safety of shallow waters, descending into a dark unknown. Wonder and danger lurks around every corner. To survive this planet, you’ll need to push beyond your boundaries and unlock the secrets of this strange world.About the TeamSubnautica 2 is being created by Unknown Worlds, a fully remote studio that traces its roots back to the 2002 Half-Life mod Natural Selection. It is the same studio that created the original Subnautica. The team is scattered around the globe, from the United States to the United Kingdom, France, Iceland, Austria, Australia, Canada, India, and many more places.Early Access DevelopmentSubnautica 2 will be an Early Access game meaning it will be in active development at release. You may encounter bugs, in-development features, and performance issues. We will be adding additional biomes, creatures, craftables, and narrative as we proceed. Join us in Early Access and help shape the future of Subnautica 2.
