Subnautica 2: All the key details on the survival-crafting sequel’s dive into the abyss

It has been some time since Subnautica 2 first emerged on the horizon in 2022, but anticipation is building for a return journey from developer Unknown Worlds, slated for release later this year. A steady stream of information has been unveiled through various channels—teasers from showcases, updates on Discord, and even hidden screenshots within time capsules from the original Subnautica. As a devoted player who spent countless hours constructing an undersea base, I find myself eagerly awaiting more details about this next adventure. Much like the exploration in Subnautica 2, I won’t be navigating these waters alone; I’ve been diligently searching for every morsel of information, whether it’s a small tidbit or a significant lore revelation.

<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-is-there-a-subnautica-2-early-access-release-date”>Is there a Subnautica 2 early access release date?

The initial teaser for Subnautica 2 generated considerable excitement, particularly regarding its intriguing new creatures. However, the 2024 Xbox presentation did not showcase any gameplay footage. A recent developer vlog provided deeper insights, highlighting the building mechanics in the new alien ocean and outlining the plans for early access.

<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-subnautica-2-gameplay-and-features”>Subnautica 2 gameplay and features

(Image credit: Unknown Worlds Entertainment)

Is Subnautica 2 multiplayer?

Indeed, Subnautica 2 will feature a multiplayer mode, allowing players to team up in groups of four. This addition addresses a common request from fans of the original game, where co-op functionality was only available through a mod. Reflecting on my own experiences with the first game, I can’t help but think how much easier it would have been to face the terrifying Leviathans with a friend by my side.

(Image credit: Unknown Worlds Entertainment)

What else do we know about the Subnautica 2 early access?

While concrete details remain scarce, Unknown Worlds has offered tantalizing hints about what players can expect in the sequel. The developers have confirmed a shift to a new alien world, with an intriguing narrative twist involving a ship’s AI that insists on continuing the mission despite the dangers that lie ahead. Players will be challenged to redefine what it means to be human in this perilous environment, encountering various intelligent and non-intelligent creatures along the way.

In addition to the narrative, several features have been teased for the early access version of Subnautica 2:

  • Co-op and single-player adventures
  • An “overhauled” building system
  • New vehicles and craftables
  • A variety of Leviathans, with one briefly showcased in the roadmap
  • Fresh creatures and biomes to explore
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Subnautica 2: All the key details on the survival-crafting sequel's dive into the abyss