With the newest Subnautica 2 release trailer, eager players now have a bunch of content to dissect among themselves and try to find any hints or clues that point to new additions to the game. The main discussions focus on new mechanics, quests and milestones, without losing the core sense of fear of the unknown that makes the Subnautica games what they are. Players will also now be able to choose from a selection of models to change their appearance. Thanks to Unreal Engine 5, we can expect the graphics to be even more amazing than they already were.
It's fair to say that Subnautica 2 players are fearless thrill seekers who explore the dark depths alongside some of the biggest, nastiest creatures you've ever seen. Always craving those classic jump scares and looming moments of dread, watching shadows in the distance grow closer. So, without further ado, here are some things you might have missed during the height of excitement while watching that might make your anticipation for the release grow even more.
Subnautica 2 enters early access on May 14, 2026. It will be available on Xbox via Game Preview and Steam.
Subnautica 2 Change will make Leviathans an even bigger threat
An upcoming change to leviathans in Subnautica 2 has sparked some debate among fans, but it will surely make the creatures more of an obstacle.
Dragon Assit
Is booty or life more valuable?
If you caught the mysterious new structure in the Subnautica 2 trailer and wondered what it was, you are not alone. Lead developer Anthony Gallego has confirmed that it is indeed a drag chassis. This handy addition allows you to store extra resources and haul them around, or even use it as a mobile safe zone for your crew. Before this reveal, I was convinced it was a brand new sub, and I know I wasn't the only one hoping for a vehicle that could finally outdo the Cyclops when it comes to carrying loot.
Players speculate that various hulls and upgrades may become available for the submarine, potentially increasing storage space or allowing more players to contribute during gameplay. The haul chassis can also function as an escape pod, provided a player is designated as the escape driver, offering additional strategies for escaping danger in a diving suit.
Reaper Leviathan decoration
Exclusive players only
If you're suffering from FOMO, listen up, gamers. Like a bunch of new content trickling in Subnautica 2something special is also available for those who crave exclusivity and rarity: A placeable Reaper Leviathan figure will be given to all players who purchase the game during the first week of early access. The decoration can be placed on your submarine's dashboard, or you may prefer to keep it in the medical room as a reminder to recovering teammates why they need to come prepared for boss fights.
Of course, this is a great tactic by Unknown World to get as many players as possible on the early access version. I know I don't want to miss out on having my very own ultimate noodle. And if you're playing multiplayer, you can tell your team that you're a little better than them.
Subnautica: 25 Scariest Creatures, Ranked
Many creatures live under the sea in Subnautica but some are much scarier than the rest.
Official multiplayer mode that is separate from the single player part
You must trust your life
One of the biggest wishes of the community is finally coming true: multiplayer is officially confirmed! IN Subnautica 2you will be able to team up with up to three friends and explore the depths together in a shared submarine. Reduce fear by sharing laughs as a Leviathan sends your crew flying. Of course, if you're more of a loner, the solo mode is still there for you too.
Confirmed by the developers, the multiplayer mode, built from the ground up, was made separately to protect the solo Subnautica 2 experience. For those like me who fear diving solo into a thalassophobic nightmare, this is perfect. Dividing tasks between crew members could become a new meta, with one player navigating while others manage resources. Forming a reliable team can significantly increase our odds in encounters with the enemy. And I wonder how communication in the game will work, underwater? I'm hoping for proximity chat, as I know it will make for fun moments during intense travel, and hopefully walkie-talkies for longer distance communication. Maybe that's something that could also be upgraded.
GameRant Quiz
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Light (15s)Medium (10s)Hard (5s)Permadeath (5s)
New planet
Is your name Zizora?
The fans will be happy about it Subnautica 2 brings a whole new world rumored to be called Zizora. Even veteran players will feel a new fear as they explore the unknown. Several new biomes offer distinctive predators, resources and secrets. One biome that gets players talking is the Luminous Fissures, a network of underwater canyons illuminated by fluorescent seaweed and crystals. The water appears to shimmer, but don't let that distract you from what lurks below. For fans who love to scan new creatures and see how the environment affects gameplay, Luminous Fissures promises to be a showstopper.
Of course, a brand new planet means one more thing: new threats. Life forms here are different, and maybe they don't live like they did back planet 4546b. Energy can come from geothermal sources rather than the sun, which means you'll need to do some research if you plan to successfully remove the beasts. The environment also seems to act strangely; Tornado-like underwater structures seem to drag players down to the ocean floor at high speed. A truly terrifying experience, even if it's only on a screen. Truth is, it's all going to be new, so if you're looking for something familiar, it might be best to play with a friend, or 3.
New Leviathan
Don't hold your breath when you survive this one
The new trailer gave us a glimpse of what could be the smartest and scariest Leviathan yet. This high, worm-like beast has eyeballs inside its clam-like mouthand many players compare it to a bobbit worm. I have to say, this is easily the most alien creature I've seen in Subnautica so far. Seeing it gave me chills. So scary!
Online discussions about this creature lead players to speculate that something of this scale must have very valuable treasures hidden, or that the eyes in the mouth can be collected like gems. Developed by the darkness in the unknown depths of Subnautica 2a reasonable guess is that this creature sits with its mouth open just wide enough for something stupid to swim inside. Then, using its “mouth eyes”, it snaps the jaw of whoever was unlucky enough to be inside. I can't imagine anything worse than coming into contact with this thing while you can barely see anything already and you're running out of oxygen.
Every biome has been confirmed for Subnautica 2 so far
Like the first game, Subnautica 2 is expected to boast a wide variety of distinct underwater biomes, some of which have been partially revealed.
What you get in early access
Have your say
Unknown World is known for listening to the community, so it's no shock Subnautica 2 launches in early access on May 14 for approximately $29.99. You get about an hour of main story, which is perfect for getting a taste of the new mechanics, graphics, and world. Heads up, though: unlike the first game, Early Access will not be available to Mac users this time around.
The developers pay close attention to what players want, especially the most common requests. That way, they can focus on the features that will make the biggest difference to everyone. If you are excited about Subnautica 2 like me, jump into early access and let them know what you think! Did you see anything in the trailer that I missed?
