Subnautica 2 developers: «We aren’t a killing game»
Subnautica 2 aims to deliver the same survival experience its predecessor’s known for. But the switch to Unreal Engine 5, the extensive building system and the new co-op mode bring a breath of fresh air.
The time’s finally come: long-awaited game Subnautica 2 has launched in early access – despite the ongoing disputes between the developer studio and the publisher. The game’s available on PC (Steam, Epic Games) and Xbox.
A few days before the launch, Lead Designer Anthony Gallegos and Creative Media Producer Scott MacDonald took questions at a preview conference. Here are the key takeaways – let’s dive right in!
How much of Subnautica’s in Subnautica 2?
Subnautica 2 will essentially offer the same gameplay experience as its successful predecessor. This is also what fans want, as Gallegos notes: «more Subnautica» was the number one request for the sequel.
The gameplay remains the same: you crash-land on a deserted, dangerous water planet and have no idea what’s going on. You have to learn to fend for yourself: gather resources, craft equipment and explore your surroundings – all without getting eaten. Records kept by earlier colonists are expected to gradually reveal why the planet was abandoned.
Gallegos explains that the handheld scanner remains your most important tool; it unlocks new blueprints and provides details about the planet’s flora and fauna. If you take the time to read this information carefully, you’ll be rewarded with a much greater understanding of the world. Gallegos assures us that players should feel as though they’re exploring an unknown, hostile world and embarking on a journey of discovery.
There’s no quest log and no world map. You have to figure out the environment on your own; the game doesn’t give you much guidance. And the deeper you venture into the ocean, the more dangerous this underwater world becomes. All of this is exactly what makes Subnautica 1 so special.
What’s new about Subnautica 2?
Having said that, old hands shouldn’t be too confident and start swimming around as soon as they’ve unpacked the scanner. Even they’re thrown in at the deep end, and are supposed to feel just as disorientated as newcomers to the game, says Gallegos. That’s why Subnautica 2’s set on a new planet with more than ten biomes, different threats and a whole new backstory.
You also have access to additional tools and new underwater vehicles. The first smaller vehicle is the Tadpole, which has a modular design. Depending on your needs, you can opt for a larger cargo area or small wings for better manoeuvrability. And yes: fans of the largest submarine from Subnautica – the Cyclops – can look forward to a similar vehicle.
Source: Unknown Worlds
And it doesn’t stop there – there are new gameplay features such as genetic modification of the player character. Unlike in Subnautica, for example, your body can’t digest the animals and plants of this alien planet right from the start; instead, you have to unlock that ability by interacting with certain plants.
Another new addition’s a mysterious threat called Bloom, a type of infection that contaminates entire areas. You need to figure out how to make these areas safe again. Creatures can also be infected, causing them to behave more aggressively, with Gallegos describing them as «almost like underwater zombies».
The switch to Unreal Engine 5 offers more modern graphics with improved lighting effects, as well as more options for sculpting your surroundings. For instance, animals will now interact with you and the habitat in different ways. The idea behind this is to make the game world feel more alive.
Source: Unknown Worlds
Gallegos estimates the early access version in its current iteration offers 14 to 20 hours of gameplay in total.
Co-op mode: conquering the fear of the deep together
In Subnautica 2, you can dive into the depths with up to three other players. Multiplayer mode’s one of the biggest changes compared to the previous version, and according to the developers, it’s also been one of the top requests from players.
Cross-platform play between PC and Xbox is available at any time in Subnautica 2. The developers emphasise that all updates will be rolled out simultaneously across all platforms. Subnautica 2’s also verified for the Steam Deck. According to MacDonald, the graphics look pretty good at 30 fps there. A higher fps rate’s also possible, but the graphics suffer as a result.
MacDonald says that new players who join an existing savegame don’t have to catch up on the progress made so far before they can join in. Everyone plays from the same starting point.
In multiplayer mode, your experience of the game can change dramatically. If you explore the world with others, that signature Subnautica feeling of isolation is lost. That’s good news for anyone who’s afraid of the dark depths of the ocean, but if you enjoy the solitude, you should continue to go it alone. Having said that, multiplayer mode delivers on this, too.
Gallegos points out that multiplayer mode’s ideal for dividing tasks among the group: one person can continue building at the base, another can gather resources and a third can go on a reconnaissance mission. So, you don’t have to stay close to your teammates if you don’t want to.
Source: Unknown Worlds
The base-building system’s been completely overhauled for the new game. You start with predefined building blocks, but you can customise them using a brush tool to create your own shapes. You can even use it to «paint» windows onto walls. The video below provides more information about the building system.
By the way, if you found the random system for collecting resources in Subnautica frustrating, you’re in for a treat: in Subnautica 2, you’ll get exactly the resource you see in front of you before you collect it. This makes searching for specific ores less frustrating.
Still no weapons
You still won’t be able to use lethal weapons in Subnautica 2. According to Gallegos, this has repeatedly sparked discussions within the community. Many players want to have better options for defending themselves against aggressive animals. But nonviolence is and remains a key tenet of the game series.
Gallegos describes how the fatal shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in the USA in 2012 had a profound impact on the studio’s founders. That’s why they decided not to include weapons in Subnautica, which was released in early access in 2014. The studio doesn’t want players to wander around the world asking, «What should I kill next?» They shouldn’t feel like conquering colonists, more like strangers on a hostile planet. The key’s to coexist with the local wildlife.
To help you do this, you’re given equipment that can at least keep aggressive animals at a distance. For example, a sonic gun as a deterrent or flares to distract creatures trying to attack you.
What’s next for early access?
After its release, Subnautica 2 will remain in early access for at least two years. The two developers emphasise that the studio believes it’s really important to take player feedback into account when working on Subnautica 2.
Two quality-of-life updates are expected to follow relatively soon. They improve the inventory system and allow players to sprint within their base. Proximity voice chat, player emotes, the ability to revive fallen teammates and more character customisation options are also on their way.
There are plans to add more biomes, new vehicles and story updates later on.
Feels just as comfortable in front of a gaming PC as she does in a hammock in the garden. Likes the Roman Empire, container ships and science fiction books. Focuses mostly on unearthing news stories about IT and smart products.
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