Since its announcement, there has been speculation regarding what Subnautica 2 will do to improve over the previous game. Given that the sequel already has a winning formula to work with from one of the best survival games set in open waters, it will be interesting to see where Unknown Worlds Entertainment will take it. The developer has the opportunity to further work on the things that made its original creation such a success, and there is one particular feature the sequel can definitely take further with the right improvements.
While the official teaser trailer for Subnautica 2 didn't provide much information on what it could entail, a few things have been confirmed about the game. Besides having a 2025 release, one of the biggest pieces of news about the sequel is that it will offer cooperative multiplayer, allowing 4 players to explore the wonders and horrors of the ocean together. The ability to invite or join in on another person's world provides Unknown Worlds Entertainment the opportunity to improve one of the biggest draws of the previous game: base building. Being able to place objects and build a headquarters nearly anywhere in the open ocean was a fantastic feature in the original Subnautica, and the sequel can do so much more with it, especially since more people can be involved.
Subnautica 2 Is Implementing a Feature Cut From The Original Game
The original Subnautica was packed with cut content, with one of the biggest examples set to return in the sequel as a significant mechanic.
How Having More Players Can Benefit the Base Building Aspect of Subnautica 2
Subnautica 2 is already improving on the previous game through co-op, and that combined with potential new base-building mechanics could allow the sequel to surpass its predecessor's success. While there's no guarantee that invited players will be able to work on each other's bases within the host's world, allowing it could be a good thing for various reasons:
- More people means it will be easier to build larger and more intricate bases in a short time
- It provides players with more reason to use and take advantage of multiplayer
- Having more people with their own imaginative ideas can lead to the creation of interesting bases that wouldn't be possible for a single person
If Subnautica 2's 4-player co-op can lead to more fun in the exploration aspect, it can potentially do the same for base-building. The ability to create an underwater headquarters with three other people can lead to some enjoyable experiences that can help ensure the sequel's success.
How One Issue Regarding Multiplayer Base-Building Can Make Subnautica 2 More Enjoyable
If everyone is free to create or remove objects as they please, there is always the possibility of one player griefing and ruining everything others worked hard on. While this can be seen as a problem, it also has the potential to make the game more fun. The extra layer of unpredictability could lead to entertaining and maybe even hilarious results, especially with the right players.
For those who would rather not have that, perhaps Subnautica 2 should include a feature that allows the world's host to undo the actions of specified players, ensuring that whatever was lost via griefing can easily be recovered. With something like that, base sabotage can turn from frustrating experiences to fun moments that some may even look forward to.
Though Subnautica 2's trailer revealed some exciting new features, there are still a lot of things unclear about how the sequel plans to improve from the previous game. If there's one aspect it should definitely work on, it's the base building. Giving other players the ability to work together in creating whatever structures they want can make the sequel's multiplayer more enjoyable, but Unknown Worlds Entertainment has to do its best to resolve the issues that come with it.
- Developer(s)
- Unknown Worlds Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Krafton
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
- Franchise
- Subnautica
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 Adventure
A 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 Friends
Play 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 Bases
Survival 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 Biomes
From 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 Lifeforms
Uncover 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 Depths
This 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 Team
Subnautica 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 Development
Subnautica 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.
- Number of Players
- 1-4
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
