Subnautica 2: Everything We Know

The ocean is calling… but this time, it’s not just deeper – it’s darker, deadlier, and way more mysterious. The long-awaited Subnautica sequel is finally official, and let’s just say, it’s already making waves. Will it top the emotional and terrifying experience of the first game? Will multiplayer ruin the lonely survival charm or completely redefine it? Can your body evolve to survive in a world that’s clearly not meant for humans?

From a brand-new alien ocean world to Subnautica 2 multiplayer, co-op mechanics, terrifying biomes, and evolving gameplay systems – there’s a lot coming our way. The game is launching in Early Access this year, and yes, it’s being built from the ground up by the same minds behind the original Subnautica.

So, whether you played the first game to death or you’re just curious about what’s next, here’s everything we know about Subnautica 2 — from gameplay and development to release info and platform details.

What is Subnautica 2?

Subnautica 2 is the upcoming sequel to the original underwater survival game Subnautica. It’s being developed by Unknown Worlds Entertainment and will release soon in Early Access. Unlike the previous titles, this time we’ll be exploring an entirely new alien ocean planet, not a revisit, but a fresh world.

This isn’t just another chapter – it’s a complete expansion of the Subnautica universe. The devs are calling it their most ambitious game yet, and from the early info, that’s not just marketing talk. We’re not going back to Planet 4546B. Instead, we’re stepping into a world that feels unfamiliar even to veterans of the series. A new setting, a new mystery, and a new reason to dive deep. It’s clear the game will dive even deeper into its lore, possibly exploring new corners of the Subnautica universe we’ve never imagined.

Subnautica 2 Story

The narrative for Subnautica 2 sounds particularly intense. Players will take on the roles of “pioneers traveling to a distant world”. However, in true Subnautica fashion, it quickly becomes apparent that “something is amiss” upon arrival. This sets the stage for immediate intrigue and a sense of unfolding crisis.

A fascinating element is the role of the ship’s AI, which “insists the mission must continue,” despite the stark reality that this new alien planet is “too dangerous for humans to survive unless they change what it means to be human”. This chilling directive suggests profound narrative and gameplay implications. The very idea of needing to “change what it means to be human” is a powerful hook, pointing towards transformative experiences. Furthermore, the planet itself is described as being “out of balance,” and a core part of the player’s journey will be to uncover the secrets of this world.

Subnautica 2 Gameplay

If you loved Subnautica’s gameplay, the sequel sounds like it will feel immediately familiar – but with some exciting new twists. At its core, Subnautica 2 is still an open-world survival adventure. You’ll be scavenging resources, managing your oxygen and hunger, crafting gadgets and submersibles, and building up a series of bases to call home beneath the waves. The loop of explore-gather-build-repeat remains as addictive as ever.

The biggest gameplay addition this time around is multiplayer co-op. For the first time, you won’t have to dive alone – Subnautica 2 will let up to four players team up online. This is a game-changer for the series. You and your friends can explore together, watch each other’s backs in creature-infested waters, and collaborate on building the ultimate undersea base. You might split up tasks – one person gathering resources while another expands the habitat or charts a new biome. Or perhaps you’ll stick close together when venturing into a particularly dark, deep trench. Importantly, co-op is optional; solo play is still completely viable if you prefer the solitary survivor experience.

Beyond multiplayer, the Subnautica sequel is introducing new tools, vehicles, and tech. You’ll start with basics like flashlights and scanners, but as you gather more resources, you’ll unlock advanced tools, equipment, and submersibles. Base-building is getting an overhaul too, with a more flexible building system that should let us design cooler habitats. And of course, a new planet means entirely new biomes and creatures. One standout line from the devs mentions studying creatures and “evolving your genetics to adapt your body for survival.” That’s not something we’ve seen in past Subnautica games, and while we don’t know exactly how it will work, it hints at some kind of transformation or upgrade system tied to survival.

Subnautica Sequel Development

Subnautica 2 is being developed by Unknown Worlds Entertainment, the same studio behind the original Subnautica and Below Zero. They’re known for working closely with the community, and that’s not changing this time. In fact, they’ve said this is their biggest and most ambitious Subnautica project ever. According to Design Lead Anthony Gallegos, they’re using everything they’ve learned from past games and pushing the limits of what Subnautica can be, especially with the addition of co-op multiplayer.

Just like the earlier games, Subnautica 2 will launch in Early Access. The devs believe in building the game with the players. When the game drops in 2025, it won’t be the full version. It’ll include some biomes, creatures, tools, and more, but many features will still be in development. Over the next 2–3 years, they plan to add new biomes, creatures, craftables, and deeper narrative content through regular updates.

Trailer

We’ve got a teaser trailer so far. No gameplay yet (except from what we have seen in the Dev vlog), but the tone is set. The trailer shows off the new alien world, hints at something terrifying, and confirms co-op multiplayer. It’s atmospheric, strange, and creepy – in other words, exactly what we’d expect from a Subnautica sequel.

Subnautica 2 – Release Date, Platforms and Editions

Subnautica 2 is set to launch in Early Access sometime in 2025. There’s no exact release date yet, but the developers have confirmed it will be available on PC (through Steam and Epic Games Store) and Xbox Series X|S. So far, there’s no word on a PlayStation version or older consoles.

Since this sequel is releasing in Early Access, expect the game to grow over time with new updates, biomes, and features based on community feedback. As of now, there are no special or deluxe editions planned, which makes sense for an EA release. Also, keep in mind – the price will increase after Early Access, so getting in early could be a smart move if you’re planning to dive in. For latest updates, you can follow the official social media account of the game here.