Subnautica 2 is set to give players the same survival horror experience as its predecessor, only on a bigger scale. If the sequel aims to be one of the best open-world games with rewarding exploration, numerous activities, and amazing atmospheres, then it will need to improve on the formula it's planning to use. While it's likely to take a good number of things from the original Subnautica, it's also bound to intersperse what it's borrowing with a few fresh additions. One of those new mechanics is a feature that was supposed to be in the first game but didn't make it into the final version. It being planned for the sequel opens up speculations concerning gameplay possibilities, specifically on what they are and how they could affect it.
One of the biggest pieces of cut content from the original Subnautica that is making its way to the sequel is the ability to adapt alien DNA from the in-game creatures. Such a feature would have allowed players to improve their controlled character's abilities, giving them qualities that could have let them move and survive better in the planet's dangerous waters. While there's no telling how it would have affected the gameplay from the previous game, the sequel has the opportunity to show players what DNA adaptation can do.
Subnautica 2 Has Ambitious Goals for Its Map Size
Subnautica 2 is planned to feature a vaster, deeper, and possibly even scarier world to explore compared to the original game.
What Abilities the New Subnautica 2 Feature Could Give Players
While it may not have been on everyone's Subnautica 2 wish list, the ability to extract alien DNA and use it for character-tied upgrades can lead to some interesting creative possibilities. As for what such an ability can grant players, here are a few ideas:
- Giving something similar to night vision, allowing players to traverse the deeper and darker sections with less fear.
- Granting a faster swimming speed, letting players traverse areas without the need for certain vehicles and having to recharge them.
- Providing Subnautica 2 players with other means to defend themselves, such as being able to release an acidic-like substance similar to that of a Gasopod when threatened.
- Potentially reducing or even eliminating the need to replenish oxygen, lessening the requirements needed for players to lengthen their deep-sea exploration.
Such abilities could make gameplay more interesting, but only if Unknown Worlds ensures it works well with the other changes and improvements the developer has planned. If the feature is executed right, then it's likely that the sequel could become one of the best underwater games of all time.
How DNA Can Open up Now Possibilities for Subnautica 2
Everything from the common to the scariest creatures of Subnautica all have qualities that explicitly show what abilities players can get if they extract and use their DNA for personal upgrades. While those may be clear, there's no telling what the sequel's aquatic life could have and provide. This means Unknown World can come up with unique creature designs that differ from those in the previous game and provide bold new abilities for players. For example, the development team could create an unidentified creature that temporarily camouflages itself from threats, not only giving players something different to encounter but also the new ability to hide should they use the creature's DNA to obtain it. Whether such things are based on real-life characteristics or are more sci-fi in nature, Unknown World will have near-limitless possibilities about what it makes available through DNA.
- 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
