Subnautica 2 reveals what comes next after its early access launch

Subnautica 2 dev log teases a scarier future beneath the waves

Subnautica 2 is already deep into Early Access, and Unknown Worlds has now given players a clearer look at what comes next with the new dev log, Swimming Forward. This is not one of those empty check-in videos where a studio says thank you and disappears again. The dev log feels more like a proper status update, with the team talking about what they have learned from launch, what they are fixing first, and where the game is heading as the underwater survival sequel keeps growing.

The main message is pretty simple: Subnautica 2 is moving forward, but Unknown Worlds does not want to rush the big shiny stuff before the base experience feels better. The team has already been pushing hotfixes since Early Access launch, dealing with crashes, performance problems, creature behavior, DLSS issues, and other rough edges. Now, the focus is starting to shift toward bigger gameplay improvements, quality-of-life changes, and future content that should make the ocean feel richer and scarier.

 

 

Systems first, scares later 

A big part of the dev log is about the systems players are already using every time they jump in. Biomods are getting attention, with more passive slot options and better early-game choices planned. Wreck gameplay, Blight encounters, PDA voice logs, and the way audio information is prioritized are also being improved. That might not sound as flashy as a new biome at first, but in a game like Subnautica 2, these details matter a lot. The whole loop depends on scanning, exploring, surviving, upgrading, and slowly understanding the alien world around you.

Co-op players also got some good news. Unknown Worlds is working on features like emotes and proximity voice chat, which should make multiplayer exploration feel less like four people silently swimming in the same general direction and more like an actual shared expedition. For a series built on tension, discovery, and sudden panic, hearing your friend react in real time could make the game even better.

The biggest tease, though, is the next major content drop. The dev log points toward a new region connected to the Collector Leviathan, with new creatures, resources, story progression, and a mysterious new chassis that sounds very much like the return of a heavy exploration fantasy. Unknown Worlds has not fully named it yet, but the “get ready to get stompy” tease is enough to get fans excited.

Subnautica 2 is still unfinished, but “Swimming Forward” makes it clear that the game has a real direction. The ocean is going to get bigger, stranger, and probably a lot more terrifying. If you are planning to dive in, make sure to use our price comparison tool to find the best prices for Subnautica 2.

AlexP

AlexP

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Passionate gamer whose first memory is playing games like Doom and Warcraft, turned into a professional World of Warcraft streamer, and now passionate about everything games-related.

Best deals for Subnautica 2

LaviBorra
LaviBorra
Jun 6, 2026, 9:02 AM on dlcompare.es
Es el tipo de juego que te atrae por la belleza del océano y te espanta al segundo siguiente, y precisamente ahí está una de las claves de su encanto.
It's the kind of game that draws you in because of the beauty of the ocean and scares you away the next second, and that's precisely one of the keys to its charm.
Angry by default
Angry by default
Jun 6, 2026, 8:22 AM
thats common game dev knowledge. if u have game issues and u keep adding more and more content u will start having more and more issues. eventually the game would have so many of them that the devs would abandon it. and thats how dead early access games appear.
SerYohoho
SerYohoho
Jun 6, 2026, 8:21 AM on dlcompare.es
El multijugador y el chat de voz de proximidad pueden darle un giro interesante, aunque también habrá que ver si eso no le quita parte de la soledad que hacía especial al original.
The multiplayer and proximity voice chat can give it an interesting twist, although we will also have to see if that does not take away some of the loneliness that made the original special.
juanpr85
juanpr85
Jun 6, 2026, 8:10 AM on dlcompare.es
La idea de ir más profundo y apostar todavía más por la estética alienígena suena genial; puede hacer que la exploración se sienta aún más inquietante e inmersiva.
The idea of going deeper and going even more for the alien aesthetic sounds great; it can make exploration feel even more unsettling and immersive.
MRGIANITA
MRGIANITA
Jun 5, 2026, 11:11 PM on dlcompare.it
C'è tanto su cui possono lavorare e sono gasatissimo al riguardo
There's so much they can work on, and I'm super pumped about it
neekimyong
neekimyong
Jun 5, 2026, 7:24 PM
The Swimming Forward dev log actually says something real, which is rare for early access check-ins. Prioritizing systems over content is the right call, Subnautica falls apart fast if the base mechanics are creaky. The co-op voice chat and emote additions sound minor but they will completely change how multiplayer feels. And that get ready to get stompy line about the new chassis is clearly hinting at a Prawn Suit return. Good direction overall.
yodish78
yodish78
Jun 5, 2026, 5:32 PM on dlcompare.it
L'accesso anticipato a Subnautica è davvero fantastico! Il gioco ha già un grande potenziale e non vedo l'ora di scoprire gli aggiornamenti futuri. Seguirò la sua evoluzione con interesse
Early access to Subnautica is really great! The game already has great potential and I look forward to future updates. I will follow its development with interest
Nachos
Nachos
Jun 5, 2026, 4:53 PM on dlcompare.fr
Je n'ai pas encore passé énormément de temps sur l'accès anticipé faute de temps, mais ce que j'ai vu jusqu'à présent est plutôt prometteur. Pour l'instant, la seule amélioration qui me semblerait vraiment bienvenue serait une réduction du temps de recharge de la compétence de dash (hors phase de combat)
I haven't spent a great deal of time on early access yet, but what I've seen so far looks pretty promising. For the moment, the only improvement that would seem really welcome is a reduction in the recharge time of the dash skill (outside the combat phase).
VicksB
VicksB
Jun 5, 2026, 4:11 PM on dlcompare.es
Parece que tiene un mundo muchísimo más vivo que en el primer juego. Las criaturas reaccionan mejor, los entornos parecen más dinámicos y el agua tiene un aspecto increíble. Me da la sensación de que tecnológicamente han dado un salto importante
It seems to have a much more vivid world than in the first game. The creatures react better, the environments seem more dynamic and the water looks incredible. It gives me the feeling that technologically they have made an important leap forward.
gennyshark
gennyshark
Jun 5, 2026, 3:41 PM on dlcompare.it
Nei giochi precedenti, i leviatani erano un po' stupidi e facili da manovrare, i mietitori erano spaventosi solo per l'aspetto e l'hype, e per essere sincero erano l'unica cosa spaventosa in Subnautica 1 oltre all'atmosfera, e i leviatani drago marino erano davvero stupidi, potevi camminare accanto a uno e non se ne sarebbe nemmeno accorto, ho volato accanto a uno più volte, al massimo mi sbalzava via, e sono troppo grandi e ridicoli per essere spaventosi. In Subnautica 2 hanno deciso di rendere il giorno molto allettante, ma di notte è terrificante, ora immagina questa cosa che sembra Squidward in overdose che ti viene dietro, a differenza degli altri leviatani, questa cosa non è facile da evitare a meno che tu non stia abbracciando la superficie, il che funziona a malapena, non è il design che mi spaventa, è che gli sviluppatori hanno fatto in modo che questo leviatano non fosse affatto stupido, questa cosa ti insegue direttamente.
In the previous games, the leviathans were kind of dumb and easy to maneuver around, the reapers were scary just for looks and hype, and to be honest they were the only scary thing in Subnautica 1 besides the atmosphere, and the sea dragon leviathans were really dumb, you could walk by one and it wouldn't even notice, I flew by one several times, at most it would just fling me away, and they are too big and ridiculous to be scary. In Subnautica 2 they decided to make the daytime very tempting, but at night it's terrifying, now imagine this thing that looks like Squidward overdosing coming after you, unlike the other leviathans, this thing is not easy to avoid unless you're hugging the surface, which barely works, it's not the design that scares me, it's that the developers made sure that this leviathan was not stupid at all, this thing chases you directly.
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  • Technical information

  • Categories : Action, Adventure, Survival
  • Editor : Unknown Worlds Entertainment
  • Developer : Unknown Worlds Entertainment
  • Mode(s) : Solo, Co-op
  • Release date : May 14, 2026
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