Subnautica 2 Dev Reveals What to Expect From Upcoming Early Access 1.1 Update
Subnautica 2, the highly anticipated underwater survival game developed by Unknown Worlds, is set to receive a major update in its early access phase. The upcoming 1.1 update promises a host of new features, content, and improvements that will reshape the player experience. Among the most anticipated additions are a new vehicle and a region focused around the Collector Leviathan, which will bring fresh challenges and exploration opportunities. Alongside these major changes, smaller updates will also arrive, refining the game's Biomods system and enhancing the multiplayer aspect.
Enhancements to the Game's Core Features
One of the key areas of focus for the 1.1 update is the refinement of the game’s core systems. The Biomods system, which currently has limited functionality, will be expanded to include more passive slots and new options. These changes are expected to give players greater flexibility in how they approach survival and exploration, allowing for more diverse strategies in the underwater world.
In addition to these mechanical improvements, the multiplayer experience will be significantly enhanced. The update will introduce proximity voice chat, emotes, and expanded character customisation. Unknown Worlds has acknowledged that the popularity of multiplayer in Subnautica 2 was a surprise to the team, and they are now working to catch up with the features players expect. These additions aim to create a more immersive and social experience for players who enjoy playing with others.
New Content in the Early Access 1.1 Update
The most exciting additions are set to arrive with the larger content update, early access 1.1. This update will introduce a new vehicle and a new region to explore, centred around the Collector Leviathan. In a developer update, design lead Anthony Gallegos discussed the new region, which will contain new creatures, new resources, and will be progression and story driven.
The new region will also add a new chassis, which "brings back one of the most requested player experiences," Gallegos teased. “So, get ready to get stompy.” This suggests the inclusion of a Subnautica 2 version of the Prawn suit, a bipedal mechanical walker from the previous game, which is sure to go down well with players.
Gallegos continued, “Our goal is to let you jump in without having to start a new save. Rather, pick up right where you left off. I really think it's going to be the scariest the game has been yet, and I can't wait for you to try it.”
Addressing Player Concerns
The announcement comes after the release of a hotfix that modifies the behavior of creatures in response to complaints about not being able to kill predators. Not being able to directly kill fish in Subnautica 2 is the game’s hottest topic, and while Unknown Worlds has promised to add “mitigation” to the game so you can better deal with predators, it will never allow you to kill them.
Earlier this week, Gallegos addressed the narrative that Unknown Worlds set out to create a “pacifism game,” stating that this is not true. In a recent interview with MinnMax, Gallegos discussed the design of Subnautica 2, emphasizing that the game is not inherently pacifist. This clarification aims to dispel any misconceptions about the game's design philosophy and reassure players that the experience is not one-sided.
The Success of Subnautica 2
Despite the ongoing debate about the game's mechanics, Subnautica 2 has been a clear success. It has sold a huge 4 million copies since its early access launch on May 14, achieving more than 467,000 peak concurrent players on Steam. Gallegos said this success took the team by surprise.
Subnautica 2's success has also had financial implications for the developers. Publisher Krafton has reportedly agreed to pay a $250 million earnout to the developers — a bonus that was at the heart of its high-profile legal dispute with the fired Unknown Worlds leadership.
