In a remarkable achievement, Subnautica 2 has officially crossed the milestone of 5 million copies sold, a feat that comes as no surprise to industry observers. The game had already made waves by selling two million copies within just 12 hours of its release, and not long after, it celebrated the sale of 4 million copies. This latest sales figure coincides with the launch of its first major update in early access, version 1.1.
Update Highlights
The most significant change introduced in this update addresses player feedback regarding the game’s previously enforced pacifism. While players still cannot kill sea creatures, they can now engage in a bit of lighthearted violence—bonking them on the head or zapping them when they venture too close. This shift has been welcomed by many in the community who sought a more dynamic interaction with the underwater world.
Having spent considerable time with both the original Subnautica and its sequel, Below Zero, I find that Subnautica 2 has met my expectations thus far. The recent 1.1 update has addressed many of the practical issues I encountered during early access.
After immersing myself in the game’s expansive environment, I turned my attention to base building—a cherished aspect of the Subnautica experience. After gathering materials and accumulating silver, I embarked on creating an impressive structure. The only remaining tasks were to install a moon door and construct a tadpole dock large enough for my two tadpoles. However, this endeavor proved to be quite challenging, as I struggled to fit the dock into my existing layout. Fortunately, Unknown Worlds has improved the placement mechanics for the Tadpole Dock, promising a smoother experience in future builds.
Other enhancements related to base building include improved placement for the fabricator, the introduction of a dedicated storage structure, and various upgrades to rendering, creature behavior, and user interface. As Fernando Melo, executive producer at Unknown Worlds, noted in a recent press release, “With this update, we focused on refining the early-game experience and core systems. We’ll continue shaping the world of Subnautica 2 together with our players throughout Early Access.” The anticipation for what lies ahead is palpable among the community.
