Hírek
Subnautica 2 is filled with deep-sea discoveries
J
Jason Rodriguez
Comparisons to the original Subnautica and its spin-off Subnautica Below Zero are bound to happen. So what can you expect from Subnautica 2’s Early Access period? Let’s find out, shall we?
The original Subnautica was quite a surprise when it released in Early Access back in December 2014. The game included tried-and-tested survival elements, but your character was stranded in an ocean world, which meant that players spent most of their time underwater.
For several months and years after, Subnautica received updates that further expanded its scale and scope. For instance, the Cyclops Update in February 2015 added the enormous titular submarine that could dive all the way down to the depths, all while storing smaller vehicles within. In September of that same year, the Seamoth Update allowed for the small submersible to have its own upgrade panel, along with new modules that boosted its capabilities. Then, in August 2016, another vehicle known as the Prawn Suit—which had a design and function akin to a mech, complete with arms that can grapple, drill, and shoot torpedoes—became the next astounding addition.
From Subnautica’s Early Access launch until its official release in January 2018, various patches and tweaks slowly turned the game into a memorable sandbox experience. Whether you’re swimming past sinewy tendrils in the Kelp Forest or heading to a far-flung location in search of an Alien Artifact, something hidden and wondrous was bound to catch your eye.
The same can be said for Subnautica Below Zero which spent a shorter period in Early Access, from January 2019 to May 2021. The Subnautica spin-off, which was primarily set in an arctic environment, already included several biomes right from the start—like the Twisty Bridges, where underwater outcroppings dotted with luminous corals looped around the entire area. Its rocky crags resembled a behemoth from a Lovecraftian tale.
Subsequent updates fleshed out the core gameplay further, like the Snowfox Update in May 2019, which added a vehicle for traversal over land and ice shelves. The Spy Pengling Update from June 2019 was also quite memorable, allowing players to use a remote-controlled penguin toy to check out areas that were otherwise inaccessible. And just before launch, the Seaworthy Update in February 2021 granted access to Sanctuary Zero, a lost base of the Architects, which perfectly tied it to the main story.
You can expect the same sense of awe (and fear) as you explore the unknown in Subnautica 2. Although the long-awaited sequel already has Creative Mode, where players have unlimited health and oxygen (and don't have to worry about thirst or hunger), I opted for the more traditional Survival Mode when I finally got the chance to go hands-on with the game. From the get-go—after jettisoning from a crashed habitat—I found myself in the middle of the ocean with only a Lifepod as my point of reference. Like previous games in the series, Subnautica 2 doesn’t have an in-game map, so I had to rely on the compass and blackbox markers to guide me.
After landing, I interacted with the Noetic Advisor via the terminal—basically your main means for receiving missions—and learned that several colonists had attempted to eke out a living on the planet. I began searching for them to no avail, as all they had left behind was datapads and recordings. At one point, I found out that 26 people lived in a particular hab, but by the time I'd reached it they were gone, presumably dead, their research center destroyed and completely flooded.
I started to have a sinking feeling—pun intended—the more I read messages and listened to audio recordings. I'll leave you to discover what unnerved me so.
Uncovering mysteries isn’t the only thing players will do in Subnautica 2. The series’s scan-and-craft system is back. You need to find and scan multiple instances of an object (or objects) before you can make more of them using the resources you’ve acquired. This provides a natural upgrade loop as you explore more. Early on, for instance, I had to make do with the Survival Multitool, which could only gather a few minerals. Later, I found a tool which could blow up large chunks of deposits.
The Wakemaker, meanwhile, offered decent maneuverability for my character, but that was soon trumped by the Tadpole with its Scout Ray Chassis. Think of the Tadpole as somewhat akin to a Seamoth and Seatruck hybrid from the original Subnautica and Subnautica Below Zero, respectively. It’s small and compact, and you can add modules to it like the Seamoth. However, it also has additional chassis and parts that can be attached to make it larger and more functional, similar to the Seatruck.
After finding and gathering more minerals, food, water, and all sorts of scannable objects for blueprints, I also began constructing my first base. Much like previous titles, I still had to use a Habitat Builder. The system should be familiar to long-time fans, since you build corridors and rooms, attach improvements like Moonpools and lockers, and add fixtures like lights and decorations. One notable new feature, though, is the use of hydroelectric power. In Subnautica 2, you’ll be able to build a Hydroelectric Turbine on natural underwater currents to power your facilities.
All in all, there’s already a lot that you can do in Subnautica 2 during its Early Access period. Even better, the game features online co-op for up to four players. You can even convert your singleplayer save into a multiplayer session that your friends can join. Now, you’ll have people who can help out while you’re gathering materials and desperately swimming away from the hungry leviathans scouring the seafloor. And speaking of helping out, you can also be part of Subnautica 2’s continued development by offering feedback and seeing how the game improves over time.
Subnautica 2 is available now as an Early Access title on the Epic Games Store. If you’re just starting your adventure, we recommend reading our Subnautica 2 beginner’s guide and Subnautica 2 base building guide.