Experimental Branch

 The **Experimental Branch** is an opt-in experience that allows players to preview upcoming content for *Subnautica 2* in an earlier state.   Saves are not compatible between branches and are stored in different locations, so main branch saves will not appear when the game is on the experimental branch, and vice versa.   [Multiplayer](Multiplayer) is possible on the Experimental Branch if all players are using the Experimental Branch.   > **Warning:** Mods that work for the stable release might not be compatible with the experimental branch and cause issues. > > **Warning:** Certain debug features might be available in the experimental branch; these are likely to be removed in stable releases.   ## Accessing Experimental Branch   ### Steam Experimental Branch   To access the Experimental branch of Subnautica 2 on Steam:   1. Open your Steam Library and right-click Subnautica 2. 2. Select Properties. 3. Go to the 'Game Versions & Betas' tab. 4. In the Beta Participation drop-down menu, select the Experimental branch. 5. Close the window. Steam will automatically start downloading the update.   ### Xbox Insider Hub   To access the Experimental branch of Subnautica 2 on Xbox, you will need to join the Xbox Insider Program. To join the Program, you need to be 18 years old and either own Subnautica 2 or have an active Game Pass Ultimate subscription.   1. Install the Xbox Insider Hub app from the Store (free) on your Xbox console or PC, if you don't already have it. 2. Launch the app and sign in with your account. 3. Go to Previews. 4. Select Subnautica 2 Experimental (Public Test) and click Join. 5. Wait for the registration to complete, then follow the prompt to install. You may need to restart your console to trigger the update.   ## Experimental Changes   Current experimental branch version: 123362   ### World   * [Atacamite](Atacamite) deposits can no longer be broken by the [Sonic Resonator](Sonic_Resonator), requiring the [Feedback Resonator](Feedback_Resonator) exclusively;-    * If the player attempts to break a deposit with the Sonic Resonator a dialogue box will appear saying resonator modification is needed.+  * If the player attempts to break a deposit with the Sonic Resonator a dialogue box will appear saying resonator modification is needed. * Terrain changes made in [Sparse Plains](Biomes#Sparse_Plains) region;-    * Early terrain blockout for future parts of the [Scorpius](Scorpius) region added.+  * Early terrain blockout for future parts of the [Scorpius](Scorpius) region added. * New music tracks added in several areas:-    * [Abandoned Seabases](Pioneer_Sebases);-    * [Karakorum Metal Farms](Karakorum_Metal_Farms);-    * [Karakorum Power Plant](Karakorum_Power_Plant);-    * When nearby or interacting with a [NoA Terminal](NoA_Terminal).+  * [Abandoned Seabases](Pioneer_Seabases);+  * [Karakorum Metal Farms](Karakorum_Metal_Farms);+  * [Karakorum Power Plant](Karakorum_Power_Plant);+  * When nearby or interacting with a [NoA Terminal](NoA_Terminal). * New debris scattered throughout the world. * Increased amount of time it takes to repair the [Karakorum Power Plant](Karakorum_Power_Plant) turbine. * Changes to [Biohacking Chambers](Biohacking_Chamber) to make it more clear that they present upgrades.   ### Lifeforms   * [Eyeball Sponge](Eyeball_Sponge) can no longer be scanned.   ### Items   * [Tracking Tag](Tracking_Tag) added. * Mangalloy Ingot renamed to Axum Ingot. * [Repair Tool](Repair_Tool) fragment scans needed to unlock [Blueprint](Blueprints) reduced from 3 to 2.   ### Seabases  -* [Wall Rack](Wall_Rack) renamed to Carryables Rack.+* Wall Rack renamed to Carryables Rack. * The [Habitat Builder](Habitat_Builder) will now display a measuring system when placing certain elements. * The [Habitat Builder](Habitat_Builder) will now more accurately display what objects are preventing the [Player](Player) from building. * Updated [Tadpole Dock](Tadpole_Dock) icon. * [Vintage Wanted Poster](Vintage_Wanted_poster) now buildable. * [Rectangular Ceiling Light](Rectangular_Ceiling_Light) and [Small Ceiling Light](Small_Ceiling_Light) can now be placed on walls. * Wall Decorations and Lights can now be placed on [Moonpool](Moonpool) walls.-* Vents can be placed on exterior walls.+* [Roof Pumps](Roof_Pump_Double), [Roof Panels](Roof_Panel_Large) and [Roof Cylinders](Roof_Cylinder) can be placed on exterior walls. * [Trashcans](Trashcan) now function; items can be placed inside and will disappear after a short amount of time. * [Tailing Rug](Tailing_Rug) can now be placed under other interior Seabase elements. * Certain modules from the Decorations section can now be placed on ceilings. * Updated [Freesia Flower](Freesia_Flower) icon inside the building menu.+* [Axum Tailing](Axum) and Axum modules can now be placed outside.+* Lights will now play a flickering sound upon being powered.   ### Bug Fixes   * Fixed placement issues with [Hanging Tailing Jar](Hanging_Tailing_Jar). * [Water Slugs](Water_Slug) now properly respawn. * [Water Slugs](Water_Slug) now properly display when attached to [Hardpoints](Hardpoint). * Partial bug fixes to [Habitat Builder](Habitat_Builder) move mode issues. * Fixed collision issues with [Ladders](Ladder) making it so that other objects are unable to be placed next to them. * Fixed the meter on [Power Storage](Power_Storage) disappearing when it's full.   ### Databank   * New [Lifeform](Lifeform) Databank entries:-    * [Blister Oolapu](Blister_Oolapu) entry added;-    * [Empedocles' Kelp](Empedocles'_Kelp) entry added;-    * [Oblast Coral](Oblast_Coral) entry added;-    * [Popover Sporal](Popover_Sporal) entry added;-    * [Same Stack](Same_Stack) entry added;-    * [Witch Hand](Witch_Hand) entry added.+  * [Blister Oolapu](Blister_Oolapu) entry added;+  * [Empedocles' Kelp](Empedocles'_Kelp) entry added;+  * [Oblast Coral](Oblast_Coral) entry added;+  * [Popover Sporal](Popover_Sporal) entry added;+  * [Same Stack](Same_Stack) entry added;+  * [Witch Hand](Witch_Hand) entry added. * Updated Lifeform databank entries:-    * [Sandspear](Sandspear) placeholder entry replaced;-    * [Waxmoon](Waxmoon) placeholder entry replaced;-    * [Harvestmoon](Harvestmoon) placeholder entry replaced;-    * Black Hoverthorn renamed to Blackthorn and added new databank entry;-    * Stagged Mephit (HiHat) renamed to Stagged Mephit and added new icon.+  * [Sandspear](Sandspear) placeholder entry replaced;+  * [Waxmoon](Waxmoon) placeholder entry replaced;+  * [Harvestmoon](Harvestmoon) placeholder entry replaced;+  * Black Hoverthorn renamed to Blackthorn and added new databank entry;+  * Stagged Mephit (HiHat) renamed to Stagged Mephit and added new icon.   * New World Databank entries:-    * [Deepwing Egg Clump](Deepwing_Egg_Clump) entry added;-    * [Axum Bacterial Culture](Axum_Bacterial_Culture) entry added.+  * [Deepwing Egg Clump](Deepwing_Egg_Clump) entry added;+  * [Axum Bacterial Culture](Axum_Bacterial_Culture) entry added. * Updated World Databank entries:-    * [Troilite](Troilite) placeholder entry replaced;-    * [Atacamite](Atacamite) placeholder entry replaced;-    * [Germanium](Germanium) placeholder entry replaced;-    * [Plasteel Ingot](Plasteel_Ingot) placeholder entry replaced;-    * [Strontium](Strontium) placeholder entry replaced.-    * Mangalloy Ingot placeholder entry replaced.+  * [Troilite](Troilite) placeholder entry replaced;+  * [Atacamite](Atacamite) placeholder entry replaced;+  * [Germanium](Germanium) placeholder entry replaced;+  * [Plasteel Ingot](Plasteel_Ingot) placeholder entry replaced;+  * [Strontium](Strontium) placeholder entry replaced.+  * Mangalloy Ingot placeholder entry replaced. * New [Blueprints](Blueprints) Databank entries:-    * [Rebreather](Rebreather) entry added;-    * [Modification Station](Modification_Station) entry added;-    * [Exterior Wall Light](Exterior_Wall_Light) entry added.+  * [Rebreather](Rebreather) entry added;+  * [Modification Station](Modification_Station) entry added;+  * [Exterior Wall Light](Exterior_Wall_Light) entry added. * Data Downloads:-    * Nahema - "Stop trusting NoA" added;-    * Ruby - "Tadpole Ops Guide" added;-    * Sophie - "Why are the ruins a protected zone?" added;-    * Sophie - "In Pursuit of Nahema" updated.+  * Nahema - "Stop trusting NoA" added;+  * Ruby - "Tadpole Ops Guide" added;+  * Sophie - "Why are the ruins a protected zone?" added;+  * Sophie - "In Pursuit of Nahema" updated.   ### UI and Customization   * Several aesthetic and functionality changes to the in-game HUD:-    * Reworked [Databank](Databank) navigation with sidebar icons;-    * Improved color palettes and icons throughout;-    * Improved pinned recipe system, with recipes that can be currently crafted being marked;-    * Improved notifications for acquiring [Blueprints](Blueprints);-    * Reworked [NoA](NoA) notification icon;-    * Closing and reopening the [Habitat Builder](Habitat_Builder) menu will now retain the last closed tab and scroll position;-    * In [Creative](Game_Modes#Creative) mode, base power will now display as ∞;-    * Added new animations in certain menus.+  * Reworked [Databank](Databank) navigation with sidebar icons;+  * Improved color palettes and icons throughout;+  * Improved pinned recipe system, with recipes that can be currently crafted being marked;+  * Improved notifications for acquiring [Blueprints](Blueprints);+  * Reworked [NoA](NoA) notification icon;+  * Closing and reopening the [Habitat Builder](Habitat_Builder) menu will now retain the last closed tab and scroll position;+  * In [Creative Mode](Game_Modes#Creative), base power will now display as ∞;+  * Added new animations in certain menus;+  * Updated [Scanner Station](Scanner_Station) icons for certain interest points. * Pioneer print options "Grace" and "Jegna" added. * Two new colors of suit for printing:-    * Grey;-    * Pink.+  * Grey;+  * Pink. * More accessibility [settings](Settings). * Several changes to in-game text, voice over and subtitles:-    * Corrected subtitles when first scanning a [Tadpole](Tadpole) fragment;-    * The PDA will no longer tell the [Qualified Investigator](Qualified_Investigator) to return to the [Lifepod](Lifepod) when [NoA](NoA) transmits an alert if the Player has a [NoA Terminal](NoA_Terminal) present at a [Seabase](Seabases).+  * Corrected subtitles when first scanning a [Tadpole](Tadpole) fragment;+  * The PDA will no longer tell the [Qualified Investigator](Qualified_Investigator) to return to the [Lifepod](Lifepod) when [NoA](NoA) transmits an alert if the Player has a [NoA Terminal](NoA_Terminal) present at a [Seabase](Seabases). * Improvements to player character hand models and textures. * 8th hotbar slot available.   ### Multiplayer   * [Emotes](Emotes) added:-    * Clap;-    * Thumbs Up;-    * Thumbs Down;-    * Frustrated;-    * Wave.+  * Clap;+  * Thumbs Up;+  * Thumbs Down;+  * Frustrated;+  * Wave. * [Player](Player) revival added. * [Player](Player) trading added. * Voice Chat added;-    * Audio settings related to voice chat have been added.+  * Audio settings related to voice chat have been added.   ### Datamined Content   * New or updated [Lifeforms](Lifeforms):-    * [Hill Ray](Hill_Ray) prototype and model;-    * [Descender](Descender) prototype and model;-    * [Snorkelback](Snorkelback) prototype and model;-    * new [Tar Eel](Tar_Eel) model and behaviors;-    * [Tar Crab](Tar_Crab) prototype using unshelled [Coral Crab](Coral_Crab) model;-    * [Jellyfish A](Jellyfish_A) prototype and model;-    * [Jellyfish B](Jellyfish_B) model;-    * [Jellyfish C](Jellyfish_C) model.+  * [Hill Ray](Hill_Ray) prototype and model;+  * [Descender](Descender) prototype and model;+  * [Snorkelback](Snorkelback) prototype and model;+  * new [Tar Eel](Tar_Eel) model and behaviors;+  * [Tar Crab](Tar_Crab) prototype using unshelled [Coral Crab](Coral_Crab) model;+  * [Jellyfish A](Jellyfish_A) prototype and model;+  * [Jellyfish B](Jellyfish_B) model;+  * [Jellyfish C](Jellyfish_C) model. * New items:-    * [Hydraulic Bulb](Hydraulic_Bulb);-    * [Methane Clathrate](Methane_Clathrate);-    * [Tar Graphene](Tar_Graphene);-    * [Axum-tech Multitool](Axum-tech_Multitool);-    * [Big Sub Key Item](Big_Sub_Key_Item).+  * [Hydraulic Bulb](Hydraulic_Bulb);+  * [Methane Clathrate](Methane_Clathrate);+  * [Tar Graphene](Tar_Graphene);+  * [Axum-tech Multitool](Axum-tech_Multitool);+  * Big Sub Key Item. * New [Seabase](Seabases) pieces:-    * [Round Room](Round_Room).+  * [Round Room](Round_Room).   ## External Links   * [Experimental Branch Release Blog Post](https://unknownworlds.com/en/news/subnautica-2-experimental-branch)