First Subnautica 2 Early Access Update Surfaces

Publisher Unknown Worlds has released it’s first major patch for Subnautica 2, aiming to improve on it’s player feedback, improve game-flow, and adding to the games well-known exploration mechanics.

Following the games launch in mid-May, Subnautica 2 has surpassed five million sales across all platforms that it is available on. This is a hugely impressive number for a game in early access, and not only have we covered the original game, but we did a short piece as Subnautica 2 surpassed five million wishlists, so there’s a lot of excitement among our team about the continued development.

So, what the heckie is actually new in this early access update? Well, in line with Unknown Worlds ‘open development’ approach (essentially meaning they develop the game alongside the player feedback they receive), an absolute boat load. The major focus of this update is the changes to the Biomod system, which for the unfamiliar, allows you to temporality borrow attributes of creatures nearby to give you buffs. There’s two new Biomod lab locations in game for us to find, meaning more slots and more fun.

Anything else? You bet those sweet Alterra credits there are. Changes are coming to the co-op audio, meaning it won’t now play over each other, so a more streamlined experience there. Wrecks are also getting a substantial update. There will now be additional routes to take as well as oxygen-based puzzles, adding a new layer to the exploration around the deep seas. Base building also comes with significant improvements, including better placement logic for the Tadpole (your personal submersible) and its fabrication station.

If this is the depth of their first major update in early access, I personally have very high hopes for the franchise going forward. I’ll be keeping a close eye on the news going forward for this one!

Can’t wait for the full release? Subnautica 2 is available now for you to take the plunge on Xbox, Steam and Epic stores!