Subnautica 2 Early Access Update Released!
KRAFTON JAPAN, in collaboration with creative studio Unknown Worlds, has just released the first major update for the early access version of the underwater adventure game
Subnautica 2 on July 9th. The game had its early access launch on May 15, 2026, and has since garnered tremendous interest, as evidenced by surpassing
5 million units sold by early June.
This update, labeled
EA1.1, addresses player feedback, improving core systems, enhancing cooperative play, and bolstering exploration, survival, and base-building mechanics.
New Features in EA1.1 Update
Expanded Biomod System and New Biolabs
One of the core highlights of this update is the significant expansion of the
Biomod System. Players now have the ability to temporarily absorb the skills of surrounding creatures. Additionally,
two new research facilities, Biolabs, have been introduced, increasing the available
Biomods from four to six types. Players will also be able to unlock additional passive biomod slots by scanning creatures with the
Bio Scanner, thus providing a deeper customization experience.
Improved Co-op Experience
The co-op gameplay experience has been refined, especially regarding voice logs. Previously, the audio logs would play automatically while collecting items, but this has been revamped. Players can now replay these logs through the
PDA Data Bank at their discretion, allowing for smoother collaboration without interrupting the flow of gameplay for others.
Exploration, Survival, and Base Building Upgrades
A host of enhancements has been made to the exploration and survival aspects of the game as well. For instance, shipwrecks now feature new routes and oxygen-based puzzles, expanding the exploration potential. Players can also dash outside of water, whether above the surface or inside bases, enhancing freedom of movement.
In base building, the usability of the
Tadpole Dock and
Fabricator has notably improved, along with the addition of new storage structures. There have also been various enhancements to rendering quality, creature behavior, and overall user interface functionality.
Unknown Worlds remains committed to its
open development philosophy, which incorporates player feedback to continuously improve the game in collaboration with its community.
About Subnautica 2
Subnautica 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to the original Subnautica, a game that established the ocean survival genre and has sold over
18.5 million copies worldwide. The sequel maintains the rich world-building of the original while introducing players to a new alien planet with evolved visuals and ecosystems. For the first time in the series, it also features cooperative play for up to
four players, encouraging teamwork in survival and exploration.
Early Access Release Information
- - Title: Subnautica 2
- - Release Date: May 15, 2026
- - Price: 3,370 JPY (tax included)
- - Players: Solo with a max of four for co-op play
- - Platforms: PC and Xbox Series
Purchase Links:
For further details on the game, check out the following official channels:
About Unknown Worlds
Unknown Worlds, founded by Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, is an acclaimed game development studio recognized globally. The studio is known for creating the
Subnautica series, which has sold over
18.5 million copies and defined the ocean survival genre. They have also produced other well-received games like the
Natural Selection series and the turn-based strategy game
Moonbreaker. For more information, visit
unknownworlds.com.