While Unknown Worlds continues to debate the role of combat in their latest title, Subnautica 2 players are discovering ways to defend themselves from predatory fish through clever use of mid-game gear and environmental tools.

The game launched into early access last week to massive success, but it has sparked a heated discussion regarding player agency. Currently, the game lacks dedicated tools for direct combat, meaning players often have to endure unwanted encounters with aggressive marine life. However, the community has already found several workarounds to survive the depths.

How to Defend Yourself in Subnautica 2

Although the developers haven't implemented a traditional "hunting" system, players have identified specific upgrades that provide much-needed protection during deep-sea excursions. If you find yourself cornered by predators, these are the primary methods currently available:

  • Flares: The most basic deterrent used to distract or push away unwanted attention.
  • Sonic Resonator: A vital tool for distance management; when upgraded with a Feedback Resonator, it allows players to fire projectiles at fish from afar.
  • Shockwave Biomod: An upgrade that provides an electric discharge, capable of pushing predators away from your immediate vicinity.

According to Redditor Jeidoz, who managed to complete the early access content without taking damage, these tools require careful timing. While flares and dashing are essential for early survival, the Electric Discharge becomes a necessity for dangerous mid-game encounters.

The Debate Over Killing Fish in Subnautica 2

The core of the controversy lies in how much control players should have over the ecosystem. Currently, you can "kill" fish indirectly by consuming them raw, cooking them, or processing them into resources, but many players want more direct combat options to clear paths through dangerous territory.

Despite this demand, Unknown Worlds remains committed to a specific design philosophy. The developers want players to coexist with the ocean rather than dominate it.

Developer Stance on Combat and Aggression

Level designer Artyom "Artie" O'Rielly has been blunt about the game's identity, stating in the Subnautica Discord that they are "not a killing game." Instead of providing heavy weaponry, the team is focusing on refining how creatures interact with the player.

Lead game designer Anthony Gallegos noted that future updates will focus on tuning creature aggression and adding visual feedback.

"Right now they aren't communicating that you've impacted them, and that will change," Gallegos explained. He suggested that rather than adding a stasis rifle or massive weapons, the team will work on "rounds of tuning" regarding how often creatures chase players and how long they stay away after being deterred.

As the early access period progresses, expect more tools to emerge, but for now, survival in Subnautica 2 relies on your ability to outsmart—rather than outgun—the local wildlife.