Summary
Fans looking forward toSubnautica 2have finally gotten a better look at what to expect from the sequel after the release of its first official teaser trailer, with new information suggesting that the game will be featuring a major scrapped gameplay mechanic that never made it into the originalSubnautica. While the game doesn’t have an official release date just yet,Subnautica 2is set to be available in early access at an unspecified date early in 2025, and is due to be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one.
This greatly-anticipated sequel to the sci-fi underwater exploration game was officially revealed at the Xbox Partner Preview event earlier in October. Fans have since gotten a look at some of the new environments, technologies, and creatures - including a terrifying newleviathan in theSubnauticauniverse- via the game’s official Steam page, which gives players a taste of the planet they’ll find themselves on and the story they’ll be thrust into.
Whileplenty of excitingSubnautica 2detailshave been released so far, perhaps one of the most interesting is that the gamewill apparently be featuring the ability for players to enhance their abilities by adapting alien DNA from various creatures found across the planet. While this idea has big implications for gameplay, it’s not at all a new idea within the world ofSubnautica. The first game was originally going to feature a very similar mechanic, wherein players would be able to use the Transfuser tool to extract alien DNA samples, process them into serums via a fabricator-like device called the centrifuge, and consume them to gain new abilities.
How Subnautica 2 Could Take The Original Game’s Progression, And Make It Even Better
It’s speculated that examples of such abilities would have included night vision and faster swim speed, but the concept of genetic modification appears to be a major aspect of the sequel. Part ofSubnautica 2’s description on its official Steam pagestates that players will be able to use the Biosampler tool to extract genetic samples from creatures, and use them to “evolve your genetics and adapt your body for survival.” With the originalSubnauticalargely pushing players to rely on vehicles to progress further into the game, players may instead need to focus on genetic modification in order to survive inSubnautica 2’s new environments- encouraging players to understand an alien world and its ecosystem in an entirely new way.
Fans can only theorize as to the benefits that such genetic modifications might provide at this point, though there are already plenty of ideas circulating within the community. Many are also curious to discover how this new avenue of progression might differ from the purely technological upgrades, with the world ofSubnauticafeaturing plenty of different technologieswhich already help to accommodate survival in extreme environments.
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.
