The Subnautica 2 update adds more resource areas alongside other gameplay improvements

A new one Subnautica 2 the update was rolled out to PC users in late May 2026. Although the patch mainly focused on fixing critical bugs, the patch also introduces tweaks to fish AI, additional resource areas, and Subnautica 2 performance improvements, among other changes.

It has been ten days Subnautica 2 launched in early access worldwide on May 14, 2026. The first numbered sequel in the underwater survival series has gone from strength to strength ever since, averaging around half a million sales per day. Developer Unknown Worlds Entertainment isn't one to rest on its laurels. Developer Unknown Worlds Entertainment has already begun refining its early access build, having introduced the game's first hotfix on May 19, five days after launch. The developers sent the second such patch just a few days later.

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Subnautica 2 players not happy with Immersion Breaking Immortal Fish

Some players are unhappy with Subnautica 2's unspawnable fish, which mark a major departure from the previous entries and shake up the gameplay significantly.

The second Subnautica 2 update for May 2026 makes 11 changes to the game

The game's second post-launch update, released on May 22, is also its largest yet by a significant margin, with an 11-item changelog that's 175% longer than the patch notes associated with Hotfix 1. The late May 2026 build adds more Subnautica 2 Silver resource slots into the region early game while augmenting its late game counterpart with additional sources for Troilite. The update also introduces some fauna AI tweaks and bug fixes, while eliminating two crash triggers and improving performance on Epic graphics settings, among other things.

Regarding in-game fauna behavior changes, Hammerheads will now ignore Subnautica 2 players' tadpoles in the latest version of the game. Previously, the creatures were attracted to the light of the submarine, followed it persistently, and sometimes cluttered the area around player bases. Hotfix 2 contains even more tadpole-relevant changes, bringing several bug fixes to the modular submarine. These include a fix for an issue that could sometimes teleport players back to their base when driving the vehicle, as well as a bug with infinite oxygen that could occur after dying of hunger or thirst while driving. The overall changes should make deep sea travel feel more predictable and therefore enjoyable.

Subnautica 2 EULA Relaxed After Fan Criticism; Ridicule Is Now Fair Game

In addition to game-oriented changes, Hotfix 2 is also revised Subnautica 2s EULA, which has recently come under scrutiny from fans over some bizarrely restrictive provisions. Gone is the provision that prevented players from using the game to damage the reputation of Krafton, the game's publisher and Unknown Worlds Entertainment's parent company. The old provision was broad enough to seemingly cover parodies or, to use a meta-example, publicly mocking the game's EULA as overly draconian. This breadth would likely have raised questions of enforceability in many major jurisdictions that extend free speech to parody and criticism. Another thing that has gone from the new agreement is the requirement for all fans manufactured Subnautica 2 gameplay videos to include an express disclaimer stating that Krafton does not endorse them; the updated license agreement now makes this non-acceptance implicit.

Unknown Worlds confirmed that additional changes are in development to address community feedback regarding performance issues and creature balance. Hotfix 2 is currently only available for PC gamers, and Xbox Series X/S users are expected to receive it after the already-started console certification process is complete. In the meantime, Subnautica 2 Hotfix 3 is likely to reach Steam and Epic Games Store users in the first half of June 2026.

Subnautica 2 Hotfix 2 Patch Notes

Added more Silver resource areas in the early game region
Added more Troilite resource areas to the late game region
Adjusted Hammerhead behavior so that they are no longer as attracted to tadpole lights. This previously resulted in Hammerheads following players, even back to their bases, and hanging around trying to reach the tadpole
Fixed a bug where players could sometimes be teleported back to their base while exploring in a tadpole
Fixed an infinite oxygen bug after a player died of hunger or thirst while driving a tadpole
Fixed a crash that could occur when connection was lost during a multiplayer game
Fixed a crash that could occur randomly in the late game region
Improved performance when using Epic visual settings
Added caption to let players know that telemetry can be turned off at any time from settings
- This link text is only available in English and will be translated in the next patch
Implemented some changes to the Terms of Service
- Revised Sections Include Preface, Limited License, Game Videos, Prohibited Use, Ownership, Section Title, Player Submitted Content, Limitation of Liability, Transfer of Terms
Implemented some privacy policy changes
- Revised sections include privacy notice, what information we collect, how we share your information, security of your information

Due to the changes to the Terms of Service, you will be asked to accept again the next time you start Subnautica 2. The changes will take effect immediately or, if required, at the end of a notice period where you live.

Analytics for Subnautica 2 can be turned off at any time from the settings menu.
An FAQ clarifying some common community questions and a web page with guidelines for fan content creators are also available.
This hotfix may take some time to roll out worldwide and will be available on Xbox once it passes certification.
Additional changes are currently in the works to address community feedback on creature balance and overall graphics performance. We will continue to implement these changes in the coming weeks.